Biological Sciences

Biological sciences is the study of life in its extraordinary diversity, from the molecular machinery inside a single cell to the dynamics of entire ecosystems. It is a discipline that sits at the crossroads of medicine, environmental science, agriculture and biotechnology, and the questions it tackles, about how organisms develop, adapt and interact, have never been more urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic made plain how much depends on our understanding of how humans interact with the natural world, and how much remains to be learned.

At the University of Salford, this three-year full-time programme takes a broad approach, allowing you to develop knowledge across the major branches of the discipline before focusing on areas that interest you most. You will study cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology, building an understanding of how life operates at every level of organisation. The programme includes both a sandwich year and a year abroad, along with a work placement, giving you substantial experience beyond the classroom.

These opportunities let you apply scientific methods in real professional contexts, whether in research laboratories, conservation organisations, environmental consultancies or healthcare settings. The typical entry tariff is 88 UCAS points.

Biological sciences graduates move into a wide range of sectors. Many enter research, either in academic institutions or in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural industries. Others work in environmental management and conservation, public health, science communication or education.

Laboratory-based roles in forensic science, clinical research and food safety are also common graduate destinations. The breadth of the subject means that career paths diverge considerably, and many graduates find that the analytical and practical skills they develop are valued well beyond the life sciences. Postgraduate study in specialist areas such as molecular biology, ecology, microbiology or biomedical science is a well-trodden route for those who want to deepen their expertise.