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Biology with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Liverpool John Moores University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

8Nov
Liverpool John Moores University - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate
16Nov
Liverpool John Moores University - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Why study Biology at Liverpool John Moores University?

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
  • Offers a range of optional modules such as Genes and Genomes, Developmental Biology, Immunology and Medical Microbiology and Neurobiology
  • Opportunity for self-funded overseas field expedition – possible destination is Doñana National Park, Spain*
  • Stepping stone to careers in diverse fields such as genetics, microbiology, embryology, clinical science, radiography and environmental sciences
  • Option to choose between a year's work placement or a 135 hour work-based learning placement
  • £6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
  • International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
  • 95% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
  • 94% of students surveyed said academic support was good or very good (National Student Survey 2024)
About your course The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Biology programme at Liverpool John Moores University opens up the fascinating subject of biology providing a core understanding of biological theory and practical skills, whilst giving you the opportunity to study a variety of specialisms, including genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, development and ecology. There are also exciting opportunities to complete exciting placements and overseas fieldwork. At LJMU we recognise that, because of the vast array of subject areas within the field of biology, you may want to get a feel for which ones interest you most before specialising, which is why we keep the degree broad based in the first year. In the first year, you will typically cover core modules in Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology, Ecology, Practical Skills for Biology and Fundamentals of Scientific Research. In the second and third years, you can either continue to keep your degree broad based, or you can specialise by choosing optional modules from a wide range topics, which may include Genes and Genomes, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Ecology Field Skills, Marine and Freshwater Biology and Applications of Genetics in Health and Disease. There is a core residential UK field trip in Level 4* and students can also take part in an advanced field skills expedition during Level 6 – the possible destination is the Doñana National Park, Spain, where you can learn ecological and behavioural field work skills. Additionally, you have the chance to undertake a short 135 hour work-based learning placement or a year-long industrial placement. So, you will have plenty of opportunities to put what you have learnt into practice and acquire the transferable skills that employers look for. About the Foundation Year The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Biology honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year, you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Modules

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment method

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework. Most modules are assessed by exam and coursework, and some via coursework only. All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. Exams may therefore include a range of question types e.g. multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay. Coursework assessment could be in the form of phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays or the evaluation of your practical skills. These are based on individual assignments but some require group work. Feedback on coursework assessments is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

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:
7A24
Institution code:
L51
Campus name:
City Campus
Campus code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Prior to starting the programme applicant must have obtained a grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or or an approved alternative qualification below: • Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths • NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and/or Reading • Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English • Higher Diploma in Maths/ English • Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
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

Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £18250 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

All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.

Sponsorship information

Please see our Bursaries and Scholarships page for more information: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/fees-and-funding/bursaries-and-scholarships

Biology with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University - UCAS