University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Biology

Sheffield Hallam University Β· Sheffield
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Worth knowing: about 20% of students don't make it past first year here - ask the uni what support they offer.
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Biology is the science of living organisms in all their diversity, from the molecular machinery of the cell to the ecological relationships that shape entire ecosystems. It encompasses biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, physiology, microbiology, and ecology, providing the conceptual and technical foundation for understanding life at every level of organisation. As one of the foundational sciences, biology underpins medicine, agriculture, conservation, biotechnology, and environmental science, making it one of the most consequential and varied disciplines a student can pursue.

At Sheffield Hallam University, this three-year, full-time BSc develops your knowledge across the breadth of the discipline, with a third-year option to choose modules that allow you to focus on the areas that most interest you. A foundation year is available for students who need additional scientific preparation before the degree proper. A sandwich year provides the opportunity for a substantial professional placement in a biological, medical, environmental, or research setting, and work placements are embedded in the course throughout.

A typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the programme's accessible standard for students with a sound scientific background.

Biology graduates are well prepared for careers in the NHS, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, environmental and conservation organisations, research institutions, teaching, science communication, and public health. Many pursue postgraduate study in a specialist area of biology, biomedical science, ecology, or a clinical field, using the degree as the foundation for advanced training. The quantitative, laboratory, and research skills developed in a biology degree are also valued in data analysis, product development, regulatory affairs, and science policy roles beyond the life sciences sector.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
48-63 pts5%
64-79 pts20%
80-95 pts15%
96-111 pts35%
112-127 pts10%
128-143 pts15%
How they qualified
95% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels95%
an Access course5%
other higher education5%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
70%
In work or further study after
80%
Continue past first year
86%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£25,000
After 15 months
Β£23,000
3 years on
Β£26,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Administrative occupations15%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled20%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled20%
Skilled trades occupations5%
Natural and social science professionalsHighly skilled5%
Sales occupations5%
Teaching ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%
Elementary occupations5%
What students say National Student Survey
86%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching95%
Assessment & feedback93%
Academic support83%
Well organised83%
Learning resources76%
Student community85%
In students' own words
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Exceeded expectations
I was sceptical before starting β€” now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: the cohort are bright and motivated, which makes the learning environment great. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city β€” good trans…
Class of 2022 Β· Full-time
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Would do it again
I've grown so much academically and personally here. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, some seminar groups were too big for meaningful discussion. On the city β€” local …
Postgraduate Β· Full-time
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Sheffield Hallam University's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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