Biology is a broad discipline. It covers everything from genetics and the study of cells, to how creatures interact with their environment. So, it follows that students aiming for a career in this science would want the best, most comprehensive study programmes.
Superprof studied the data in search of the best biology universities UK. All the rankings returned consistent results. By all the metrics, these five schools claim the top spots for Biology studies in the UK.
Top Universities for Biology UK
- #1 - University College London
- #2 - University of Oxford
- #3 - University of Cambridge
- #4 - Imperial College London
- #5 - University of Manchester
University College London (UCL)
UCL is #1 in the UK and Europe, and #8 in the world for Biology studies. On top of that, UCL has earned the University of the Year (2024) award.
It's Biology study programme is particularly well-developed, with 45 degree plans available. Regardless of which pathway you choose, your tuition costs will be the same.
Students looking for extra guidance may benefit from a dedicated biology tutor in Coventry.
The government-set tuition fee cap for 2025-26 is £9 535.
This fee applies to all the universities this article covers.
Note: you will have additional costs - for field trips, supplies, and learning materials. You can learn about them from your school's prospectus.
For all its variety in degree plans, UCL's Biology curriculum is surprisingly streamlined. Throughout your first two years, you will diversify your learning through:
- lectures
- practical work
- seminars
- e-learning classes
- tutorials
- personal study, with academic support
Minimum entry standard: AAA
Course requirements: Biology, plus two sciences - Maths, Chemistry, Physics
Notes: Deferred entry allowed; contextual offers require an ABB grade profile, with the A in Biology.
Graduate Outcomes
UCL's Graduate Survey data is 2-3 years out of date (from 2021-22). Still, we can get an idea of how students fared, once they left school.
90% of students with a Master's degree reported they were doing highly skilled work. Just under 50% pursued continuous learning. 80% indicated that their work matches their interests and education.
Why Is This University on Our List?
It's #1 ranking matters, of course. But we found so much to like about UCL's Biology programmes, on top of those statistics:
You should know that UCL leads the best universities for biology in genetic studies in the UK, too.
University of Oxford
Oxford ranks 2nd in the UK and Europe, and 13th in the world for Biology studies. Students may earn a BA, MBiol, or a Master's degree in Biomedical Science.
They may further specialise in a number of vital fields, including Disease Biology, Cell Biology, and Genomics.
The University of Oxford maintains a set curriculum, with students having only a handful of electives to choose from. Across the three-year programme, course distribution features:
Year 1
- ~8 hours of lecture/week
- ~6 hours of practicals (labs)
- 1-hour computer sessions/week
- 1-hour discussion sessions/week
Year 2
- roughly the same structure
- more elective courses
- intensive research
Year 3
- research projects dominate
- more optional courses
- compulsory skills training
Minimum entry standard: A* in Science or Maths, plus A in Biology, and A in another science.
Notes: Deferred entry allowed; contextual admissions not generally considered.
Graduate Outcomes
Oxford graduate outcomes for Biology cannot be assessed. In 2019, this faculty redesigned its Biology programme. To date, only one student cohort is available to determine outcomes under the new system.
Why Is This University on Our List?
The Oxford name is synonymous with education excellence. Its rankings - historical and current, reflect that standard. Beyond those aspects, Oxford makes our list thanks to:
Many students complement their studies with help from a skilled biology tutor in Leicester.
The University of Oxford also offers one of the best zoology study programmes in the country.
University of Cambridge
This university ranks 3rd in the UK and Europe, and 18th in the world for Biology studies.
It offers BA (hons) and MSci degrees in Natural Science. Specialisations include Biochemistry, Zoology, and Genetics.
This school offers one of the most sought-after Biology courses in the world. At Cambridge, students are not beset by the Paradox of Choice. Most of the curriculum is firm; they only need to choose their pathway:
To further enhance learning, you might avail yourself of comprehensive biology tuition available across the United Kingdom.
Natural Sciences Biological
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pathology
- and other courses
Natural Sciences Physical
- Earth Sciences
- Material Sciences
- Astronomy
- and other courses
Minimum entry standard: A*A*A
Course requirements: Mathematics, plus two sciences; college-specific requirements.
Notes: Deferred entry and contextual admissions permitted in certain circumstances.
Graduate outcomes for Natural Sciences degree holders are particularly high. 88% report full-time employment or further education endeavours.
These numbers no doubt reflect Cambridge's Career Services support, as well as the school's Handshake initiative. That is a platform connecting students to job opportunities that match their credentials.
Why Is This University on Our List?
Rankings and prestige aside, Cambridge belongs on every student's radar for its:
Imperial College London
This university ranks 4th in the UK, 6th in Europe, and 38th in the world for Biology instruction. Imperial offers 11 undergraduate, and 33 postgraduate Biology degree programmes.
Here, you may study everything from Structural Biology to Human and Biological Robotics.
For those seeking flexible learning, an online biology teacher can provide valuable support remotely.
The school's Life Sciences department administers all Biology education, at all levels. By the latest count, it staff and students reflect a thriving learning environment, with:
- 90 academic and research staff
- 1 000 undergraduates enrolled
- 300 Master's students pursuing higher degrees
- 140 PhD students conducting research
As an undergraduate, you will earn your degree at the South Kensington campus. There, you'll find well-appointed facilities, and a well-organised curriculum. You may follow one of two learning pathways, whose degree plans include:
Biological Sciences pathway
- Microbiology
- Ecology and Environmental
- Biology
- Biological Sciences with Management
- Biological Sciences with Language for Science
Biotechnology / Biochemistry pathway
- Biotechnology with Management
- Biotechnology with Language for Science
- Biochemistry with Management
- Biochemistry with Language for Science.
Minimum entry standard: AAA
Course requirements: A in Biology, another A in Chemistry, Maths or Physics
Notes: Deferred entry and contextual admissions permitted
Graduate outcomes for this university are favourable. Data show that 63% of undergraduates, and 68.45% of postgraduates find full-time employment.
The school's placement rate for graduates is 95.1%. This strong showing is due, in part, to Imperial's extensive student Career Support initiatives.
Why Is This University on Our List?
Besides its position in the rankings - and, everything you've read so far, these features make studying Biology at Imperial a top choice:
University of Manchester
This university is #5 in the UK, # 11 in Europe, and #57 in the world for Biology studies. It offers BSc (hons) and MSc degrees, as well as doctoral study programmes.
Like Imperial College, this university's Biology programme covers the subject from the molecular level to entire ecosystems.
Minimum entry standard: AAA-AAB
Course requirements: A in Biology, A in Chemistry, Maths or Physics
Notes: Deferred entry and contextual admissions will be considered.
Biology Undergraduates will report to the school's main campus for their classes. They will find more than 3 000 administrators, teachers, and other staff, ensuring student success. Their learning experiences over three years follows this pathway:
Year 1
- key biology topics
- biodiversity and evolution
- biochemistry and cell biology
- molecular biology and genetics
Year 2
- students choose speciality
- learn research skills
- interdisciplinary learning encouraged
Year 3
- students conduct research
- study elective courses
- optional work on enterprise topics
This school's graduate outcomes are exemplary. Throughout your time in study, the university hosts workshops, seminars and networking events. These and other initiatives introduce you to the professional environment.
80% enter careers with their undergraduate degree.
78.7% undertake graduate-level studies.
92% report favourable career outcomes.
In your final year, you may choose to work on an enterprise project. This will give you experience with commercial and project management.
And, as with other unis on our best universities for biology list, students have access to career support services.
Why Is This University on Our List?
The University of Manchester has everything going for it, including stellar rankings. Besides everything highlighted above, we love it for:
This university offers one of the UK's most exciting Marine Biology courses, too. After sampling various biology fields during Year 1, you might specialise in marine ecosystems research.
University Ranking Overview
| 📊Ranking | 🏫 | 📜Diplomas offered | 👨🎓Graduate outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st in UK and Europe 8th in the world | UCL | BSc MSc 45 degree plans to choose from | 80% suitable employment to education |
| 2nd in UK and Europe 13th in the world | University of Oxford | BA Biology MBiol Master's in Biomedical Science | No assessment available. |
| 3rd in UK and Europe 18th in the world | University of Cambridge | Natural Science BA (hons) degree Natural Science MSci degree | 88% report full-time employment 15 months after graduation. |
| 4th in the UK 6th in Europe 38th in the world | Imperial College London | 11 undergraduate degrees 33 postgraduate degrees | 63% BSc graduates, and 68% MSc graduates employed full-time. |
| 5th in the UK 11th in Europe 57th in the world | University of Manchester | BSc Biology MSc Biology | 92% favourable outcomes |
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
