BSc (Hons) Biology with Foundation Year
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Campus:
- City
- UCAS Code:
- 7A24
Available in Clearing for 2026 entry
Visit our Clearing hub: You can call one of our helpful and friendly Clearing advisors on 0808 5 564 565 or complete our online application form.
Why study this course with LJMU?
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
- Offers a range of optional modules such as Genes and Genomes, Developmental Biology, Immunology and Medical Microbiology and Neurobiology
- Innovative Environmental Consultancy module offering real life project experience
- Opportunity for self-funded overseas field expedition – possible destination is Doñana National Park, Spain*
- Stepping stone to careers in diverse fields such as genetics, microbiology, embryology, clinical science, radiography and environmental sciences
- Option to choose between a year's work placement or a 135-hour work-based learning placement
- £6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
- 94% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025)
- 94% of students surveyed said this course challenged them to achieve their best work (National Student Survey 2025)
About your course
The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Biology with Foundation Year programme at Liverpool John Moores University opens up the fascinating subject of biology, providing a core understanding of biological theory and practical skills.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Biology honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria). The Foundation Year is assessed creatively with less of a focus on formal examinations and tests.
About BSc (Hons) Biology
At LJMU, we recognise that biology encompasses a wide range of fascinating subject areas. That's why our first-year curriculum is designed to give you a broad foundation - allowing you to explore different fields and discover where your true interests lie. In the first year, you will typically cover core modules in Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology, Ecology, Practical Skills for Biology and Fundamentals of Scientific Research.
In your second and third years, you have the flexibility to either maintain a broad-based approach, or tailor your degree by selecting from a wide range of optional modules across diverse biological topics. These include: Genes and Genomes, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Neurobiology, Forensic Bioscience and Parasitology.
All students will partake in a core residential UK field trip in the first year* and will also have the opportunity to take part in an advanced field skills expedition during the final year optional module. The possible destination is the Doñana National Park, Spain, where you can learn ecological and behavioural field work skills.
You have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement or a 12-month placement with a relevant organisation in the UK or abroad. This will not only give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, it will also help you develop your personal skills and add real value to your CV. Many students who undertake placements have gone on to work for the same organisation after they graduate.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Please note that your choice of options may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Ecology and Conservation
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers key concepts within ecology and conservation including the abiotic environment; species, populations, communities, and ecosystems; human impacts on the environment; and various scientific applications of ecology. Case studies will be incorporated from different types of ecosystems reflecting their geographic distributions. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.
Microbiology
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities, which will provide a foundation for microbiology-related modules at levels 5 and 6.
Optional modules
Immunology and Medical Microbiology
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical concepts of medical microbiology and immunology. It will also provide an understanding of the principles and practices involved in the laboratory diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans.
Developmental Biology
20 credits
20 credits
This module enables you to learn how state-of-the-art molecular and genetic tools are used to understand mechanisms that regulate the growth and development of organisms. It covers methodology and practical experiments that illuminate the molecular mechanisms that underpin developmental processes.
Sandwich Year - Biology
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Study Year Abroad - Biology
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Study Semester Abroad - Biology
60 credits
60 credits
Optional modules
Clinical Immunology and Medical Microbiology
20 credits
20 credits
In this module, your education continues in the field of immunology and microbiology as we now focus the knowledge gained at level 4 and 5 onto the clinical aspects of disease.
Neurobiology
20 credits
20 credits
This module builds on neurobiology-related concepts taught during the level 5 Physiology of Life module. The module provides you with an insight into how molecular, cellular and organ components contribute to form the body's most complex system and how different factors can produce dysregulation of the nervous system.
Work-Based Learning
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.
Professional accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies.
Teaching is mostly via lectures, in-person laboratory practicals and field trips. Additionally, small tutorial sessions provide a forum for discussing course material more informally. You will also have progress review meetings with your personal tutor. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Formal teaching accounts for approximately 14-18 hours of your study time each week. You will be expected to spend the rest of your time in private study.
Work-related Learning
You have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement or a 12-month placement with a relevant organisation in the UK or abroad. This will not only give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, it will also help you develop your personal skills and add real value to your CV. Many students who undertake placements have gone on to work for the same organisation after they graduate.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Throughout your course you will have the support of a personal tutor who will be available to discuss course-related matters in both tutorial sessions and one-to-one progress review meetings. These meetings are to monitor your performance and identify action plans for improvement. A dedicated supervisor will also provide support during your research project.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Most modules are assessed by exam and coursework, and some via coursework only. All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. Exams may therefore include a range of question types e.g. multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay. Coursework assessment could be in the form of phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays or the evaluation of your practical skills. These are based on individual assignments, but some require group work.
Feedback on coursework assessments is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas, our Virtual Learning Environment, face-to-face or in writing. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Where you will study
You will study at the Byrom Street site in the university's City Campus in the heart of Liverpool. You will have access to first class teaching facilities, laboratories and study areas. The City Campus Library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
I enjoy how in-depth the course is. I have always loved Biology and getting to study it at such molecular and cellular levels is very interesting.
Career paths
Completing this BSc Biology programme will open up a vast range of career opportunities.
Biology graduates have gone into employment in a wide range of roles, including clinical science, embryology, research and development laboratories, microbiological food and water safety or ecological roles. Our graduates work at a number of organisations including: the NHS (various roles including the Scientist Training Programme), AstraZeneca, Unilever, UK Health Security Agency, Axion Veterinary Laboratories, Francis Crick Institute, MedImmune, Eurofins Forensics, Elucigene Diagnostics, The Christie Hospital; conservation organisations including Chester Zoo, Brecknock Wildlife Trust and Operation Wallacea; and environmental agencies, such as Natural England and Kingfisher Environmental Services. Some prefer to continue their studies with postgraduate study (PGCE/PGDE, MSc, MPhil, MRes or PhD) in topics as wide ranging as human nutrition, oncology, molecular medicine, tropical medicine and embryology, or others go into teaching and lecturing.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students beginning their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are set in accordance with the Government’s regulated fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this cap will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28, in both cases subject to Parliamentary approval.
The Government has also indicated that from the 2028/29 academic year onwards, the fee cap may be adjusted annually in line with inflation. As a result, tuition fees in future years may increase in line with inflation. We will provide confirmation of any changes as early as possible in advance of each academic year.
The university reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament.
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the School. PPE is provided for all necessary practical work. There are no costs for day field trips for core and optional modules. Residential field trips associated with the Level 4 core module include all travel and accommodation costs. Any residential field trips for optional modules will incur a cost to the student. Locations may be subject to change and also subject to national and international travel restrictions.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Applying via Clearing
Minimum UCAS points required:
For the latest entry requirements, complete our Clearing Application Form or call our Clearing hotline on 0808 5 564 565.
You can find out a wealth of useful information and support with the Clearing process on our Clearing webpages.
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