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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Biology
If you’re fascinated by life in all its forms, this degree takes you from the microscopic to the global scale. You’ll explore the building blocks of life, the physiology and behaviour of organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them. Evolution, diversity, and survival are key themes as you study everything from cells and genes to whole populations and habitats. With hands-on investigations and up-to-date scientific insight, you’ll develop a rounded understanding of biology and the skills to apply it in research, conservation, education or healthcare.
This course is accredited by:
Royal Society of Biology logo
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Biology (W89).
This biology degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
You’ll study two 60-credit modules that introduce a broad range of scientific topics while building your understanding of the key concepts, investigative approaches and practical skills that underpin science at university level.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct

You’ll study two 30-credit modules that explore how life adapts and survives through natural selection and the structure and function of living cells, plus choose 60 credits of complementary option modules that let you extend your scientific understanding in areas such as environmental systems, human biology, brain and mental health, or practical investigational science.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Environmental science (S226)60Oct
Human biology (SK299)30Oct
Investigative approaches in biology and chemistry (S285)30Oct

You’ll study one 60-credit module delving into advanced biological science topics, choose a complementary 30-credit module, and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.
Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.
Your last module (SXB390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Environmental science (S226)60Oct
Human biology (SK299)30Oct
Investigative approaches in biology and chemistry (S285)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Environmental science (S226)60Oct
Human biology (SK299)30Oct
Investigative approaches in biology and chemistry (S285)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, high-quality study materials, multimedia resources, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Biology upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
Your last module (SXB390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, Stage 1 includes a compulsory module, Questions in science (S111) – check you’re ready to study this module.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

6 years
£3,892*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£23,352*
That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£28,605
£28,605
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£23,352
£23,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,070
£19,070
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£15,568
£15,568
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,535
£9,535
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£7,784
£7,784
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£28,605
£28,605
£23,352
£23,352
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,070
£19,070
£15,568
£15,568
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,535
£9,535
£7,784
£7,784
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, these are:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
On completion of your biology degree, you'll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the wider jobs market. You'll have developed analytical, numerical and problem-solving abilities and gained proficiency in data handling, using computers as well as have team-working and communication skills. Employers may also look for evidence of practical laboratory or fieldwork experience to support the skills gained throughout the degree. Even if your future job doesn't involve practical work, your experiences of designing, carrying out, trouble shooting and persistence in online or home-based investigations demonstrate valuable employability requirements.
Employers of biology graduates include central and local government, the NHS, the water and horticultural industries, food and drink companies, media and communications, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies, schools and universities – in roles such as:
This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates have met defined learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.
Royal Society of Biology logo
Biology graduates displaying self-awareness, interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities are well-placed to enter scientific and non-scientific careers. The logical approach developed is relevant to a range of employment sectors including financial, business and the public sector. OU study prepares you for careers beyond your degree subject keeping future options open.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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