BSc Plant Sciences (C201)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Plant Sciences are at the heart of tackling some of today's greatest challenges and unlocking solutions for a sustainable future. From ensuring global food security to combating climate change, and from preserving biodiversity to developing sustainable, bio-based solutions, plant scientists are essential for understanding and harnessing the biology of plants.

On our course, you will have the chance to explore the full range of plant biology from genes to ecosystems. You will gain knowledge of the diversity, evolution and function of plants, and the latest developments in functional genomics, bioinformatics, plant developmental biology, plant pathology, cell signalling, pollination biology, ecology, plant conservation and systems biology.

Our degree begins with a broad foundation, giving you the chance to explore the full spectrum of life sciences. As you progress into years two and three, you will be introduced to more choices and have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests, specialising or maintaining breadth in your studies. Opportunities include a week-long field or laboratory-based course, selected from a range of subject areas, and a practical research project.

You will learn in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, home to world-leading researchers, and experience the forefront of biological discovery and its real-world applications. Alongside our unique plant growth facilities, we work closely with the University's Botanic Garden with over 4,500 plant species, giving you the chance to explore the incredible diversity of plant adaptations up close.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
ABB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Biology units

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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Advanced Higher: AA in Biology and another science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science subject, one achieved at 12 credits at Distinction and the other achieved at 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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