Life Sciences Degree


Life Sciences degree - 4 years (C990)

Life Sciences degree at Aberystwyth

This Life Sciences honours degree scheme is designed to provide a route into higher education in the Biological or Life Sciences for students who:

  • are qualified to enter higher education but lack adequate qualifications in science to take a Life Sciences degree
    OR
  • have a non-traditional background for entry into higher education
    OR
  • have not yet achieved their full academic potential.

What will I study?

Students on the Life Sciences degree scheme start with a foundation year that is taught by staff within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences on the main Penglais campus. It consists of a fully integrated programme of lectures, practicals, seminars and tutorials in biology, chemistry, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, environmental biology, maths, computing, laboratory techniques and study skills. This combination provides students with a wide range of knowledge and fundamental skills in biology and related science. Classes usually consist of about 20 students, so there is ample opportunity for individual attention from staff.

On successful completion of the foundation year, students register for any one of the three year degree schemes offered by the Institute (please see list below). They are also able to follow approved degree programmes in other departments.

Detailed Course Structure

Key features

  • 4 year, full-time course.
  • Broad training in Biological or Life Sciences.
  • Successful completion of the foundation year is followed by transfer to one of our named BSc (Hons.) programmes (please see full list opposite).
  • Development of technical and transferable skills.
  • Fieldwork opportunities. 
  • Varied but balanced assessment load throughout the year.
  • Enthusiastic and supportive staff.
  • Located in one of Europe’s largest centres for life sciences research.
  • Stunning natural location and unspoilt coastal environment

Entry Requirements

  • Entry to C990 Life Sciences is decided on an individual basis following interview with our admissions tutors.
  • Usually students are required to have passed GCSE Mathematics, double award Science (or separate sciences) and either English or Welsh with a grade C or better.
  • Equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis and we welcome all informal enquiries.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through examination and term time assessments, which can include essays, lab reports, seminars, literature reviews, debates and problems to solve.

Is this the right course for me?

Students on C990 Life Sciences come from a wide range of backgrounds. Participants include those who are 18 or 19 years of age, mature students with a wide range of previous experience and overseas students. The course may recruit students who have under-achieved in A-level studies that include Biology but only where there is reason to expect improved performance.

Experience shows that students who start with the C990 Life Sciences can achieve the highest level of attainment in their chosen degree scheme. Many have graduated with First Class Honours and have gone on to develop careers in scientific research.

Foundation Year

Includes the following modules:

Schemes available after successful completion of the Foundation Year

Other approved schemes may be available.

Study Scheme Information

The information on this page refers to the following study scheme(s)

Key Information Set