Biological Sciences (Cell Biology) BSc (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Biological Sciences

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

C130

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration of study

3 years, 4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

King's Buildings campus

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Biological Sciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that combines the interests and techniques of many scientific fields including genetics, developmental biology and biochemistry.

Applications of cell biology

Cell biologists investigate the basic structural and functional units of life: the cells that compose all living organisms. They aim to understand:

  • cellular structure
  • composition and regulation
  • the organelles that cells contain
  • cell growth
  • nuclear and cellular division
  • cell death

On our cell biology programme you will explore these areas and learn about topics such as how to analyse genomic data, how cells communicate, and about cell cycle control.

Understanding how cells work is fundamental to many areas of biology and is of particular importance to biomedical fields such as cancer research and the development of diseases.

Flexibility

Biological sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

We offer a flexible learning experience. With 12 different biological sciences subject areas, you can tailor your programme to your preferred career path. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and can choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

Our skills-based curriculum will equip you with data analysis, programming and problem-solving skills, as well as teaching you effective communication, and independent thinking. This will prepare you to be a part of the next generation of scientific thinkers who apply their skills in various contexts.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over four years, though you may choose to apply for second year entry.

A key benefit to studying a four-year degree programme is its breadth and flexibility. It gives you the time to explore core biology and advised learning for biologists, as well as the opportunity to study other courses across the University that interest you or enhance your degree.

The four-year experience

Programme rankings

We are ranked in the UK's top 5 universities and the world's top 25 universities for biological sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Programme benefits

  • Study on a flexible programme. Explore different areas of biological sciences before specialising in the later years of your degree programme.
  • You will learn in state-of-the-art laboratories, interactive computing studio facilities, and collaborative lecture theatres, ensuring a dynamic and immersive study experience.
  • Experience hands-on learning with fieldwork at local sites such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
  • Gain key skills valued by employers such as communication, collaboration, problem solving and data analysis.
  • Complete an independent research project in one of our academic research laboratories in your final year.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Additional costs

Study materials

You may have to pay additional costs of up to £150 each year for books or other compulsory study material. Many compulsory books are available in the library or as a digital copy.

Field or residential courses

As a Year 4 student, you must attend at least one field or residential course.

Some of our programmes also offer you the chance to attend a field or residential course in Year 3, but it is not compulsory.

You will pay for any field or residential courses in the year they take place.

Currently, field or residential course costs vary from (on average) £150 to £300 per course for transport and accommodation.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Biology is the study of life and embraces many different areas of biological and biomedical interest. It reveals core scientific knowledge of how cells and organisms function. Its applications support the latest technological and scientific advances.

Our teaching emphasises a skills-based, research driven curriculum. As a result, not only will you learn key concepts, you will be doing it in an investigative way, collaboratively asking and, as you learn more, answering your own questions.

You will gain hands-on experience in practical laboratory classes and, with collaboration a key part of your studies, you will spend a significant amount of time working in groups.

Integrated throughout your core courses, you will learn to reflect on your academic and personal progress through a reflective portfolio. You will identify your skills and use this knowledge to prepare for your future with assignments such as writing an internship application.

In each year you will study a mix of compulsory and option courses, allowing you to tailor your programme based on your interests and experiences. You will be taught in an internationally respected research environment, with access to modern facilities.

You will also gain further practical experience through an individual research project in one of our academic research laboratories in the final year.

All biological sciences students study the same core courses in Year 1. These courses provide a broad base of biological knowledge and combine fundamental computational, collaborative and analytical skills to help you prepare for your future. Your skills are developed in a way that will enable you to articulate them to future employers, whatever your chosen career path.
 

You will learn core laboratory techniques and research skills, using weekly practical sessions and workshops where you will work in groups. In these classes you will also:

  • learn about ethics
  • hone your writing skills
  • reflect on your learning
  • have the opportunity to use your creativity when coming up with solutions to novel biological problems

Fieldwork at local sites, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, provides hands-on research and enquiry opportunities. These experiences help you to develop essential aspects of scientific research, such as recording of ideas, observations, results, and conclusions. Biological sciences is a collaborative field in which you will explore questions of biology in research groups throughout the year.

You can also choose option courses. We recommend courses in biological chemistry but option courses can be from other academic areas across the University.

Key skills

As an essential part of your studies, you will gain key skills that enhance your long-term employability such as:

  • hypothesis development and experimental design
  • data evaluation and analysis
  • introductory coding
  • communicating your ideas both orally and in writing
  • student-led investigative projects
  • self-reflection
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Our Year 2 courses build on your learning from Year 1 with a continued focus on practical and analytical skills, while becoming progressively more specialised.

All students study the same core courses which cover topics such as:

  • DNA replication and repair
  • natural selection and the origin of species
  • cellular metabolic processes
  • regulation and control of biological systems
  • programming for data analysis
  • data science techniques for interpretation of biological data

You may also choose to take courses that focus on specific areas of biology such as:

  • evolution of animal body plans and physiological systems across phyla
  • modern plant biology
  • microbial form and function

You can still choose courses from other areas of the University as option courses. 

At the end of Year 2, you will progress into your chosen biological subject specialisation, which will lead to your honours programme of choice.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Your courses will prepare you for exploring scientific literature, analysis of scientific data and research work. You will also receive training in laboratory skills and may take courses that concentrate on fieldwork. 

In cell biology, some of the things you will learn are:

  • analysis of genomic data
  • gene expression and RNA processing
  • cellular communication
  • cell cycle control

You can take a combination of courses that will allow you to swap honours programmes at the end of Year 3.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will study cell biology at a deeper scientific level, exploring topics such as:

  • the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA replication and its controls during the cell cycle
  • laboratory techniques used to monitor protein function
  • chromatin structure

You will complete an individual research project working in one of our academic research laboratories.

You will also take part in seminars and debates on scientific papers with staff and other students. These will develop your verbal presentation, discussion and critical appraisal skills.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.

If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Your study abroad options

Placements

You will have opportunities for work experience, both in the UK and abroad, during holiday periods. You can arrange this yourself, or with help from the University's Careers Service.

If you are interested in a placement year as part of your studies, our Master of Biology (MBiol) programme might be for you.

Degree finder - MBiol programme

Field trips

Fieldwork is an important part of a number of our degree programmes. Day or half-day field trips to places such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, local woodland, the beach, or to Edinburgh Zoo are built in to our compulsory courses in the early years.

For programmes such as this one that do not have a fieldwork element, there is usually a trip to the University's outdoor centre, Firbush, at the beginning of Year 4. It is a great chance for students and staff to get to know each other, take part in some optional outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking or hill walking, as well as some academic work too.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

In our degree programmes we teach you to be able to solve problems and think independently to become part of the next generation of scientific thinkers applying their skills in a variety of contexts. Our teaching has moved away from the more traditional emphasis on lectures and there is more focus on facilitated self-directed learning, reflection, and on practical and workshop classes.

Usually, you will take three courses in each semester, totalling six over the year. Most courses use a combination of class types that you will have a mix of each week. Classes are designed to complement each other, as the theory you are taught will be reflected in the workshop, tutorial or practical work, giving you a chance to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios.

In later years, you will complete more personal study and research.

In your final year you will complete an in-depth project with one of our research groups.

Interactive lectures

Lectures are often interactive and we utilise a variety of digital tools to make them engaging. In the early years, you may have some preparation materials to engage with and reflect upon, then your in-person session will involve participation, as well as discussion with other students, as you explore new concepts with the lecturer.

Practical classes

In a practical class, you will work individually, in pairs, or in small groups in one of our teaching laboratories to complete an experiment. You are usually given details on what you will be doing in the class in advance so you can read over the steps beforehand. The equipment and materials are prepared by our team of technicians in advance so everything is ready when you arrive. White lab coats are provided and there are demonstrating staff to help show you what to do and answer questions.

The experiments you will take part in could include:

  • using microscopes to examine specimens
  • dissections to better understand different biological processes
  • using microbes to explore evolution
  • exploring how cells communicate
  • DNA analysis and insertion into a plasmid
Workshops

Workshops are smaller and more informal than lectures and focus on skills development. They will often involve discussion with your peers and working collaboratively in small groups, learning from each other. Activities may include:

  • discussing ethics and social issues in science
  • practicing academic writing skills
  • using your creativity to present an idea to your peers as part of a group
  • scientific data analysis
  • coding
  • learning how to use scientific software

They can take place in workshop rooms or in computer laboratories.

Tutorials

In biological sciences you will usually only have these in the later years of the programme. Depending on the outside courses you choose, you may have tutorials in the early years too. Tutorials are used differently from course to course and are designed to:

  • develop your analytical and critical thinking skills
  • improve your communication skills (both oral and written)
  • help you with problems arising in the course
  • show how the theory learnt in lectures can be applied to the real world

Dr Edward Wallace, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences shares his experiences researching and teaching at the University of Edinburgh.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. These could be collaborative.

The purpose of our assessments is to give you the opportunity to:

  • apply relevant skills and develop conceptual understanding
  • get feedback on your work from academic staff and your peers
  • show us you can apply the knowledge you have learnt to the questions or assignments you are given

Types of assessment could include:

  • regular quizzes
  • group or individual practical reports
  • problem solving questions
  • scientific paper analysis
  • oral and visual presentations
  • scientific writing

A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your assessment during the final year.

Biological Sciences Sample Timetable, Year 1, Semester 1

Monday
9am – 10am Biological Chemistry 1A (optional course) - Lecture
10am – 1pm Biological Chemistry (optional course) Practical
2pm – 3pm Biology 1A: Variation - Interactive Session
3pm – 4pm Biology 1B: Life - Interactive Session

Tuesday
10am – 12pm Biology 1B: Life - Workshop
3pm – 5pm Biology 1B: Life - Interactive Session

Wednesday
9am – 10am Biological Chemistry 1A (optional course) - Lecture
10am – 1pm Biology 1B: Life - Practical

Thursday
2pm – 5pm Biology 1A: Variation - Practical

Friday
9am – 10am Biological Chemistry 1A (optional course) - Lecture
10am – 12pm Biology 1A: Variation - Workshop
2pm – 3pm Biology 1A: Variation - Interactive Session
3pm – 4pm Biological Chemistry 1A (optional course) – Tutorial

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree programme.

We will assign you to one of the Student Advisers in biological sciences. They should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

As a first year student, you will be encouraged to take advantage of the School’s BioPALs scheme, which consists of student leaders (usually senior students) who are trained to support and facilitate study sessions for those in earlier years. These sessions support the core biological sciences courses in Year 1 as well as exploring other useful topics such as finding an internship or looking for a flat.

Academic support and guidance

Where you will study

Study location

In-person teaching for biological sciences courses takes place at the University's King's Buildings Campus. With over 100 years of scientific history, King's Buildings is the centre of science and engineering teaching at Edinburgh.

The School of Biological Sciences is based in several buildings around the campus and you will visit these throughout your studies.

Depending on your choice of outside courses, some of your classes may be based in other University venues in Edinburgh. In the later years of your programme, you may be involved in projects at related research institutes in the local region.

Academic facilities

From the more traditional lecture theatres in the Ashworth Building to the modern lab facilities in the James Clerk Maxwell Building, we have a variety of teaching spaces, including:

  • lecture theatres
  • tutorial rooms
  • well-equipped teaching laboratories
  • collaborative learning spaces for group work
  • computing suites

The Nucleus Building, at the heart of King's Buildings, holds many of these collaborative learning spaces including a 'turn and learn' lecture theatre, teaching studios for group work, study space, cafes and a shop.

Other facilities

As a student, you will have access to libraries and other study spaces across the University and its campuses. There are a variety of physical textbooks and scientific papers available to borrow, as well as a range of online resources that you can use.

Career paths

The skills you will gain from a Biological Sciences degree are transferable and highly valued across many career pathways. They include:

  • problem-solving
  • analytical and quantitative reasoning skills
  • presentation and communication
  • group working and collaboration
  • time management

Our graduates

Biological sciences students go on to work or study in a range of different fields, within and outside of science. These can include:

  • further academic research - masters degree, PhD
  • practical research - lab technician, industrial roles, field assistant, conservation
  • professional qualifications - teaching, medicine, veterinary medicine, law
  • science policy - government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities
  • science communication - journalism, publishing, media relations, outreach
  • other - finance, management

Previous graduates have secured roles in both research and industry and have been employed by a variety of different organisations.

The career path you choose is up to you and will depend on your experiences, skills, values, and interests.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

We have a dedicated School Careers Consultant who runs drop-ins for students and can help with things like CV and application writing and preparation for interviews.

We also run a series of workshops during your studies including 'finding work experience' and 'preparing for placement' that you are free to attend.

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study

Graduate profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

Apply to one Biological Sciences degree  

Apply for only one Biological Sciences degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between degrees in later years provided the required courses have been passed.   

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

Marzia Golini shares her experience of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

We have a number of school-associated societies whose main passion is biological sciences or a specific area of biology. They run different events throughout the year that you can go along to and find out interesting things about biology and science in general, meet others from your courses, share advice, and have fun.

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

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  • Revised SQA standard and minimum required subjects on 12 March 2025 to include Human Biology.
  • Revised SQA standard and minimum required subjects on 12 March 2025 to clarify that we will only consider one of Biology or Human Biology.
  • Revised SQA standard and minimum required subjects on 13 March 2025 to clarify that we will only consider one of Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics.