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Why study Biology at Warwick?

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10 reasons to study Life Sciences at Warwick:

Tailor your Degree to your Own Interests

"Core first year modules for all degrees provide you with the essential foundations in biology, biochemistry, genetics and chemistry.

In years two and three you can tailor your degree by choosing from optional modules. Optional modules cover neuroscience, immunology, ecology and evolution, or the study of extreme environment biology such as the organisms around volcanoes and deep sea trenches."
Dr Emma Anderson, School of Life Sciences

Warwick Graduates are Highly-skilled and Employable

Our students gain sophisticated laboratory, numeracy, literacy and organisational skills, which are sought after by a range of employers. 85% of Life Sciences 2020-21 graduates found graduate-level job or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023). The Government's 2018 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) show that Warwick's Life Sciences graduates are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for high earnings five years after their graduation.

Our four-year Master's (MBio) courses give you the opportunity to spend a year undertaking research in an industry setting or at Warwick. Recent industrial placements have included GlaxoSmithKline, Syngenta, AstraZeneca and Public Health England.

The University of Warwick is the 5th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Report 2022).

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Degree Accreditation

All of our undergraduate degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and our MBio degrees hold advanced accreditation. RSB accredited degrees periodically undergo rigorous, independent assessment to ensure a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepares graduates to address the needs of employers. MBio courses provide up-to-date knowledge and the most current research and analytical skills alongside hands-on experience. This shows future employers that our students have the practical skills and knowledge required by the bioscience industry.

We achieved a satisfaction rating of 89% for 'teaching on my course' in National Student Survey (2023).

Work Experience and Study Abroad

All our degrees come with a placement year option.

This one year placement is taken between second and third years of study and provides valuable work experience. You can also undertake an industrial placement as part of the MBio degree.

You also have the opportunity to study abroad as a placement year at one of our partner institutions.

It's a great way to experience another culture and broaden your degree by studying additional subjects. Studying overseas can add immeasurably to your personal development, future study and career opportunities.

More on Work Experience and Study Abroad

Students working in the Interactive Computational Learning Suite

Excellent Teaching and Learning Facilities

We provide students with a unique and distinctive learning environment, with facilities and learning opportunities that rival the world's top universities.

Our facilities include 120 iMacs for bioinformatics and computational skills teaching, and the BioMed Grid, an innovative learning environment with digital multimedia.

According to the National Student Survey (2023), 93% students found it easy to access subject specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software) when they needed them.

Undergraduate students working in the lab

High Quality Lab Time

"My favourite part of the course has been the lab classes. Getting to actively perform the experiments described in lectures and observing how results are obtained in a real life setting is both intuitive and interesting. The opportunity to put theory into practical applications helps simulate an industry setting."
David, Biochemistry

Over 95% of our students said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2023).

Research-led Teaching

You'll be exposed to ideas and results at the cutting edge of biology research, as well as learning well-established information. Almost all our staff teach and research, so you'll have the opportunity to learn from, and work alongside, leading scientists and benefit from their wide-ranging expertise.

The Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 named the University of Warwick University of the Year for Teaching Quality.

Listen to 3 of our scientists describe their research:

According to the National Student Survey (2023), 92% said that 'the course is intellectually stimulating'.

Academic and Personal Support Teaching

Weekly tutorials in your first year and fortnightly in the second and third years, provide the opportunity to interact regularly with your personal tutor and a small group of peers.

Tutorial sessions develop a range of scientific and transferable skills and ensure that you gain regular feedback on your academic progress.

Your personal tutor normally stays with you throughout your degree and is your point of call for any academic or welfare support.

3 students looking happy in an interactive workshop

Helping you Transition to University

Science 101 is a non-credit bearing skills-based module for Year 1 students to help you transition from school to university study. It provides you with the key skills required to develop as an independent learner. Interactive workshops provide you with the opportunity to practise and develop your academic, personal and professional skills.

A group of male and female students chatting outside

Friendly and Lively Community

Warwick Biology Society (BioSoc) is friendly, innovative and open to anyone to join. Run by students, there are social events, trips and talks throughout the year. Being part of BioSoc is a great way to meet new people and make friends on your course.

The QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024 have judged Coventry to be the 7th best city in the UK and joint 44th in the world in which to study.