Biology, MBiol
Our MBiol biology degree is a dynamic exploration of the fascinating processes of life. This award combines bachelor’s-level modules with advanced study leading to a master’s degree.
Delivered by the School of Science and the Natural Resources Institute, this degree provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of biology, with diverse topics including cancer therapeutics, plant ecology and neuroscience. You will also carry out two research projects, developing the analytical and problem-solving skills sought by employers.
The course has an international focus, enabling you to learn from global experts and undertake field trips and work placements abroad. You will emerge with the skills to address some of mankind's most challenging problems, from how to feed a growing population in a changing climate to treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The MBiol provides an extensive range of career opportunities. These include industrial and medical research in government or commercial laboratories, or consultancy work in areas such as biomedical science, biotechnology or agribusiness. You could also follow this course with a research degree, such as a PhD.
UCAS points
120 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
C100 M MBiol/IMB
Department
Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Start month
September
What you should know about this course
The MBiol course gave me the opportunity to experience quite different disciplines within Biology early on, and then allowed me to pick from the course options spanning these many disciplines. The teaching methods have been both refreshing and captivating.
What you will study
About the course team
You are taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful. Our teaching is research informed and over 65% of our teaching team holds a formal teaching qualification (a number that is growing annually).
Come and meet us
Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Typical Offer: 120 Points
Qualifications: three A-levels/Extended Diploma/combination of A-level and Diploma/A-levels and Extended Certificate
Subjects:
- A-level: 40 Points from Biology
- BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science
- A-level and BTEC National: Diploma/Extended Certificate in Applied Science and 40 Points from Biology
- Plus GCSEs in English language and mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system), and one GCSE science subject at Grade C or above under the A*-G system. We also accept equivalent qualifications at Level 2, such as Functional Skills in Mathematics and English.
We will also consider:
- AS-levels along with A2-levels
- Alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technicals, AQA Tech-level, the International Baccalaureate and Access to Science
- Appropriate qualifications such as an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree, with which you may be able to enter this degree in Year 2 or later.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- 1-to-1 tutorials
Further details to be confirmed.
Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Contact hours may fall between 9am and 9pm, depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
First year courses may be shared across a number of Science courses, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject specific courses tend to be smaller, for example a typical Biology intake would have 20 students in a dedicated biology course. Similarly, in the second and third year, some core courses taken by all students will be equally large, while optional courses will be smaller, between 20- 40 students per group, enabling close interaction with lecturers.
Typical student intake per year across our biology courses is 20. Lectures are normally attended by 20, seminars/tutorials by 20.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
Assessment
On this course, students are assessed by:
- Examinations
- Coursework
Further details to be confirmed.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include ‘practice’ assessments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Full time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2019/2020 fees
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2020/2021 fees
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* For full fees information please visit our fees information pages.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge.
You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you
choose to purchase them.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may
require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to
complete your course.
Professional
memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are
covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional
professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall
Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an
allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.
- Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
- IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
- We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.
How long is my placement?
Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
What are the financial arrangements?
The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Prepare for a career in medical research investigating cures for global infections such as those from the Coronavirus or Ebolavirus families. Work in government to influence approaches to climate change action or research new ways to ensure food security. Become a Data Analyst to discover key factors affecting nutrition and obesity or inspire the next generation of scientists by becoming a Biology teacher.
Are internships available?
Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access course internships.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. We have an Employer Partnerships Manager developing relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities. Other members of the team focus on helping students to develop their knowledge of job markets, production of effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understanding HR selection processes, preparing final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements. Visit our Employability & Careers Service pages.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.
Support from the department
Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role it is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries. The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate prospectus or check our related courses below.
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Visit our biology and biomedical science subject page.
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