Biology is a diverse field of study that covers a range of specialist subjects, such as microbiology, ecology, anatomy, zoology, natural sciences, neurobiology, physiology, and many more. Undergraduate biology degrees in the UK last three to four years and offer specialisations in many areas. Course delivery combines lectures, lab work, practicals, and research projects.
Biologists and biochemists are part of the UK Shortage Occupation List, which means there is a huge demand for such professionals in the UK, making it easier for international students to find work after graduation. Career options for biology graduates are not limited to science and health sectors. Still, their skills are transferable and highly sought after by many other industries, including biology research, education, science communication, medical, legal and other non-scientific fields.
Find the best universities in the UK for biology below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and begin your application by contacting SI-UK India today for a free consultation.
Top 10 UK Universities for Biology
Learn more about the top ten UK universities (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) to study a biology degree below.
1. University of Oxford
At Oxford, students are taught by the world’s leading experts in biology. The University offers excellent educational and recreational facilities, well-equipped laboratories, a botanic garden and arboretum, a museum of natural history, and much more. Oxford University graduates enjoy some of the best graduate prospects in the UK, and five years after graduation, the average salary for Oxford graduates is around £43,000.
- Suggested course: MBiol Biology
- Entry requirements: A-level: A*AA – Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. IB diploma: 39 (including core points).
- International fee: £48,620
- QS World Ranking: 4th
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the world's top five universities for biological sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). The School of Biological Sciences at Cambridge offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across three Trips: the Natural Sciences Triposes, Medical and Veterinary Sciences Triposes, and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Triposes.
- Suggested course: MPhil in Biological Science
- Entry requirements: A UK Good II.i Honours Degree.
- International fee: £56,083
- QS World Ranking: 5th
3. University College London
The Biosciences Department at UCL is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and training and has one of the UK's largest and most active research environments. It has a community of 500 staff and 300 PhD students engaged in cutting-edge research. Human Biological Sciences at UCL is ranked 2nd globally and 1st in Europe (Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020).
- Suggested course: Biological Sciences BSc
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA; subjects - Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics. IB - 38 points.
- International fee: £34,400
- QS World Ranking: 6th
4. Imperial College London
Imperial offers degrees in biology in a wide range of modules to attain high levels of specialisation and a broad understanding of living systems, organisms, and ecosystems. The University has outstanding facilities for genomics, tissue culture, cell biology studies, and the most modern microscopes. The department has a high student satisfaction rate of 91%, and teaching is enriched by cutting-edge, internationally leading research.
- Suggested course: BSc Biological Sciences
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA, to include: A in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and in a third subject. IB 38 points.
- International fee: £41,650
- QS World Ranking: 8th
5. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh has one of the largest biology departments in the UK, which is at the leading edge of research, teaching and innovation. Edinburgh has been consistently placed in the top 25 universities worldwide for biology (Times Higher Education). The learning and teaching environment is flexible, with opportunities to gain experience through interdisciplinary collaborative programmes with other departments.
- Suggested course: BSc Biological Sciences
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams. IB: 37 points with 666 at HL and 32 with 655 at HL.
- International fee: £34,800
- QS World Ranking: 21st
6. King's College London
King's College London offers diverse biology degree programmes, comprehensively understanding living organisms and their environmental interactions. The study of biology offers insights into life's intricate mechanisms and addresses global challenges. The Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc explores body construction through evolution, structure, and function analysis. Their Biomedical Science degree allows flexibility in choosing specialised disciplines after the first year, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology.
- Suggested course: Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc
- Entry requirements: A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology and Chemistry. IB diploma: 35 points, including 666 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £33,450
- QS World Ranking: 32nd
7. University of Manchester
The BSc Biology programme offers a diverse curriculum covering various aspects of living organisms, allowing students to explore interests and specialise. Interdisciplinary learning is encouraged, with opportunities for field courses in the UK and abroad. Expert faculty provide extensive training throughout the programme. Assessment methods evolve from e-learning activities to essay-based exams and practical assessments, ending in a final-year project contributing significantly to the overall degree mark.
- Suggested course: BSc Biology
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA-AAB (including specific subjects). IB diploma: 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level, including two science subjects.
- International fee: £32,500
- QS World Ranking: 40th
8. University of Glasgow
The Human Biology BSc at the University of Glasgow offers a five-year curriculum. The initial years provided a broad foundation for modern biology and scientific skills. Later years delve deeper into human biology, covering cellular physiology, nutrition, anatomy, disease, and ageing. Practical laboratory experience and exposure to current research enhance understanding. The programme culminates in an independent project. An MSci option includes a placement year for industry research experience.
- Suggested course: Human Biology BSc/MSci
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAB – BBB; subject requirements: Biology or Chemistry. IB diploma: 34 (6,5,5); HL Biology or Chemistry subject requirements.
- International fee: £30,240
- QS World Ranking: 56th
9. University of Bristol
Studying biology at Bristol offers a detailed understanding of biological sciences, encompassing everything from enzymes to ecosystems. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers living organisms' diversity, evolution, and functions, emphasising interactions among animals, microbes, and plants. With opportunities to specialise or maintain breadth, students gain research-oriented and transferable skills, enhancing employability. The programme helps students with world-leading researchers and state-of-the-art facilities, focusing on animal behaviour, ecology, evolutionary biology, and plant sciences.
- Suggested course: BSc Biology
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA, including biology and other science-related subjects. IB diploma: 36 points overall, with 18 at higher level.
- International fee: £29,300
- QS World Ranking: 92nd
10. Newcastle University
Newcastle University's Biology BSc Honours programme offers a unique learning experience amidst the diverse Northumberland countryside. Students gain a broad understanding of life forms, from cells to ecosystems, with theory taught in modern labs and tested in the field. Course specialisations include biotechnology, microbiology, and ecological survey techniques. Opportunities for practical application abound through lab classes, excursions, and residential field courses. Independent project work in later stages enhances research skills and offers specialisation choices.
- Suggested course: Biology BSc Honours
- Entry requirements: A-level: ABB, including biology and normally other science-related subjects. IB diploma: 32 points normally, including Higher Level Biology at grade 6.
- International fee: £28,700
- QS World Ranking: 108th
Study Biology in the UK
If you wish to study biology in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today and begin your application to study in the UK ahead of the upcoming intake.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
