Why study Life Sciences at Warwick?
You can tailor your degree to your own interests
At the School of Life Sciences, we understand that every student’s passion and career goals are unique. That’s why our undergraduate degrees are designed with flexibility in mind—allowing you to shape your academic journey around the areas of science that inspire you most.
Whether you're fascinated by molecular biology, ecology, neuroscience, or biotechnology, you’ll have the freedom to:
- Choose from a wide range of optional modules across disciplines.
- Undertake an independent research project in an area that aligns with your goals.
- Add a placement year or study abroad to gain real-world or international experience.
This personalised approach ensures that your degree not only reflects your interests but also prepares you for the career or further study path that’s right for you.
You will graduate with skills that employers want
Our students gain sophisticated laboratory, numeracy, literacy and organisational skills, which are sought after by a range of employers.
85% of Life Sciences 2020-21 graduates found graduate-level job or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
The Government's 2018 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) show that Warwick's Life Sciences graduates are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for high earnings five years after their graduation.
Our four-year Master's (MBio) courses give you the opportunity to spend a year undertaking research in an industry setting or at Warwick. Recent industrial placements have included GlaxoSmithKline, Syngenta, AstraZeneca and Public Health England.
The University of Warwick has been ranked 6th among the UK universities most targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers according to ‘The Graduate Market in 2024’ survey.
Your degree will be accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
All of our undergraduate degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and our MBio degrees hold advanced accreditation. RSB accredited degrees periodically undergo rigorous, independent assessment to ensure a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepares graduates to address the needs of employers. MBio courses provide up-to-date knowledge and the most current research and analytical skills alongside hands-on experience. This shows future employers that our students have the practical skills and knowledge required by the bioscience industry.
We achieved a satisfaction rating of 89% for 'teaching on my course' in National Student Survey (2023).
You will have the opportunity to go on a placement year or study abroad
All our degrees come with a placement year option.
This one year self-sourced placement is taken between second and third years of study and provides valuable work experience. You can also undertake an industrial placement as part of the MBio degree.
You also have the opportunity to study abroad as a placement year at one of our partner institutions.
It's a great way to experience another culture and broaden your degree by studying additional subjects. Studying overseas can add immeasurably to your personal development, future study and career opportunities.
More on Work Experience and Study Abroad
You will have access to excellent teaching and learning facilities
We provide students with a unique and distinctive learning environment, with facilities and learning opportunities that rival the world's top universities.
Our facilities include 120 iMacs for bioinformatics and computational skills teaching, and the BioMed Grid, an innovative learning environment with digital multimedia.
According to the National Student Survey (2023), 93% students found it easy to access subject specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software) when they needed them.
You will experience high quality lab time
"My favourite part of the course has been the lab classes. Getting to actively perform the experiments described in lectures and observing how results are obtained in a real life setting is both intuitive and interesting. The opportunity to put theory into practical applications helps simulate an industry setting."
David, Biochemistry
Over 95% of our students said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2023).
You will learn from leading scientists
The Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 named the University of Warwick University of the Year for Teaching Quality.
Listen to three of our scientists describe their research:
You will connect, learn and grow through tutorials
Tutorials, weekly in your first year and fortnightly in the second and third years, provide the opportunity to interact regularly with your personal tutor and a small group of peers.
Tutorial sessions develop a range of scientific and transferable skills and ensure that you gain regular feedback on your academic progress.
Your personal tutor normally stays with you throughout your degree and is your point of call for any academic or welfare support.
You will have access to dedicated support to help you transition to University
Science 101 is a non-credit bearing skills-based module for Year 1 students to help you transition from school to university study. It provides you with the key skills required to develop as an independent learner. Interactive workshops provide you with the opportunity to practise and develop your academic, personal and professional skills.
You will become part of a friendly and lively community
Warwick Biology Society (BioSoc) is friendly, innovative and open to anyone to join. Run by students, there are social events, trips and talks throughout the year. Being part of BioSoc is a great way to meet new people and make friends on your course.
The QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024 have judged Coventry to be the 7th best city in the UK and joint 44th in the world in which to study.