Biological Sciences with Foundation Year

Biological sciences is one of the broadest scientific disciplines, encompassing the study of all living things from the molecular machinery of cells to the ecology of entire biomes. It examines how organisms grow, reproduce, evolve, and interact with each other and their environments, and it draws on biochemistry, genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolutionary biology to build an integrated understanding of life. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated with particular force how much depends on understanding how living systems work, how pathogens evolve, and how human activity affects the natural world.

At the University of Salford, this four-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year for those who need to build their scientific foundations before the main degree, making it accessible to a wider range of students. The degree develops your understanding of biological sciences with an international perspective, examining how human beings interact with and influence the natural environment across different global contexts. You will study across the breadth of the discipline before specialising in areas of particular interest.

The programme includes a sandwich placement year and work placement opportunities, giving you significant professional experience alongside your academic studies.

Graduates from biological sciences programmes work in environmental and ecological consultancy, conservation, research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, food science, agriculture, education, and public health. The combination of scientific breadth with practical laboratory skills makes graduates adaptable across many sectors where biological knowledge is relevant. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in specific areas of biology, ecology, genetics, or biomedical science, developing specialist expertise for research or professional careers.