Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.
Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year, you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high-end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the Foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Biological Sciences BSc Honours over a further three years study.
Our Biological Sciences BSc will give you a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and the key skills to prepare you for careers ranging from research, medicine, science and education, to law and management.
Our flexible course enables you to focus on molecular science, human biology or applied biosciences, or take a route designed specifically toward your own interests.
Alongside developing an excellent foundation in biological knowledge, through the study of our core modules, you'll be able to explore global challenges facing humanity and the planet – and the biological solutions to help overcome those challenges – through an extensive range of optional subjects.
You'll have the chance to explore cutting-edge topics in molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, the urban environment, global challenges, pharmacology, and biological applications. Our modules are research driven, with a passion for scientific enquiry.
You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a lab-based final-year project, giving you experience in the latest methods and developments in medical and scientific research.
The University Careers and Employability Service and course-related events provide opportunities to discover a range of bioscience-related careers to support you in preparing for your future.
Our Biological Sciences BSc has been designed to provide a thorough knowledge of biosciences and to equip you with vital transferable skills that will help you to succeed in both science and non-science careers.
Top reasons to study with us
- Choose your own path – Our course is diverse and flexible, giving you the freedom to select modules and target your education towards your chosen career pathway
- Gain lab experience – You can gain experience in the latest methods and developments in medical and scientific research by choosing to undertake a lab-based final-year project
- Award-winning biosciences graduates – The success of our biosciences students has been recognised by a wide range of external awards, including the Biochemical Society Prize and the Royal Society of Biology's Top Student Award
Course structure
Our course is designed so that you can follow one of three routes: molecular science, environmental and microbiology or human biology. However, the flexibility of the program enables you to construct your own thread through the broad range of module choices.
Learning and teaching opportunities are a mixture of face-to-face teaching (lectures, seminars, tutorials, field-trips and practicals), independent work, group work, laboratory classes, virtual simulations and online support activities.
The range of assessment methods includes laboratory practical skills, data analysis, practical proformas, essays, wikis, blogs, posters, presentations and exams.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Biology
- Bioscience in Action
- Chemistry
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Introduction to Physiology
Credit Level 3
Study subjects include:
- Applications of Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
- Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)
- Science: History, Philosophy and Practice
Credit Level 4
Study subjects include:
- Bioinformatics
- Contemporary Challenges in Biology
- Exploring the Microbial World
- Human Parasitology
- Medical Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Research Methods
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biological Sciences with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biological Sciences with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Study subjects include:
- Applied Biotechnology
- Applied Medical Science
- Cancer Biology
- Designing a Sustainable World
- Gene Editing and Genomics
- Global Ethics
- Life: Origins and Evolution
- Medical Microbiology in the Genomics Era
- Final Year Project in Life Sciences
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Choose your own career path
Our course is diverse and flexible, giving you the freedom to select modules and target your education towards your chosen career pathway.
Award-winning graduates
The success of our biosciences students has been recognised by a wide range of external awards, including the Biochemical Society Prize and the Royal Society of Biology's Top Student Award.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Graduate success
The success of our biosciences students has been recognised by a wide range of external awards, including:
- Biochemical Society Prize – Camila Gaspar (Biochemistry 2016)
- British Pharmacological Society Student Contribution Prize – Pavandip Panesar (Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016)
- Royal Society of Biology Top Student Award –James Linyard (Biochemistry 2017)
- The Physiology Society Prize and The British Pharmacological Society BSc Pharmacology Prize – James Camp (Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016)
Job roles
The flexibility offered within our Biological Sciences degree will enable you to select from a wide range of bioscience modules, and the assessments are designed to equip you with a range of transferable skills important for any graduate career.
Our graduates have gone on to success in a wide range of careers, including:
- Forensics
- Graduate management programmes
- Healthcare management
- Medicine and biomedical research
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Teaching
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
My focus is on transformational learning processes of mentoring, supervision and preceptorship, as they relate to the development of students into (clinical) professionals.
Steve Davis
Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences
Steve is the Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences, which includes the Foundation years of the BSc (hons) courses: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Human Nutrition, Pharmacology and Physiology. A registered practitioner in a CAM therapy, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Steve has wide experience in developing education and training programmes for CAM student practitioners. Steve has a particular interest in designing teaching programmes that bring together the best from traditional sources, and from western science, integrating critical thinking into CAM practice. Steve focuses on the development of student-practitioners, embedding evidence-based theory into their therapeutic approaches, and supporting them develop skills as reflectively self-developing professionals able to actively engage in collaborative practice between healthcare providers.
More about meSee full profile of Steve DavisDr Bradley Elliott
Senior Lecturer in Physiology
Bradley studied for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Auckland, New Zealand before completing a Master's of Science (Experimental Medicine) at Université Laval, Canada. He completed his doctorate on human and applied physiology here at the University of Westminster, examining myostatin regulation and muscle atrophy mechanisms during acute hypoxic insult.
Bradley teaches human physiology, scientific communication, and research methodologies across undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as maintaining an active research programme into muscle atrophy, frailty, and ageing. He is course leader of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc and Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSci courses.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Bradley Elliott
I'm a strong believer in research-engaged teaching and therefore embed current research, discoveries, and techniques into this programme's day-to-day activities.
Course Leaders
Dr Linda Percy
Senior Lecturer
Dr Linda Percy graduated with a BSc in Zoology from University College London in 1998 and went on to study an MSc in Oceanography at the School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton University, where she began to focus her interest on marine phytoplankton. Linda then moved to the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth to study for a PhD in Marine Phycology, in collaboration with the University of Westminster.
Dr Pooja Basnett
Senior Lecturer
Pooja Basnett is a senior lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Westminster, where she also completed her PhD in Applied Biotechnology after being awarded a Cavendish Scholarship. Following her PhD, she worked on various European Union funded projects as lead postdoc. Her research focuses on building a sustainable, competitive and cost-effective route to produce biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable bioplastics using renewable, biobased feedstock.
Dr Polly Hayes
Senior Lecturer
Polly graduated with a BSc in Applied Biology before continuing her studies with a PhD in Parasitology, both from Kingston University. She went on to work as a post-doctoral researcher at Royal Holloway University of London, the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, and the Natural History Museum before joining Westminster as a lecturer in 2015.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Target your education
Our flexible course allows you to focus on molecular science, human biology or applied biosciences, or take a route designed specifically towards your chosen career pathway.
Explore cutting-edge topics
Our research-driven modules give you the chance to explore the latest in molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, the urban environment, global challenges, pharmacology, and biological applications.
Fantastic London location
Our central London location means that you'll be perfectly placed to take advantage of career and collaboration opportunities in the city.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
- BTEC Diploma – MM
- Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
Mature entrants without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50-£100 for additional materials at Level 4 and around £30 for day trips at Level 5.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50-£100 for additional materials at Level 4 and around £30 for day trips at Level 5.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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