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Biology with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Sheffield Hallam University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

4Dec
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate and degree apprenticeship open evening
Undergraduate
15Feb
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate
22Mar
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.
  • Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.
  • Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.
  • Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.
  • Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.
Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study. If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year. How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. You’ll be taught by experts on this course – all our staff are active researchers. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring your taught material is at the forefront of science. You’ll also have opportunities to complete your own research, and you’ll work on real-world projects alongside industry professionals to develop your commercial awareness. We’ll teach you to apply your knowledge to increasingly complex problems, encouraging you to think independently. You’ll develop a questioning, probing approach and apply creative solutions to difficult issues. We’ll make sure you are stretched and challenged through real-world case studies, presentations and peer and self-assessments. You’ll learn through:
  • In-person seminars, lectures and workshops
  • Independent study, supported by tutorials and your academic adviser
  • Practical laboratory experiences with industry-standard equipment
  • Placements
  • Research opportunities
  • Field work
  • Real-life projects
  • Simulated environments
  • Networking opportunities
Key themes In your first year, you’ll study introductory cellular biochemistry, organs and tissues – as well as plant, microbial and animal evolution in an environmental context. In your second year, we’ll cover evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and the human biological condition, plus cell, molecular and synthetic biology. In your final year you explore plant, microbial and environmental biotechnology – with an emphasis on industrial applications for synthetic biology with associated regulatory affairs, ethical and societal aspects of biology. You’ll choose from a wide range of modules this year, and you’ll complete an independent research project. Course support Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
  • Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
  • Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.
Work placements You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. Live projects You’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects for real-world organisations such as Galileo Pharmaceuticals – a company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances. You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information. Year 1 Compulsory modules Concepts In Biology And Chemistry Developing Skills For Science Foundation Skills For Science Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry Year 2 Compulsory modules Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists  Evolution And Environmental Biology Fundamentals Of Life Sciences Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists Year 3 Compulsory modules Applying Professional Skills For Scientists Developing Professional Skills For Scientists  Ecology, Advanced Evolution And Animal Behaviour Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry Year 4 Compulsory modules Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry Final year Compulsory modules Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists Plant And Environmental Biotechnology Research Project Elective modules Advanced Genetics Applications Of Data Science Applied Biochemistry Human Nutrition And Health Neurobiology And Neurophysiology Pharmacology

Assessment method

Coursework Exams Practicals

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

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/biosciences-and-chemistry/bsc-honours-biology-with-foundation-year/full-time/

Additional entry requirements

Other

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/biosciences-and-chemistry/bsc-honours-biology-with-foundation-year/full-time/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 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

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. We are currently reviewing our tuition fees for the foundation year stage of this course following the Government announcement of fee changes for some foundation year courses and will confirm fees as soon as possible. If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Biology with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS