Course summary

Why Biology (with placement)? The ongoing pandemic and biodiversity crisis on our planet have highlighted how central the study of Life Sciences is to our future. Our Biology course brings natural history and medical science together to offer a wide-ranging and flexible degree. Our biology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, and 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023. After Year 1 you can maintain a broad interest in Biology or specialise, and also choose to switch degree entirely to our BSc Zoology or BSc Wildlife Conservation Biology courses. If you have an interest in field research, you’ll have the opportunity to progress from field training in the UK in Year 1 to overseas field research in Year 2 and field placements in Year 3, spanning the savannah of South Africa, the tropical rainforests of Borneo or mountains of Switzerland. There is also the opportunity to spend a semester in Year 2 at partner Universities in Canada, the USA or New Zealand. Back in the lab, we’ll prepare you for a future in industry or the health service in our leading-edge facilities set in the heart of our historic campus. With a focus on small class, practical and field learning, you will be assessed entirely through coursework to gain a truly representative measure of graduate attributes sought by future employers and for postgraduate study. On this 4 year degree, you will spend Year 3 on placement, gaining a significant competitive edge of experience, networking with potential employers and gaining academic credit towards your degree. At the end, as a UoG graduate you can choose to pursue one of our postgraduate courses, receiving a priority offer and fees discount. Why University of Gloucestershire? At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises: 1. UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply). 2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at. 3. UoG Connections Promise – whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life. Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres. After the course Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*. *Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers. Experience an open day Book yourself a place at a University of Gloucestershire open day at www.glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay. Our open days have been designed to inform you, inspire you, and help you make the right decision about your next step. It’s your chance to see the university for yourself, get a real insight into what we're about and meet your potential course tutors and lecturers.