Bioscience BSc (Hons)

Course code C902

What is special about this course?

This BSc (Hons) Bioscience offers skills and practical experience in subjects including biology, biochemistry, genomics, laboratory practice and instrumentation, and focuses on recent advances in a range of scientific fields. 

You will learn a range of laboratory techniques used in disciplines such as microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry for biology, molecular biology and genomics. On completion of the degree you will have acquired the experience and skills required for employment in industries such as biotechnology, the food and drink sector, microbiology, environmental analysis and scientific research.

Special features

  • High importance is given to practical skills and data handling
  • You will gain valuable experience of laboratory practice in chemistry, biology and instrumentation used in industry
  • BSc (Hons) Bioscience prepares you for employment in a wide range of scientific disciplines

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 3.

  • Direct entry to year three may be possible on successful completion of the HND Applied Sciences from other institutions, preferably with an A grade in the Graded Unit; applicants with a B grade may be considered on an individual basis, as will those with other related HNDs

Year 1 - CertHE

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 3.

Year 2 - DipHE

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 3.

Year 3 - BSc

Core modules are:

  • Applications in bioscience
  • Developmental biology
  • Research skills and project
  • Introduction to data science and modelling

Options include:

  • Environmental monitoring
  • Microbial ecology
  • Climate change

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

  • Recent advances in bioscience 1 
  • Recent advances in bioscience 2
  • Sustainable energy  and waste minimisation

Plus one of the following option modules:

  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Science and society


You will also complete a dissertation, which is delivered over the whole final year.

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • You will learn through a combination of face-to-face and video conference lectures and tutorials, as well as individual online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE). You will be required to attend weekly practical laboratory sessions at your study location.

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 2 years (BSc + BSc (Hons))

Where can I study my course?

  • Inverness
  • North, West and Hebrides - Thurso campus

Start date

  • September

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Study Mode 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time (120 credit modules) per year £1,820 £1,820
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year £915 £915
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) £305 £305

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time 2024-25 Full-time
Year 1 CertHE £9,250 £9,250
Year 2 DipHE £9,250 £9,250
Year 3 Degree £9,250 £9,250
Year 4 Honours free free

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Year Level 2023-24 Full-time With scholarship 2024-25 Full-time With scholarship
Year 1 CertHE £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 2 DipHE £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 3 Degree £15,360 £11,360 £15,996 £11,996
Year 4 Honours £15,360 Free £15,996 Free

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Study Mode 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year £15,360 £15,996
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year £7,680 £7,998
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) £2,560 £2,666

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

You will be required to attend weekly practical laboratory sessions at your study location.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed your BSc (Hons) Bioscience, you may consider a career in:

  • Biotechnology
  • Food and drink industries
  • Genomics
  • Environmental analysis and protection
  • Chemical industries
  • Research

Can I progress into further study?

You may progress from BSc (Hons) Bioscience onto a postgraduate course such as:

Is there more information available online?

QR Code - scan to visit course page

You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

Apply for Bioscience BSc (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.