Biosciences

Biosciences encompasses the scientific study of living organisms and the systems that sustain life, from the molecular machinery of the cell to the ecology of ecosystems and the evolutionary processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth. It is one of the broadest and most intellectually exciting of the natural sciences, drawing on chemistry, physics, mathematics, and its own distinctive methods to understand how life works at every level of organisation. At a moment when biological knowledge is central to medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, the importance of a rigorous biosciences education has never been more apparent.

At Durham University, one of the UK's leading research universities and a member of the Russell Group, this four-year full-time programme offers bioscience education of exceptional quality and depth. The Scottish-influenced four-year structure and the high typical entry tariff of 184 points reflect both the academic ambition of the programme and the depth of expertise it expects students to develop. Durham's research culture in the biosciences is strong, and the programme benefits from faculty who are active researchers contributing to the frontiers of the discipline.

You will study the core branches of biology, including genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution, progressing to more specialised areas as the programme advances, and you will develop the laboratory skills, quantitative reasoning, and ability to read and critically evaluate scientific literature that characterise a well-trained bioscientist.

Biosciences graduates from Durham are well placed for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clinical laboratory science, environmental science, education, and science communication. Many go on to postgraduate study, including research degrees in biology or biomedical science, postgraduate entry to medicine or veterinary science, or specialist taught programmes in areas such as ecology, genetics, or biochemistry. The research culture at Durham and the depth of the four-year programme make it particularly strong preparation for academic and research careers.