MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Biology (Placement)
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire offers a comprehensive and flexible BSc (Hons) Biology (Placement) program designed for students passionate about the life sciences. This four-year degree, with a dedicated placement year (the 'sandwich year'), provides a strong foundation in both natural history and medical science. The program emphasizes a "learning by doing" approach, with a significant focus on practical and field-based learning. Uniquely, assessments are entirely coursework-based, offering a more holistic evaluation of student skills compared to traditional exams. The University's biosciences courses consistently receive high rankings in the UK for student experience and graduate prospects, including high placements for student satisfaction and teaching quality. Students have the flexibility in their first year to specialize, potentially switching to BSc Zoology or BSc Wildlife Conservation Biology, or choosing to add or remove the placement option until the end of their second year. This adaptability allows students to tailor their degree to their evolving interests and career aspirations. The program is committed to career readiness, reflected in its assessment methods which mimic real-world tasks like writing reports and producing lab portfolios.
Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) Biology (Placement) curriculum at the University of Gloucestershire is designed to provide a broad and deep understanding of biological principles. Core modules typically cover fundamental areas such as Diversity and Evolution, Fundamentals of Ecology, Biochemistry, and Animal Physiology. Students also develop crucial research skills through modules like "Methods in Biology" and "Field Research Training," which often include 1 field trips in the UK and potentially overseas to diverse ecosystems in locations like South Africa, Borneo, or Switzerland. In the second year, the curriculum may include modules such as Animal Behaviour, Microbiology, and Research: Skills & Proposal: Biology. The third year is dedicated to the Internship/Professional Experience/Field Placement, providing invaluable real-world experience. In the final year, students undertake a significant independent research project, the "Biology Dissertation," allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic. Optional modules in the later years allow for further specialization in areas such as Biogeography, Cellular Pathology, Marine Ecology, and Biotechnology.
Research Focus: The Biology program at the University of Gloucestershire is taught by research-active lecturers, ensuring that the curriculum is current and informed by the latest advancements in the field. Their research interests span a range of areas, providing students with diverse perspectives and opportunities to engage with ongoing research. For students with an interest in research, there are opportunities to progress from UK-based field training in the first year to overseas field research in the second year and field placements in the third year. The final year dissertation allows students to conduct their own research under the guidance of experienced academics, contributing to the existing body of knowledge. The University also offers postgraduate research degrees (MSc by Research and PhD) in Biosciences, providing further opportunities for in-depth research in various specialisms including ecology, conservation, and biomedical science.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the BSc (Hons) Biology (Placement) program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement, primarily through the integrated placement year. This dedicated year provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in a relevant field, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings. The University of Gloucestershire has established links with various organizations, offering a range of placement opportunities. Students return from their placements with enhanced employability skills, a professional network, and a better understanding of their career paths. Beyond the placement year, the curriculum itself incorporates industry-relevant skills and assessments based on real-world tasks. Guest speakers from the biosciences sector also contribute to the program, providing students with valuable insights into the professional world. For instance, in related programs like Applied Ecology, there's a focus on industry-standard survey techniques and a CHES-accredited status, enabling free student membership with the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
Global Perspective: The program instills a global perspective in students through various avenues. The curriculum content often addresses global biological issues, such as biodiversity loss and the impact of global change on ecosystems. The opportunity for overseas field research and placements in locations like South Africa, Borneo, or Switzerland in the later years of the program provides a direct and immersive experience of different ecosystems and conservation challenges worldwide. Additionally, the University offers the possibility to spend a semester in Year 2 at partner universities in Canada, the USA, or New Zealand, broadening students' academic and cultural horizons. This international exposure enhances students' understanding of the global nature of biological challenges and the importance of international collaboration in addressing them.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Biology (Placement) program are well-equipped for a diverse range of career options due to the program's strong blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience gained through the placement year.
Biologist: This broad category encompasses a wide range of roles in research, analysis, and management of living organisms. Graduates can work in field biology, laboratory-based research, or in roles focused on understanding and conserving biodiversity.
Ecologist: With a strong foundation in ecology, graduates can pursue careers in environmental consulting, conservation organizations, and government agencies. Ecologists assess the environmental impact of human activities, conduct surveys, and develop strategies for habitat and species management.
Conservation Biologist: The program's focus on conservation, especially with the option to specialize in Wildlife Conservation Biology, directly prepares graduates for careers in protecting endangered species and their habitats. This can involve field-based work, policy development, or public education.
Laboratory Technician: The practical skills gained in the program's state-of-the-art laboratories make graduates suitable for roles as laboratory technicians in various settings, including research institutions, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. They are responsible for conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and analyzing data.
Microbiologist: With a strong understanding of microbiology, graduates can work in healthcare, food safety, or industrial settings. Microbiologists study microorganisms, identify and control pathogens, and develop new products and processes.
Biotechnologist: The program's curriculum includes modules on biotechnology, opening doors to careers in this rapidly evolving field. Biotechnologists develop and apply biological processes and organisms to create new products and technologies in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation.
Environmental Consultant: Graduates with an interest in the environment can work as environmental consultants, advising businesses and organizations on environmental issues, regulations, and sustainable practices. They may conduct environmental assessments, audits, and develop environmental management plans.
Researcher: For those with a passion for scientific inquiry, the program's research-focused components and the option for further postgraduate study (MSc by Research or PhD) provide a pathway to careers as research scientists in universities, research institutions, or private industry, conducting original research and contributing to scientific knowledge.
Science Writer/Communicator: The program's emphasis on communication skills prepares graduates for roles in science communication. They can work as science writers for magazines, websites, or educational materials, or in public relations or outreach roles for scientific organizations.
Teacher/Educator: Graduates with a passion for sharing their knowledge can pursue careers in education. With further training, they can become biology teachers in secondary schools or, with postgraduate qualifications, lecturers in further or higher education. The University's focus on teaching excellence provides a strong foundation for this path.
