Course summary
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, microbial, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems. During your studies, you’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including ecology, zoology, plant science, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, emerging diseases, food science development and sustainable resource management By developing your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be able to evaluate research findings to present innovative solutions to complex biological problems. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives. Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems. As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills. You’ll develop an understanding of the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring public health and policy. This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors. Our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to offer a single point of entry for Biological Sciences. During year one and two of your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your interests. In your third and fourth years, you can further customise your learning by either continuing on our broad, multidisciplinary Biological Sciences programme, or by homing in on your interests and following a specialist curriculum. Based on your area of study, you will graduate with one of four degree awards: BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc (Hons) Cell and Molecular Biology or BSc (Hons) Human Health.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C110
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Scottish Higher - AABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories: Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets. Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
EU | £25008* | Year 1 |
International | £25008* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS