Biology (Extended), BSc Hons at University of Greenwich

This wide-ranging biology degree includes an extra year to prepare you for degree-level study. It requires lower entry points than our three-year course.

This degree will give you a comprehensive understanding of biology, from cellular and human biology to biology at a global, environmental level. Subjects offered include cancer therapeutics, pharmacology and applied plant ecology. A study of neuroscience explores conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Before studying the same modules offered on our three-year course, you'll start your extended biology degree with a foundation year. This will equip you for continuing at degree level.

This highly practical course offers plenty of opportunities for laboratory and fieldwork, including an international placement. Potential careers include research roles in academic, governmental and commercial laboratories.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium-sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing. 

• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
• IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
• We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. This can be related to a credit rated course at Level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience.

Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The faculty expects that students will be as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation.

It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. 

Students on sandwich placements pay a reduced fee to the university for their placement year.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

This course will prepare you for careers such as scientific research in academic, governmental or commercial laboratories, including biotechnology companies and health-testing laboratories, scientific writing and publishing, medical equipment sales and science teaching.

Are internships available?

Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.

Other members of the team help students to develop their knowledge of job markets, produce effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understand HR selection processes, and prepare final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements.