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The year studying abroad is an integral part of the course and must be completed. Some costs, such as tuition fees, are substantially lower. Other costs can vary and are not included in the tuition fee. For example, living costs may be higher or lower than the UK, and there are travel-related costs to consider, such as paying for a passport, visa fees, health insurance, and (if needed) vaccinations.

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.

AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences).

If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects and an A-level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education, we can consider you for an AAA offer. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements, we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria.

Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics, and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A-level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you're taking more than three A-levels, these won't be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A-levels.

ABB-ABC including specific subjects.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you're taking more than three A-levels, these won't be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A-levels.

If you have studied an advanced curriculum, where the examinations are spread over three years or more, please contact the academic School/Department for clarification on acceptability prior to applying. For some courses, offers will normally be based on three A-levels taken in the same sitting (normally within a two-year period).

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants, this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of your offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

35 points overall with 6, 6, 5 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.

If you are only taking one core science at higher level from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, you may still be considered if you take Geography, Psychology, or Sports, Exercise and Health Science at higher level in place of the second core science. In this case, the offer will be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at higher level.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying, so that their academic profile can be considered.

We welcome applications from overseas students. Please see our for individual country requirements.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

• Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
• Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.

Students with Highers only, with grades AABBB or above, may be considered for the Foundation Year.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales, and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023), and would consider this when taken with two science A-levels (minimum grades of AB required at A-level).
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate, which is acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications. Applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome, and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require an award at 83% or above overall, with a minimum of 8-9 in three written subjects, including two science subjects.

In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% in English Language in the EB at L1, 8 or 80% if at L2, or or 8.5 or 85% if at L3. Alternatively, you may provide or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS 6.5 in each component.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A-level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate. We would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.

Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme, and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (RQF or AAQ)

We consider all National Extended Certificates except Human Biology (RQF) or Medical Science (AAQ) with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). The National Extended Certificate in Human Biology (RQF) or Medical Science (AAQ) with grade D can be considered when taken with two A-level sciences, excluding Biology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (RQF or AAQ)

We do not consider the National Certificate (RQF or AAQ) for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.

Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs)

We do not accept the Cambridge Advanced Nationals Certificate (AAQ) for entry to this course.

We consider all Cambridge Advanced Nationals Level 3 Extended Certificates (AAQ) except Human Biology with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Extended Certificate in Human Biology with grade D or above can be considered when taken with two science A-levels excluding Biology.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.

In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.

We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

We require D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences).

If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of one of the Core Sciences, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

We consider the following T Levels for the Foundation Year:

• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Laboratory Science

For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels, with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview (if applicable). A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning, and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold, please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. See further information for mature students on the how to apply page.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C or;
• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any component, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the

The requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. See further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept: English language requirements.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Some candidates may be interviewed online or by telephone, or asked to complete an alternative admissions statement.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations, we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances. We would generally require a minimum grade of an A for any subject being re-sat. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units.

Most units are assigned 10 credits, and you will take 120 credits each year.

You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:

• microbiology
• biochemistry
• genetics
• biodiversity
• molecular biology

Year 1 also introduces the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.

You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a Science Communication unit.

In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research.

You can apply to spend your third year studying at one of our trusted overseas partner universities, providing you with the opportunity to experience different cultures and develop a global mindset.

The application process is competitive for places at partner universities, and all opportunities will be subject to availability.

Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of bioscience endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.

You will undertake an independent in-depth that may involve supervised practical work in a laboratory, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk