Biology BSc Honours
- UCAS code: C100
- Full time
- 3 years
Our modern Biology BSc Honours degree gives you the opportunity to study a broad spectrum of the natural world around us.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2026
Next start date:
- September 2026
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Newcastle has a host of amazing habitats to explore. Experience the charm of the Northumberland countryside, while getting involved in a unique learning experience at Newcastle University.
You'll learn about all forms of life, from cells and molecules to organisms and ecosystems. You'll study the theory in our modern labs and put it to the test in the field. You'll also have many opportunities to attend residential and field courses.
You can also specialise in biotechnology, microbiology, ecological survey techniques and more.
You'll put your skills into action in:
- lab-based classes
- day excursions
- residential field courses
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
In the first stage of your degree, you'll develop a strong foundation in biology and get stuck into practical work from the start.
You'll study five compulsory modules (100 credits) and choose 20 credits worth of optional modules.
After your first stage, you can transfer to our Zoology BSc degree. This must happen before stage 2 starts.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Molecular Biology of the Cell | 20 |
Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Cells and Biomolecules | 20 |
Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Crop Health | 10 |
Animal Health | 10 |
Introduction to Animal Physiology | 10 |
Animal Life | 20 |
You'll continue to build on what you've learnt in Stage 1, and start studying more advanced modules delving deeper into the field. You'll also have the option to embark on a residential field course or an intensive practical lab course.
Modules
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory module:
Compulsory module | Credits |
---|---|
Professional Skills | 20 |
Optional modules
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional modules | Credits |
---|---|
Insect Identification, Biology and Ecology* | 20 |
Microbial Biochemistry | 20 |
*The field course takes place prior to Stage 2
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional modules | Credits |
---|---|
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Biotechnology: Principles and Practice | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional modules | Credits |
---|---|
Molecular and Population Genomics | 20 |
Field-based Ecology: designing experiments, and residential field course | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional modules | Credits |
---|---|
Plant Biology | 20 |
Vertebrate Biology and Ecology | 20 |
Vertebrate Biology and Ecology field course takes place prior to Stage 2
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional modules | Credits |
---|---|
Animal Function (Physiology and Development) | 20 |
Evolution and Behaviour | 20 |
Global Marine Ecology | 20 |
Applied Marine Biology | 20 |
You'll work on your own extensive project, with supervision from an expert in that field.
You can choose a topic linked to our research expertise, such as:
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- plant biology, microbiology, zoology
- conservation and policy
- social sciences and policy
- terrestrial ecology
Modules
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory module:
Compulsory module | Credits |
---|---|
Research Project | 40 |
Optional modules
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Current Research in Ecology | 20 |
Current Research in Molecular Life Sciences | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Physiological Zoology | 20 |
Microbial Genomics | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Biodiversity Science and Management | 20 |
Biotechnology: Applications | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
*Africa Field Course: Conservation and Ecology takes place prior to Stage 3.
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
In our teaching, we’ll use a variety of different methods, including:
- lectures
- interactive online classes
Our field and lab-based modules offer practical, hands-on experience. These will equip you with the scientific skills essential for a successful career in Biology.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Hands-on experience
This is a very practical course. You'll spend time working in our modern labs, on field trips and take advantage of our outstations.
These include:
- Newcastle University Farms
- Dove Marine Laboratory
- Great North Museum biological collections
Field trips are undertaken in the beautiful and varied habitats of Northumberland with the option to undertake an overseas field trip.
Lab-based modules will introduce you to key research techniques, including:
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- cellular biochemistry
- molecular evolution and systematics
Several modules focus on fieldwork, such as Field Based Ecology.
Research skills
Your learning will be strongly informed by the latest interdisciplinary research in the field, and by staff in our School. This research-led approach ensures that your studies will equip you with the knowledge and transferable skills for future career paths across a range of sectors.
You'll learn from experts at the forefront of research in their field in:
- microbial biotechnology
- plant biology
- animal physiology and behaviour
- biodiversity and conservation
- biological computer modelling
Some recent student dissertation titles:
- Investigating the molecular mechanisms of amino acid uptake in crop pests
- The effect of artificial light at night (ALAN) on biodiversity
- The Future of British Uplands: A Biodiversity Outlook
- Monitoring seasonal changes in Honeybee density within a colony
Opportunities
Study abroad
Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.
You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:
- Monash University
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Pittsburgh
You can also opt for short-term global opportunities like summer schools, virtual exchanges or internships that usually take place over the summer months.
Work placement
During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industrial placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.
Recent Biology and Zoology industrial placements include:
- Metabolism Analyst Intern at Covance
- Placement student at Northumbrian Water
- Animal Husbandry Intern at Chester Zoo
- Native Species Sandwich Placement student at Bristol Zoological Society
Facilities and environment
Facilities
The Ridley building is the home of our Biology and Zoology degrees and is located on our city-centre campus. It is based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. Located within are purpose-built teaching and specialist research laboratories catering for our specialisms including:
- protein analysis
- microscopy
- computing and data analysis
- chemical analysis and HPLC
During your studies, you'll have access to the University’s outstations including:
- Dove Marine Laboratory with a live aquarium on-site
- Great North Museum with important biological collections
- two commercial farms, Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm
Our outstations are used for teaching, demonstration and research.
You'll also gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software to prepare you for your future career.
Support
We take your health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies so you can fulfil your potential at university. This support includes:
- a personal tutor who is an academic member of staff who can help you with academic and personal issues throughout your degree
- a peer mentor scheme which pairs you with a current student from your course to help you navigate your first year at university
- a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works
- support, treatment and guidance on mental and physical health from our wellbeing team
Your future
Recent graduates have worked as a:
- researcher
- environmental monitoring officer
- science explainer at Newcastle's Centre for Life
- science writer, in organisations such as RSPB, WWT, and Natural England
Many students continue studying for their Master's degrees, PhDs, or postgraduate teaching qualifications, and medicine or law courses.
Having developed a range of transferable skills, you can also explore careers in a range of sectors, eg banking, retail management, media production, or adventure tourism.
Industry links
We have strong links with leading organisations, including:
- National Trust
- Natural History Society of Northumbria
- WWT
- National Parks Authority
You can find work placements, internships and volunteer roles through these links. It’s a great way to build up your network in the sector.
Careers support
Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications.
Our entry requirements and offer information will be finalised in September 2025, when UCAS opens for 2026 entry. Please check the website for any updates at the beginning of September.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
These courses are specifically designed for international students who want to study in the UK and progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees. Our International Study Centre, has a range of study options including:
- International Foundation
- International Year One
- English Language courses
Find out more about International Pathway courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2026-2027
The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.
Qualification: BSc Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
Not set |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
Not set |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
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