A degree in life sciences is a great option for those interested in studying life processes and living organisms. Life sciences is a fascinating field of study used to solve modern environmental problems by understanding genetic techniques.
Life sciences is a broad field that covers various subjects, from biotechnology to agriculture and forestry, zoology to veterinary sciences, and biological sciences to sports sciences. Life Science graduates work in different specialised fields such as medicine, food, psychology, agriculture, molecular biology and botany.
Read below to learn more about the UK's best universities for life sciences (THE University Subject Rankings 2024). For more information on UK university courses, book a free consultation with SI-UK and find the best course to study in the UK.
Top Five Life Science Universities in the UK
Below is the list of the top five UK universities for studying life science programmes.
1. University of Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the oldest and most reputed universities in the world. It is the number one university in the world for Life Sciences studies. There are nine departments at Cambridge University School of Biological Sciences other than state-of-the-art research departments for Zoology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry. There is a Graduate School for master's and doctorate programmes. Some of the world’s most prominent life scientists have studied and taught at Cambridge.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Natural Sciences
- Entry requirements: A level: A*A*A. IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £39,162
2. University of Oxford
An elite university that is considered to be the oldest and most prestigious university in the English-speaking world, Oxford has been home to the world’s most eminent scientists and researchers. Oxford's Mathematics, Physics and Life Sciences department is credited for attracting and nurturing the world’s most talented minds and bestowing prestigious fellowships. With a reputation for world-class teaching and top-rated programmes in many subjects, Oxford University is one of the best places to acquire a degree in life sciences in the UK.
- Suggested course: BA Biomedical Sciences
- Entry requirements: A-levels: A*AA excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills. IB: 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL.
- International fee: £48,620
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London’s Department of Life Sciences is one of Europe's largest life sciences communities. Imperial College is also one of the most international universities in the world, with 60% of Imperial students coming from outside of the UK. The Department of Biological Sciences at Imperial was ranked the best for research intensity and quality (REF 2014). Innovative multidisciplinary undergraduate courses are offered in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, with management programmes that include one year in the Business School. Advanced taught masters courses offered at the University cover various essential aspects of Life Sciences.
- Suggested course: BSc Biological Sciences
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA, including an A in Biology, A in Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics A in a third subject. IB: 38 points.
- International fee: £41,650
4. University College London
The Faculty of Life Sciences at UCL is a vibrant community of students, scientists, and researchers and comprises key departments in Biosciences, Pharmacy, Molecular Cell Biology, Computational Neuroscience, neural Circuits, and Behaviour. The University offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and pharmacological sciences. The Faculty of Life Sciences at UCL is associated with seven Nobel Laureates and is home to the world’s leading neuroscience institutes.
- Suggested course: Biological Sciences BSc
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA. Subjects required: Biology plus one from Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
- International fee: £34,400
5. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh has a strong reputation for medicine and science in all of Europe and is one of Scotland's most renowned centres for research and teaching. Edinburgh is the place to discover path-breaking inventions such as penicillin and anaesthetics. Located in one of the world’s greenest and architecturally most beautiful cities, the University of Edinburgh is one the best places to study Life Sciences in the UK.
- Suggested course: Biomedical Sciences (Life Sciences) MScR
- Entry requirements: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological, chemical or physical sciences. Or international equivalent.
- International fee: £35,300
Study Life Sciences in the UK
If you wish to study life sciences in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today. Our UK university application experts will ensure your application is ready and submitted without error.
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