University of Reading has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests. This four-year programme includes a year of foundational study that leads directly into the three-year course. The majority of modules in our biological sciences course are optional, giving you the opportunity to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology. Within environmental biology, you'll develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. Within biomedical subjects, you can focus on topics such as human physiology and the basis of disease. During your final year, you'll have the chance to spend 11 weeks working on an original research project using our cutting edge facilities and equipment. The course has a strong practical element, providing you with valuable experience of laboratory work and an opportunity to learn key molecular genetic and cell biology techniques. For more information, please visit our course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/biological-sciences-ug/bsc-biological-sciences-with-foundation
Modules
The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Please check our website for more details about the course structure. Sample modules for this course include:
- Foundation Biology
- Mathematics Foundation
- Foundation in Academic Skills
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- History of Life on Earth
- Marine Biology and Conservation.
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- C102
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - CCC - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 18 credits M: 27 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBCC - ABBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 - 30 points
Extended Project - B
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - M
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | B | We require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | We require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| PTE Academic | 69 | We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| Institution's Own Test | Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). | |
| Trinity ISE | Merit | We require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element. |
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29950 | Year 1 |
| International | £29950 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Reading
Whiteknights House
PO Box 217
Reading
RG6 6AH