How to Apply to Biology at Loughborough University: Biological Sciences and Human Biology BSc degrees focused on human life and health, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology; entry for UK, international (including Chinese) and transfer applicants

Loughborough University lists its biology degrees under the Biosciences subject area. This guide covers the two science degrees there: the Biological Sciences BSc and the Human Biology BSc. You apply through UCAS directly to a specific course. It follows the Loughborough website for September 2027 entry and is for UK applicants, international applicants (including Chinese applicants) and students who want to join the second year. It does not use the UCAS website or application portals, so check UCAS before you submit.

1. Degrees and routes

• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons): three years, C102; four years with a placement year, C100. The website says the course studies biological processes and functions from the molecular and cellular level to the whole organism, building from a broad base with more choice as you progress, and that it is distinctive in its focus on humans rather than other species. Topics include genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, human evolution and regenerative medicine; research strengths include physical activity, nutrition and health, genetics and regenerative medicine.
• Human Biology BSc (Hons): three years, B150; four years with a placement year, B151. The website describes the structure and function of the human body, human evolution, change across the lifespan, adaptation to stressors and how biology and culture influence disease risk, taught by staff whose research covers human population biology, global health and human development, physical activity and public health, nutrition and human genetics.
• Foundation Year versions: the website lists Biological Sciences and Human Biology with a Foundation Year in the Life Sciences foundation stream. Only that list and the Chemistry foundation page were used for this guide, not each course's own foundation page; check the website.
• Other degrees: medicine (MBBS), nursing, pharmacy and similar degrees are outside the scope of this guide, so see the website. This guide found no undergraduate degree named Biochemistry or Neuroscience on the pages it used; check the website.

2. How admission works and what you study

• You apply directly to a specific course; each degree and length of study has its own UCAS code. Conditions for moving between the two biology courses after you arrive are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the department or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Common first year: in the sample modules, both courses list the same Year 1 compulsory modules: Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Human Evolution and Adaptation, Laboratory Skills 1, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Academic Skills and Data Description. The website says these are examples only and modules change each year.
• Biological Sciences Year 2 and final year (examples): Year 2 compulsory modules are Cellular Signalling and Transport, Research Methods: Data Analysis, Laboratory Skills II, Genomics, and Growth, Development and Ageing; options include Interdisciplinary Science, Human Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Pharmaceutical and Clinical Science, and Physiology of Exercise and Training. The final year has a compulsory Project, with options such as Public and Global Health, Human Performance at Environmental Extremes, Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration, Applied Genomics, Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Biology and Sport and Exercise Nutrition; a University language module (French, German, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish) is also possible. For Human Biology the Year 2 compulsory examples begin with Human Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism; see the course page for the rest.
• Facilities: the website says Biological Sciences students use STEMLab (a University investment of £17 million in STEM facilities) and dedicated anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology laboratories, and benefit from research in the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.
• Assessment: modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination; some are 25% coursework and 75% examination, others 100% of either. Coursework includes laboratory reports, class tests, group work, essays, presentations and projects.
• Placement year: the website says the courses offer a year-long placement or study abroad; you arrange the placement or exchange yourself with support from the School and University. A professional placement earns a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) and a year abroad a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS). Past placement employers named include GSK, the Institute of Cancer Research, Johnson & Johnson, the Leicester Centre for Diabetes Research and Pfizer.
• Accreditation: the website says both Biological Sciences and Human Biology are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Selection: applicants are selected on the UCAS application, and an interview is required only in exceptional cases; applicants made an offer are invited to visit the department. The website does not mention an entrance test in biology or mathematics.
• AP / IB credit for compulsory modules and a placement test in mathematics: not given on the course pages; check the website.

3. Typical offers (September 2027 entry)

• A-level: Biological Sciences BSc asks for AAB including Biology or Human Biology, plus one of Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Geology, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science or PE. Human Biology BSc asks for AAB including Biology or Human Biology; the website says Chemistry, Physics, Geography or Environmental Science may be considered case by case if A-level Biology has not been studied.
• IB: Biological Sciences 35 points (6,6,5 at HL) including HL Biology and one other science or Maths at HL; Human Biology 35 (6,6,5 at HL) with a 5 in Biology at HL.
• BTEC: Biological Sciences, Applied Science Extended Diploma DDD with a Distinction in Unit 1 (Principles and Applications of Science I); National Diploma DD plus an A-level at B in one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Geology, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science or PE; Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at AB including one of those subjects. Human Biology, Applied Science or Forensic Science Extended Diploma DDD with a Distinction in Unit 1; National Diploma DD plus A-level Biology or Human Biology at B; Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at AB including Biology or Human Biology. The preferred BTEC is Applied Science (Human Biology also lists Forensic Science).
• GCSE: Maths and English Language at 4/C.
• Access Loughborough Contextual Offer: A-level BBB for both courses (Biological Sciences including Biology or Human Biology and one other listed subject; Human Biology including Biology or Human Biology). The website adds that applicants whose results were affected by circumstances may be considered even if they do not meet the contextual criteria.

UK applicants

• How to apply: through UCAS, directly to a specific course. This guide does not use the UCAS website or portals; the application fee, personal statement and reference rules are not given on the pages used here, so check UCAS.
• General entry requirements page: A-level applicants normally need at least three A-levels; the IB needs the full Diploma with at least three Higher Level subjects, and both Maths AA and Maths AI count toward Maths requirements; Scottish applicants usually need at least two Advanced Highers plus three other Highers; the Irish Leaving Certificate needs at least five Higher Level passes; the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Diploma counts as one A-level alongside two A-levels; the A-level science practical endorsement is not widely included in offer conditions but is expected to be completed; the EPQ is not generally part of offer conditions but may be considered after results.
• BTEC, T Level, Access to HE: BTEC and Cambridge Technical combinations are on the course pages; an Access to HE Diploma is considered case by case (60 credits, 45 at Level 3). Core Maths cannot replace an A-level where Maths is required.
• Tuition: the course pages give UK tuition of £10,050 a year for 2027/28, tied to the government fee cap and so subject to change; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. The pages give only two bands, UK and international, with no split by England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland; how fee status is decided is not given on the pages used here, so check the fee status page.

International applicants

• How to apply: through UCAS, or by progression from the ONCAMPUS Loughborough foundation programme.
• English language: the University standard is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element; some departments may ask for more. The undergraduate "higher requirements" page lists courses such as Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Law, the Psychology courses and the Sport Science courses; Biological Sciences and Human Biology are not on that list. Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (before 21 January 2026: 88 overall, 21 in each part; from 21 January 2026 the page uses a 4.5 scale, with 4.5 overall, 4.5 in Writing and Listening and 4.0 in Speaking and Reading), PTE 65 (61 in each part), LanguageCert Academic 70 (65 in each part), Oxford ELLT 7 (6 in each part) and Duolingo 120 (Speaking 110, Writing 115, Reading 110, Listening 105). Tests must be no more than two years old at the start of the course, and Loughborough does not accept Medium of Instruction letters or English proficiency letters. Applicants below the IELTS level may, at the department's discretion, take a pre-sessional English programme.
• Qualifications: the entry requirements page says Loughborough accepts many international qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, French Baccalauréat, German Abitur, Hong Kong DSE and Indian Standard XII, as well as recognised international foundation programmes; applicants from 12-year school systems can enter through the ONCAMPUS Loughborough International Foundation Programme. Country-specific standards sit in the course pages' country drop-down; for example, US applicants are asked for a 3.2/4.0 high school GPA plus any three of AP exams, IB Higher Levels, college-level credit or honors classes, with subject requirements met in AP or IB HL, and Hong Kong DSE offers range from 5, 4, 4 to 5*, 5, 5 from the best three subjects (two of them electives, excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese), depending on the course. Credential evaluation, proof of funds and visa rules are not given on the pages used here; ask the Global Engagement team.

Applicants from China

• Chinese school graduation does not give direct entry: the China entry on the course pages says students taking the Senior Middle Examinations must complete a suitable Foundation Year. Loughborough offers a Foundation Year through ONCAMPUS (its entry requirements are on the ONCAMPUS website, which was not used for this guide); you can also ask the Global Engagement team whether the foundation programme you are considering is acceptable.
• International Foundation Programme: the website says it is a one-year programme for international students who have finished secondary education, with guaranteed progression to an undergraduate degree at Loughborough subject to meeting the criteria, in five pathways: Business, Economics, Finance and Management; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Life Sciences; and Art and Design. The website does not say which pathway leads to biology degrees; ask ONCAMPUS Loughborough or the Global Engagement team.
• One year at a Chinese university: a first year at a recognised university in China is accepted for entry to the first year of some courses, typically with an overall average of 75% to 80% and specific subject marks for some courses; contact the Global Engagement team.
• Gaokao: the course and entry pages do not say how gaokao scores are used and give no gaokao cut-off; check with the Global Engagement team or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Chinese applicants taking A-levels or the IB apply directly against each course's A-level or IB requirement.
• Interviews and accreditation bodies: nothing specific to Chinese applicants is given; all students must meet the University's English language requirement.

Transfer and entry to the second year

• The course and entry pages do not give conditions for joining the second year from another university, credit transfer rules or deadlines; contact Undergraduate Admissions (the entry requirements page gives +44 (0)1509 274403).
• The entry requirements page says BTEC HND and HNC are also considered and in some cases may allow direct entry to Year 2; Open University study normally needs 120 Level 1 credits for first-year entry, and specific subjects may be required.
• Conditions for changing between the two biology courses inside the University are not given on the pages used here; ask the department.

Study with a Foundation Year (UK-fee students and others who qualify)

• The Chemistry foundation page says the Life Sciences foundation stream includes Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography and Human Biology with a Foundation Year, for people who have not studied the prerequisite subjects for first-year entry, missed expected grades because of adverse circumstances, are mature students or care leavers, or meet the contextual offer criteria. The conditions on that page are those for Chemistry with a Foundation Year: A-level BBB to CCC, IB 32 to 28 points, BTEC Extended Diploma DDD to DMM; at least five GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) including a science at 6/B and Maths and English Language at 4/C; UK tuition for the foundation year in 2027/28 is £10,050, and international students are pointed to ONCAMPUS Loughborough.
• The UCAS codes and offers for the Biological Sciences and Human Biology foundation versions were not used for this guide; check the website.

Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the course pages give £31,500 a year for international students and £10,050 for UK students for 2027/28; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. Fees can change each year; check the website.
• International Excellence Scholarship (international students only): £3,000 a year toward tuition, up to £9,000 over a standard degree; no separate application, since you are considered automatically through UCAS or the ONCAMPUS Loughborough Centre. You typically need AAA at A-level (or equivalent); the courses the website lists as needing A*AA do not include these two biology courses. You must be a self-funded international student without another University award or external sponsorship, make Loughborough your firm choice, and achieve the grades at the first sitting without resits. It does not apply during a placement or study-abroad year or to Foundation courses.
• Future Leaders Scholarship (international students only): a £10,000 tuition discount in the first year, one-off; you must already hold an offer for September 2027, apply by form, and the deadline is 11 April 2027; you must be self-funded and show you can pay the remaining fees and living costs. Scholarships cannot be combined; if you win several, only the highest-value one is honoured.
• UK students: the Loughborough University Bursary is means-tested (household income up to £30,000), £1,000 per year of study with a £500 placement start-up grant, and is not available to students from Wales, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. The Women in Science Bursary lists Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences as its eligible subjects; biology is not on the list.

Timeline (September 2027 entry)

• The UCAS key dates page describes the "2026 application cycle" and does not give 2027 entry dates. This is what the page says; check the exact 2027 entry dates on the UCAS website: UCAS applications open in September; 15 October is the first deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, veterinary science and dentistry; 13 January is the second deadline for remaining applications and the last point at which a university gives equal consideration; most offers are made by the end of March; 5 May is the first deadline to reply to offers; 30 June is the last date for a late application; Clearing begins on 2 July; A-level results day is 12 August.
• A separate deadline for international applicants is not given on the pages used here; ask Undergraduate Admissions or the Global Engagement team.
• Applicants considered for an offer are invited to visit the department.

Application checklist

UK applicants:

• A-level Biology or Human Biology (AAB, with one more listed subject for Biological Sciences), or IB 35 with HL Biology; GCSE Maths and English at 4/C
• Apply through UCAS by 13 January (check the 2027 entry date); choose the exact degree and UCAS code

International applicants:

• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each element) or equivalent; A-level or IB results as above
• For the Excellence Scholarship: make Loughborough your firm choice, reach AAA or equivalent at the first sitting; for the Future Leaders Scholarship, apply by 11 April 2027

Applicants from China:

• Chinese school students: complete a recognised Foundation Year (for example through ONCAMPUS Loughborough); how gaokao scores are used is not given, so ask the Global Engagement team
• After one year at a recognised Chinese university: an average of about 75% to 80%, plus subject marks for some courses

Transfer applicants:

• Conditions for joining Year 2 are not given; HND and HNC may allow direct entry to Year 2 in some cases

Not given on the pages used here, or to check

• 2027 entry UCAS deadlines; a separate deadline for international applicants; the application fee
• How gaokao scores are used; ONCAMPUS entry requirements and fees
• Conditions for second-year entry and credit transfer; conditions for changing between the two biology courses; offers for the foundation versions
• How fee status is decided; visa and proof-of-funds requirements

Sources: Loughborough University, Biological Sciences BSc; Human Biology BSc; Chemistry with a Foundation Year page (lists the Life Sciences foundation stream); Entry requirements; English language requirements; Undergraduate English language requirements (higher); Key dates; International Foundation Programme; Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries; Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships; Future Leaders Scholarship; Loughborough University Bursary. Courses, offers and fees follow the course pages marked September 2027 entry (2027/28); the UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle, as noted in the text. Check Loughborough for the latest details.