**Course details** With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience, with themed routes covering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Plant Science, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science. Biosciences explores many of the fundamentally important questions facing humankind – finding the answers will shape the future of life on Earth. **Why Durham University?** We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling. Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences. Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow. **Rankings** **3rd** in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 **5th** in the Guardian University Guide 2026 **5th** in the UK Complete University Guide 2026 **Top 100** in the QS World University Rankings 2026 **Career Opportunities** Students gain valuable transferable skills to prepare them for future challenges, enhancing personal development and improving their employment prospects. These skills can be applied to roles across a range of sectors preparing students to be active thinkers and future leaders. Graduates have gone on to roles in teaching, the health sector, industrial R&D and biotechnology, management, accountancy, conservation, ecological and environmental services, broadcast and print science journalism, environmental and biological patent law, the pharmaceutical industry, the civil service, and the armed services.
A Level: AAA | Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology at A-level or equivalent, plus another science subject at A-level or equivalent is required. Psychology, Maths and Geography are all considered sciences for the purposes of admissions. Although PE is accepted as a third A-level, it is not a science for the purpose of admissions Applicants taking Science A-levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This refers only to English A Levels. We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer. | T Level | At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds. We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses. Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level. Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements can be found on individual course entries on our courses database. | Scottish Higher: AAAAB | We will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If an applicant has not been able to take 3 Advanced Highers, offers may be made with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or on a number of Highers. | Scottish Advanced Higher: AAA | Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 36 UCAS points | 666 in higher level subjects including Biology or Chemistry plus another higher level science subject. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDD | Must be accompanied by a grade A or above at A-level (or equivalent) in Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. BTEC Applied Science can only be considered as a second science subject. Otherwise apply for C104 Biological Sciences with Foundation.https://www.dur.ac.uk/courses/info/?id=18170&title=Biological+Sciences+with+Foundation&code=C104&type=BSC&year=2022 | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H2H2H2H2H2 | Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required. | OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDD | Must be accompanied by a grade A or above at A-level (or equivalent) for Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. Otherwise apply for C104 Biological Sciences with Foundation.https://www.dur.ac.uk/courses/info/?id=18170&title=Biological+Sciences+with+Foundation&code=C104&type=BSC&year=2022 | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3D3D3 | Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required.
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The tuition fees shown for home students remain subject to parliamentary approval. They are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Durham University will charge home rate tuition up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index. As a student you may also get involved in optional activities which incur additional costs. To find out more visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/additional-charges/. — 27/28 Placeholder
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