Biological Sciences MBio (UCAS C1A1)
Discover more about our Biological Sciences MBio at Warwick
Biological Sciences is the study of biology in its broadest sense – from the smallest molecules to large populations. Of the four degree courses taught by the School of Life Sciences, this is our widest ranging and most flexible degree in terms of module choice. You will study the molecules and cells that are the basis of life, through to biology of organisms (animals, plants, bacteria and viruses) and populations (evolution, epidemiology of disease, ecosystems).
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAA including Biology and a second Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Statistics, Geology, Geography, or Psychology)
or
A*AA including Biology.
A level additional information
Applicants who are not taking Chemistry at A Level must have grade B/6 in GCSE Chemistry or grades BB/66 in GCSE Combined Science.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAB including Biology, or ABB including Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Statistics, Geology, Geography, or Psychology. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
36 including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, or Psychology
Or
38 including 5 in HL Biology
Applicants not taking Chemistry at Higher Level must meet essential Chemistry requirements with:
- Grade 6 in Chemistry at Standard Level
- Grade B/6 in GCSE Chemistry (or equivalent)
- Grades BB/66 in GCSE Combined Science
IB additional information
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is:
32 including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, or Psychology.
Or
34 including 5 in HL Biology
Applicants not taking Chemistry at Higher Level must meet essential Chemistry requirements with:
- Grade 6 in Chemistry at Standard Level
- Grade B/6 in GCSE Chemistry (or equivalent)
- Grades BB/66 in GCSE Combined Science
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs as long as essential subject requirements are met. We are happy to consider applicants who are studying BTECs alongside A Level Biology. We are also happy to consider applicants who have taken the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science on an individual basis.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AB in two Advanced Highers in Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering Science, or Psychology - and AAB in three further Highers subjects.
AA in two Advanced Highers in Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering Science, or Psychology - and ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects.
AA in two Advanced Highers including Biology and AAB in three further Highers subjects.
Applicants who are not taking Chemistry at Advanced Higher must have grade B in Chemistry at either National 5 or Higher.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB in three subjects at A level including Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science, Statistics, Geology, Geography, or Psychology - plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
AAB in three subjects at A level including Biology plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Applicants who are not taking Chemistry at A level must have grade B/6 in GCSE Chemistry or grades BB/66 in GCSE Combined Science.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band A
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
Our Biological Sciences course spans the entire scale of biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. Our exceptionally wide range of options allow you to choose modules that are best suited to your interests and career ambitions.
You will be exposed to cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology, while covering applications of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security and human health.
Our four-year MBio gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended final-year research project in-house.
Core modules
We recognise that your interest in particular aspects of biology will develop as you learn. In the first year of all degree programmes, we offer a core syllabus encompassing essential concepts in biology and biochemistry to provide a strong foundation. Beyond this core curriculum, you have the flexibility to tailor your academic path in all years of study by selecting from a variety of optional modules. This optionality allows you to explore specialised areas of biology that align with your evolving interests and career aspirations throughout your entire course of study.
In your third year you will complete a challenging research project on an area of particular academic interest. This may be lab-based or involve data analysis and will give you invaluable experience of applying your subject knowledge to real-life workplace challenges.
Year One
Cellular and Molecular Biology
You will study this module as the essential foundation for most other modules taught in the School of Life Sciences. It will lay the foundations for the study of organisms at the molecular, genetic and cellular levels.
Read more about the Cellular and Molecular Biology moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to the 2024/25 year of study).
Plant Science and Zoology
This module covers major animal and plant body plans and their evolution in deep time. We take you onto a journey of discovery, to see animals and plants from the molecular and cellular 'inside'. We show you how organisms changes across vast timescales and how we can trace these processes. This is going to be much different from what you have learned in school, so enjoy the ride!
Read more about the Plant Science and Zoology moduleLink opens in a new window, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Practical Skills for Biologists 1
This module will provide you with an introduction to the fundamental skills required for all Life Sciences degrees and you will see how skills are inter-related. The module will involve tutorial sessions, laboratory sessions and quantitative skills sessions. You will gain experience with basic lab techniques, learn to acquire data, and analyse and communicate your findings.
Read more about the Practical Skills for Biologists 1 module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to the 2024/25 year of study).
Chemistry for Biological Sciences
This module will give students without a post-16 qualification in chemistry the basic knowledge necessary to underpin a molecular and cell biology-orientated Biological Sciences degree.
This module is compulsory for entrants without A2 level Chemistry.
Read more about the Chemistry for Biological Sciences moduleLink opens in a new window, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Optional modules
You will choose three optional modules, typically from the following list:
- Environmental Biology
- Infection Biology and Microbiology
- Physiology, Neurobiology, and Cell Signalling
- Computational Biology
- Anatomy and Histology
Year Two
Genetics and Genomics
This module introduces concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that are used to understand and manipulate complex traits. It includes hands-on workshops.
Read more about the Genetics and Genomics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Evolution
An introduction to modern evolutionary theory, population and evolutionary genetics in order to understand the fundamental processes and the genetic make-up of populations.
Read more about Evolution this moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Practical Skills for Biologists 2
This module will continue to enhance the fundamental skills required for all life sciences degrees. The module will involve tutorials, laboratory sessions and quantitative skill workshops where the different skills are assessed in a synoptic way. You will expand your experience with more complex lab techniques, learn to acquire data, analyse and communicate your findings and discuss scientific results with your peers.
Read more about the Practical Skills for Biologists 2 moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2025/26 year of study).
Optional modules
You will choose four optional modules, typically from the following list:
- Biological Oceanography
- Ecological Principles and Processes
- Ecology and its Applications
- Immunology
- Microbial Pathogens
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Neurobiology
- Neuropharmacology
- Physics of Life
- Plant Molecular Development
- Protein Structure and Function
Year Three
Laboratories and Assessments for Biological Sciences
You will complete the third year of our laboratory and tutorial-based skills programme. The key aims of this module are to embed final year level literature and practical research skills. This will be achieved through a combination of set tutorial tasks and laboratory classes.
Read more about the Laboratories and Assessments for Biological Sciences moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Research Project
The Y3 research project is a capstone module, in which you will bring together all the research and practical skills you have been taught in Y1-3 teaching laboratories and the tutorial programme. With guidance from your supervisor you will undertake a research project chosen from a broad range of fields. You will be assessed by taking part in a seminar and completing a written report in the style of a research paper.
Read more about the Research Project moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine
- Advanced Computational Genomics
- Advanced Microbiology and AMR
- Advanced Plant Biochemistry
- Biological Clocks
- Extreme Environment Biology
- Integrative Neuroscience
- Interdisciplinary and Business modules
- Introduction to Secondary Teaching in Biology
- Plant Physiology for Food Security
- Plant Diseases and How to Manage Them
- Oncology
- One World Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Virology and Immunology
Year Four
MBio Skills
You will develop a skills portfolio of experience gained as part of your placement. You will also receive training in research proposal writing and evaluation.
Read more about the MBio Skills moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
MBio Research Project
You will carry out a research project in industry, based on ongoing research programmes within the host company.
Read more about the MBio Research Project module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Please see the optional module information above.
Assessment
You will be assessed through:
- tutorials
- laboratory practical
- oral presentation
- written assignments
- exam-based questions
Approximately 35% of marks will be assessed by course work throughout the degree.
The final degree classification is determined by Year One (6%), Year Two (18%), Year Three (36%) and your final year (40%).
Teaching
Students learn through a combination of tutorials, lectures, laboratory work, and independent and group research.
Purpose-built teaching facilities are fully integrated with research laboratories, meaning you will be learning alongside teaching and research staff who are at the cutting edge of their fields. You will spend one or two days a week undertaking lab work.
This becomes more project-oriented in your second year, culminating in an individual research project in your third year. In their final year, MBio students undertake a further 27-week research project.
Class sizes
In your first year, lecture sizes are typically 370 students. The modules you take in years two and three will vary in class size.
The maximum number is typically 100 and the minimum 10 students.
Typical contact hours
10-16 hours per week over 25 weeks. In your first year you should expect around 10 lectures per week, a half to a full day in the lab and a taught tutorial with your personal tutor and 6-7 of your peers.
Independent learning, reading and preparing for lectures, as well as preparing assessments, will occupy the rest of your study time.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.
The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.
How are fees set?
The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.
To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.
There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
Your career
Graduates on our courses have gone on to work for employers including:
- AstraZeneca
- NHS
- Civil Service
- KPMG
- Johnson and Johnson
- Tesla
- ALS: Sarstedt Ltd
- Novartis
- Universities and Schools
They have pursued roles such as:
- Graduate-entry medicine students
- NHS scientists
- Biomedical research and development scientists
- Scientific publishing professionals
- Laboratory technicians
- Teachers
- Business, marketing and accountancy professionals
- Postgraduate student or researcher
Find out more about career opportunities from Life Sciences.Link opens in a new window
Helping you find the right career
Throughout your time in the School of Life Sciences your personal tutor, and careers and placements staff will work in conjunction with Student Opportunity to support you to find the right career. Through our unique taught tutorial system, you put into practice a range of scientific and transferable skills. As a Life Sciences student you will develop the hands-on laboratory, problem solving and research skills desired by employers. Our graduates are highly employable and go on to a range of scientific and non-scientific careers.
Our unique careers and placements service is tailored to your academic subject area. Our team offer a range of activities within the School to help you to consider your career once you graduate. Opportunities include:
- One-to-one careers advice appointments within the School
- Termly networking events featuring presentations from Life Sciences alumni and employers about a range of careers
- The option to undertake a full year industrial placement or study abroad year as part of your degree
- A wide range of summer work placement opportunities in industry and the School
- Careers talks throughout the degrees to ensure that you are thinking about your next steps throughout the programme
- Links with Warwick alumni to present to you the potential pathways of your degree
- We run a successful Medical School Application Support Programme (MASP) to prepare those interested in applying for graduate entry medicine. Since the programme started 4 years ago we have achieved remarkable success with 83% of MASP students getting an interview for Medical School and 66% being offered a place.
Life Sciences at Warwick
Warwick Life Sciences is an international centre of excellence with more than 90% of our research rated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Our focus is in excellent teaching and research with impact.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our courses
- Biochemistry (BSc)
- Biochemistry (MBio)
- Biochemistry with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Biochemistry with Placement Year (BSc)
- Biological Sciences (BSc)
- Biological Sciences (MBio)
- Biological Sciences with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Biological Sciences with Placement Year (BSc)
- Biomedical Science (BSc)
- Biomedical Science (MBio)
- Biomedical Science with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Biomedical Science with Placement Year (BSc)
- Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Neuroscience (BSc)
- Neuroscience (MBio)
- Neuroscience with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Neuroscience with Placement Year (BSc)
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
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Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
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- Watch student videos
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Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.
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