MSci Biology (C103)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Our MSci Biology degree builds on the foundation of BSc Biology, to develop applied research and analytical skills. This extra depth gives you a competitive edge, whether you're aiming for graduate roles in industry or planning to pursue an academic career.

Our course reflects the breadth and integration of modern biology, drawing on our world-leading research spanning:

  • animal behaviour and sensory biology
  • ecology and environmental change
  • plant and agricultural sciences
  • evolutionary biology.

Our degrees cover an exciting range of topics in depth, but they do not include a focus on human biology.

The MSci Biology course 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 have the flexibility to tailor your studies, either diving deep into a specialist area or keeping your options wide.

Year four takes you further. You'll focus on advanced analytical training and complete a substantial research project. This is your opportunity to deepen your expertise and skills in a topic of your choice.

You'll learn in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, home to globally renowned researchers, and experience the forefront of biological discovery and its real-world applications. Alongside deep scientific knowledge, you'll develop a range of research-oriented and transferable skills enhancing your employability as a graduate.

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.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
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.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
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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More about UK qualifications.