This career-focused degree has specialist pathways in cell and molecular biology, human health, and microbiology, or an option to remain on a broad, interdisciplinary biological sciences programme. This offers the flexibility to decide which degree and pathway best suits your career ambitions and switch within the first two years should your interests change.

The undergraduate programme explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems. You will gain a broad and balanced foundation of biological knowledge and practical skills and apply this to create solutions for theoretical and practical problems in biology. Throughout your studies, you’ll choose optional courses which best align with your biological interests, before choosing your specialist pathway in your third year.

You’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including:

Plant Science

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges such as:

Climate change

Biodiversity loss

Emerging diseases

Food science development

Sustainable resource management

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.

Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.

As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills. You’ll also understand the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and public health.

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors.

Your student experience

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Our expertise

Our expertiseYour learning environmentCustomise your learning

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active biologists and academics from the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS).

EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and experts are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.

The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences is well known for its strong research focus in various areas of biological sciences. Research activities encompass both fundamental and applied research, addressing critical issues in the field and making significant contributions to scientific knowledge. This degree is aligned with our research objectives to advance our understanding of the natural world, address global challenges, and contribute to scientific advancements that benefit society.

Go Global

Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.

Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Malaysia.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory September

Shaping Tomorrow Together A

Practical Skills in Biology

Introductory Biology 1

Mathematics for Scientists 1

Mandatory January

Shaping Tomorrow Together B

Biology Practical

Introductory Biology 2

Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Disclaimer

The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.

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Student testimonials

Megan's story

Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)Not only has she achieved a First Class Honours in BSc Biological Sciences (Human Health), but she has also been awarded the Watt Club Medal and the Royal Society of Biology prize, as well as her dissertation receiving the highest mark in her class.See more

I studied Biology with a focus on human disease and drug discovery. I chose this programme because I’ve always been interested in understanding how diseases work at a molecular level and how this knowledge can be used to develop new treatments. Heriot-Watt’s strong research environment and applied teaching approach really appealed to me. Robyn More

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences graduateSee more

Fees and funding

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September 2027 intake tuition fees

Scotland

Paid by SAAS

England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland

International

Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.

International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)View details

Entry requirements

If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.

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Standard entry requirements

Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

A-Levels BBC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.

BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.

HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.

Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.

Minimum entry requirements *

Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

A-Levels BCC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)

or are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.

Additional information

For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.

If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk

For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Why Heriot-Watt

We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.

At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

Employability

£0The median UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

Natural and social science professionals

Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Business and public service associate professionals

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