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 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2024-25 Full-time | 2025-26 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 | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | 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 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,998 | £8,475 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,666 | £2,825 |
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:
- PGDE Secondary Teaching in Biology
- PGDE Secondary Teaching in Chemistry
- MSc Applied Data Analytics
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Bioscience BSc (Hons)
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.