Biology

Biology is the science of life in all its forms, from the molecular machinery inside individual cells to the dynamics of entire ecosystems. It asks how living organisms are built, how they function, how they reproduce, how they evolve, and how they interact with one another and their environments. These are not merely academic questions: biology underpins medicine, agriculture, conservation, biotechnology, and our understanding of the natural world, making it one of the most directly consequential disciplines in modern science.

At the University of Manchester, this four-year full-time BSc Biology offers a broad introduction to the discipline that allows you to discover where your interests lie before building genuine depth in areas that appeal to you.

You will cover core areas including cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology, developing both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills. Manchester's research-intensive environment means you will be taught by scientists who are active at the frontier of biological knowledge, and there are opportunities to engage with research directly as the degree progresses. The foundation year provides a supported entry route if your qualifications do not yet meet the standard requirements, building the mathematical, scientific, and academic foundations needed to thrive on the main programme.

The breadth of the degree is a deliberate feature, recognising that biology is a vast discipline and that exposure to its different branches helps you make informed choices about where to specialise. The typical entry tariff is 168 UCAS points.

Biology graduates go into a wide range of careers including biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, environmental consultancy, ecology and conservation, science communication, education, and the NHS in roles from clinical science to public health. The quantitative and analytical skills the degree develops are also valued in industries well beyond biology. Many students continue to postgraduate study, either deepening their biological expertise or moving into professional programmes in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.