Study Biological Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in the UK, Biology

About this course

About this course
- Overview
- Department
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems.

You’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including:

Ecology
Zoology
Plant Science
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Molecular biology

Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges such as:

Climate change
Biodiversity loss
Emerging diseases
Food science development
Sustainable resource management

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.

Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.

Which department am I in?

Biology

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

£25,808.00 (US$ 33,329) per year

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Heriot Watt University - Edinburgh Campus

Riccarton, Edinburgh,

Edinburgh,

Scotland,

EH14 4AS, Scotland, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

Year 1: Standard entry requirements

Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
A-Levels BBC- ABB. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.

Minimum entry requirements

Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
A-Levels BCC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.

Year 2: Advanced Highers BB including Biology, plus Higher AABB.

A-Levels ABB. Must include Biology.
International Baccalaureate 32 points. Must include Biology at Higher Level 6.
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant science subject including Biology.
HNC B in graded unit with 120 SCQF credit points. HNC must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.
HND BB in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.

Year 3: HND AB / BA in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology and be in a relevant subject area, e.g. Biology / Applied Biology / Human Biology / Environmental Biology.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.