About the course
If you are fascinated by the way in which the mind can affect the functioning of the body, this degree places you at the interface between human biosciences and psychology, exploring its impact on human health.
On the course, you focus on interactions at a molecular level and the effect they can have on mind and behaviour. This involves understanding how the human body, nervous system and brain function in health and disease, and the ways in which they can malfunction.
You start the course with introductions to psychology, anatomy and physiology as well as the biosciences – including biochemistry and microbiology – which can be linked to mind and consciousness. Later, you explore areas such as immunology, pharmacology, nutrition, and biological and cognitive psychology.
Why choose this course?
- Learn the techniques and practical laboratory skills essential for the study of biosciences and psychology
- Work at the cutting edge of the disciplines you study, with an academic team actively involved in research and feeding the latest advances into your learning
- Develop your understanding and ability to discuss the ethical issues surrounding this complex area
- Benefit from learning a range of key analytical and organisational skills, relevant to a wide range of career choices
- Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year in industry, gaining experience, adding to your CV and making contacts for the future
- If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year which guarantees entry to the undergraduate degree course

Units
- Cell Biology (BHS012-1) Compulsory
- Foundations To Psychology (PSY001-1) Compulsory
- Human Anatomy And Physiology (BHS004-1) Compulsory
- Microbiology And Biochemistry (BHS002-1) Compulsory
- Molecular Genetics (BHS016-1) Compulsory
- Biological And Cognitive Psychology (PSY002-2) Compulsory
- Immunology (BHS027-2) Compulsory
- Nutrition, Brain And Behaviour (BHS040-2) Compulsory
- Pharmacology (BHS021-2) Compulsory
- Physiology And Endocrinology (BHS041-2) Compulsory
- Skills In Science (BHS022-2) Compulsory
- Applications Of Immunology (BHS061-3) Compulsory
- Biology With Psychology Research Project (BHS067-3) Compulsory
- Cognitive Neuropsychology (PSY003-3) Compulsory
- Immunology And Clinical Nutrition (BHS003-3) Compulsory
- Neurophysiology (BHS057-3) Compulsory
- Psychology Of Language And Vision (PSY032-3) Compulsory
- Toxicology (BHS031-3) Compulsory
Assessment is integral in all units to check that you have met the threshold standards expected to pass each unit. They are also linked to learning, and are designed to develop and assess key subject specific and transferable skills for future employment. The requirements of each assessment will be detailed in a formal assessment brief document and discussed in teaching sessions. Formative assessment activities including preparation for the end-of-unit examinations are integral to the unit delivery to support student learning and development. The assessment tasks will include: End of unit examination (unseen written examinations); Laboratory reports Analytical assignments Problem / case study-based learning, with written reports or poster presentation of findings; Record keeping and reflection through laboratory notebook / research diary; Literature review; Enterprise proposal; Oral presentation. The Field's commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all levels of the programme. As such, practical (laboratory) reports form a significant proportion of your assessment. Assessment throughout the later units, most notably in the Level 6 Research Project, will call upon you to develop abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged, as some units in Level 5 of the award require all students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments. This is then continued in Level 6 units.
Why Study in the School of Life Sciences?
- Specialist laboratories in new £40m STEM building
- 92% satisfaction with Biological Science, NSS 2020
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student