Biosciences degrees
Join a community of world-leading experts in subjects ranging from molecular biology to cellular and whole organism biology, to conservation, ecology, computational biology and biological chemistry.
Study Biosciences at the University of Exeter
The Department of Biosciences at the University of Exeter is a vibrant and rapidly expanding centre for research and teaching across the biological sciences.
As a highly research-active discipline, we are in an excellent position to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes focusing on a range of discipline-specific and generic skills, designed to enhance your employability.
We provide state-of-the-art facilities for our students: from next-generation DNA sequencing and proteomics facilities, to an enhanced bioimaging suite as well as research laboratories, greenhouses and controlled environment rooms.
Our Biosciences degrees and courses
Our Biosciences degrees are taught on our Streatham Campus in Exeter.
Undergraduate degrees
Our undergraduate courses are available with study abroad or professional placement options.
Masters degrees
Postgraduate Research
As a postgraduate research student in Biosciences, you will be part of a thriving Biosciences research community, benefiting from quality research-led teaching and supervision, as well as access to outstanding facilities.
Related subjects
You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Biology
The Guardian University Guide 2026
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Explore the spectrum of biological and biomedical sciences, taught by internationally-renowned experts
155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026
Frequently asked questions about studying Biosciences
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if a Biosciences degree is right for you.
What career prospects would I have with a Biosciences degree from Exeter?
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Many of our graduates are employed in discipline relevant roles in the UK and overseas including laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching and nursing. Others use the skills gained on their course to enter widely different career paths in law, business or management.
Find out more about a career with a degree in biosciences, or a career with a degree in biomedical sciences.
Can international students apply for Biosciences degrees?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
How does personal tutoring work for undergraduate biosciences students at Exeter?
Our Biosciences students are well supported while studying with us. Each student is assigned to an academic personal tutor who will get to know their tutees, understand their learning style and support them in key skills.
Each personal tutor has between 4-6 students in their tutor group, ensuring that students have a supportive peer group as well as academic guidance. Our tutorial system involves regular compulsory group and individual meetings throughout the academic year providing academic key skills, careers advice and pastoral support.
We also have Senior Tutors for each year group of students, to provide additional support to students who may be experiencing issues that affect their ability to study. They work closely with University services in Welfare, Accessibility and the Student’s Guild to offer holistic support packages, ensuring students can continue their studies.
Can I study abroad as part of my undergraduate biosciences programme?
All undergraduate Bioscience programmes have a four-year Study Abroad counterpart programme. To secure your place on a Biosciences study abroad programme, apply to it during your UCAS application. Alternatively, you may apply to a three-year Biosciences programme, then apply to transfer to a study abroad programme at the end of your first year. Please note that transfer is not guaranteed.
We have over 30 exchange partner universities around the world including Europe, North America, the Far East and Australia. An up-to-date list of ever-increasing partners may be found here: Where can I study abroad?
All of our partners offer approved training in bioscience subjects and also include:
- new opportunities (e.g. palaeontology, icthiopathology, volcanology)
- programmes with specialisms (e.g. biochemistry, natural sciences)
- courses with local expertise (e.g. shark biology, rock mountain ecology)
Students are also encouraged to choose subjects outside science for a (programme-specific) fraction of each term. Scuba diving, comparative theology, photography, astronomy, performance, and classical music are a few recent choices by Exeter students.
What is the difference between BSc/MSci Biological Sciences and BSc/MSci Biochemistry?
Our students love the flexibility that our wide breadth of modules offers them across our biological sciences and biochemistry programmes. We have outlined the differences between our undergraduate biological sciences and biochemistry courses.
Your future career with a Biosciences degree
Studying Biosciences gives you a broad understanding of living systems while developing practical, research and analytical skills. These abilities prepare you for careers in healthcare, biotechnology, and research, as well as non-science roles in business, policy, education, and other fields that value problem-solving and critical thinking.
Biosciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options and employability sessions are put on for the students over the course of their programme. Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Biosciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Explore your career options with a Biosciences degree
"Being able to learn about real-world issues from the people researching them is amazing. The academics are really passionate about their subjects. The ecology lecturers, in particular, are brilliant. I can now fully appreciate the pressures facing the environment, and the world-class science going on in the background looking for the solutions."
Luke
BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Placement, Streatham Campus