Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year

Biological sciences encompasses the study of living organisms in all their complexity, from the molecular mechanisms that drive cell division to the ecological networks that sustain entire ecosystems. It is a broad discipline with deep connections to medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology, and it provides the scientific foundation for understanding the challenges of human health, food security, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The field rewards both careful empirical inquiry and the ability to think across scales and systems.

At Loughborough University, this four-year, full-time degree includes an initial foundation year designed to ensure you have the scientific knowledge and study skills needed to succeed in the main three-year degree programme. The foundation year is particularly suited to students who may not have studied all the prerequisite subjects at A-level, who are returning to education after a gap, or whose circumstances have affected their academic preparation. It provides a supportive entry point into university-level science without compromising the rigour of what follows.

Through the degree itself, you will study core areas of biology including cell biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry, developing both laboratory skills and the capacity for independent scientific reasoning. The typical entry tariff of 136 points applies to the foundation year entry.

Biological sciences graduates go on to a wide range of careers. Many work in research and development, particularly in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural industries. Others move into environmental consultancy, conservation, public health, clinical laboratory science, or science communication.

Teaching at secondary level is a common route for those who develop a passion for sharing scientific knowledge. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in specialised areas of biology, including genetics, ecology, microbiology, or biomedical science, or move on to professional qualifications in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.