Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to Bristol
- I would like to take a gap year, will this affect my chances of being accepted?
- I am a mature student, will my application be considered?
- What is the accommodation like?
- Is Maths counted as a science subject?
- Does Human Biology count as a science subject?
- Is Geography or Psychology counted as a second science?
- Do you accept Baccalaureate qualifications?
- I am doing Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher Exams, how will my application be assessed?
- I would like to become a mature student but have no qualifications beyond GCSE, what should I do?
- English is not my first language. What English qualifications do you accept?
About our degrees
- How many hours of teaching will there be a week?
- Can I switch between Biology, Zoology and Botany once I am at Bristol?
- How did the School of Biological Sciences do in its QAA review?
- How was the School of Biological Sciences rated in the Research Assessment Exercise?
- What type of careers do Biology, Botany and Zoology students go on to do?
Applying to Bristol
Q. I would like to take a gap year, will this affect my chances of being accepted?
A. Applicants wishing to apply for deferred entry are not disadvantaged in any way.
Q. I am a mature student, will my application be considered?
A. We welcome applications from mature students. Such applicants are advised to contact the admissions tutors to discuss what preparatory courses would be appropriate before making a formal application through UCAS.
Q.What is the accommodation like?
A. See the accommodation prospectus for more information on University of Bristol Accommodation.
Q. Is Maths counted as a science subject?
A. Yes, Maths is counted and is one of the preferred science subjects.
Q. Does Human Biology count as a science subject?
A. Human Biology is only acceptable as a science subject if it is accompanied by other strongly science based subjects. Our preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths.
Q. Are Geography or Psychology counted as a second science?
A. Yes these are counted as science subjects. Our preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths, but Geography and Psychology are also regarded as science or science-related subjects. See our admissions page for more information.
Q. Do you accept Baccalaureate qualifications?
A. International or European Baccalaureate qualifications of an equivalent standard are fully acceptable. Please see our admissions page for more information.
Q. I am doing Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher Exams, how will my application be assessed?
A. Applicants with Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers are treated the same as A-level candidates, that is a strongly science-based curriculum is favoured with actual/predicted performance equivalent to grades that we expect from A-level candidates.
Q. I would like to become a mature student but have no qualifications beyond GCSE, what should I do?
A.We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard (non A-level) academic backgrounds, or with other appropriate experience. Such applicants are advised to contact the admissions tutors to discuss their application and what preparatory courses would be appropriate before making a formal application through UCAS: please contact us.
Q. English is not my first language. What English qualifications do you accept?
A. In all cases where English is not the first language, evidence will be sought of proficiency in English, using an IELTS score requirement where appropriate. Currently the university requires an IELTS score of 6.5 or above. The IELTS test is strongly preferred to any other test as it is a more accurate guide to a student’s skill in the sort of English required for academic study. If you have any further queries about requirements for international students please contact us.
About our degrees
Q. How many hours of teaching will there be a week?
A. This may vary slightly depending on your choice of subsidiary subject. In your first year it is usually 18-19 hours of lectures and practicals per week, with additional personal study. The two biological units studied each involve three 50 minute lectures and a three hour practical per week. The subsidiary subject usually comprises three 50 minute lectures and a three hour practical per week. Tutorials are usually held fortnightly and last for an hour. The number of taught hours does not increase in your second and third year but the amount of personal study required will increase over the course of your degree.
Q. Can I switch between Biology and Zoology once I am at Bristol?
A. Because of our flexible degree programme it is possible to change between the Biology and Zoology programmes once you have arrived.
Q. How did the School of Biological Sciences do in its QAA review?
A. Our teaching has been rated as 'excellent' by HEFCE. The combination of excellence in research and teaching places us in the top rank of UK biology departments.
How was the School of Biological Sciences rated in the Research Assessment Exercise?
A. In the 2008 RAE, 95% of the School's research was recognised as having international impact. Of this 50% was rated as being world leading or internationally excellent.
What type of careers do Biology and Zoology students go on to do?
A. We have information on the jobs of almost all of our graduates of the last fifteen years. Roughly a quarter of our graduates go on to work towards a doctorate degree and a more than a third work in a wide range of biologically related careers including research, environmental management and teaching. Our graduates enter a diverse range of non-biological careers including, management, finance, IT, media and the civil service. For more information on where a degree in biology from Bristol could take you, see the careers section.