Biological Sciences
Biological sciences is the study of life in all its forms, from the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular processes to the ecological relationships that structure entire ecosystems. It encompasses genetics and evolution, physiology and cell biology, ecology and conservation, and the interactions between organisms and their environments. The discipline combines rigorous scientific reasoning with practical observation and experiment, asking you to move between the very small and the very large as you work to understand how living systems function and how they change over time.
At Hartpury University, this three-year full-time BSc (Hons) develops your scientific knowledge both inside the laboratory and out in the field. Practical fieldwork is integral to the programme, reflecting the university's distinctive rural and land-based environment, and you will develop hands-on skills in ecological survey, specimen analysis, laboratory technique, and data interpretation alongside your theoretical understanding. The programme includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, giving you extended professional experience in a biological or environmental context and allowing you to build industry connections and apply your knowledge in real workplace settings before you graduate.
You will leave the degree with both scientific depth and the practical experience that employers and postgraduate programmes value.
Biological sciences graduates pursue careers across a wide range of fields. Environmental consultancy, conservation, wildlife management, scientific research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, agriculture, and public health are among the most common destinations. Roles include field ecologist, research assistant, laboratory technician, conservation officer, and science communicator.
The transferable analytical, data handling, and communication skills you develop are also valued in science education, science writing, and policy analysis. For those wishing to go further, postgraduate study opens routes into research degrees, specialist masters programmes in ecology, genetics, conservation biology, or biotechnology, and professional training in areas such as environmental assessment.