BSc Biology with a Modern Language / Entry requirements

Year of entry: 2024

A-level

We require grades AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A-level will receive an offer of AAB. Those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA.

If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A-level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria .

Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying.

We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate’s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Language entry requirements

In addition to the above, each language has specific entry requirements.

  • French : an A-level in French (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
  • German : an A-level in German (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
  • Spanish : an A-level in Spanish (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
  • Italian: an A-level in Italian (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
  • Japanese : no prior knowledge of Japanese is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (minimum grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).
  • Mandarin : no prior knowledge of Mandarin is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).

Contextual offer

Contextual offer: AAB-ABB (including specific subjects).

Typical WP++ Contextual offer: ABB-ABC (including specific subjects).

AS-level

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to provide one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two sciences, normally Biology and Chemistry.

For degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, 5 or 6 points in the language must be achieved at Higher Level.

For degrees with Mandarin or Japanese, 5 points is required in a foreign language at Standard Level. A minimum of 5 points in Chemistry at Standard Level (or Higher Level) is essential.

Alternative entry requirements

Alternative entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
  • IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
  • an acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to provide one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.