Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
You are viewing our beta course page.
Biological Sciences (Human Health)
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 08/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
This course comprises a core of biology with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and wellbeing such as nutrition, physiology, and psychology. These themes are developed together throughout the course, with some flexibility in course structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.
Year 1
Introduces Biology largely as Human Biology with accompanying courses in Applied and Environmental Biology. Additional subjects include Mathematics for Scientists and Chemistry, as required for an understanding of future courses in Biochemistry and Physiology.
Year 2
Considers broad topics in Biology, including: Cell and Molecular Biology; Microbiology; Human Anatomy and Physiology; and Nutrition and Health.
Year 3
Provides increased specialisation in aspects of: Cell and Molecular Biology; Nutrition and Human Health; and Cardiovascular and Exercise Biology. There is also the possibility to study Medical Microbiology or aspects of Biotechnology or Business.
Year 4
Students will study advanced-level courses in the areas of Biology and Exercise Science, covering topics such as: Molecular Toxicology; Molecular Nutrition; Immunology; Microbial Pathology; and Health, Lifestyle and Disease. A research project provides the practical component of the final year of study.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CB99
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC - ABB
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: ABB including Biology or Human Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
in relevant subject for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject.
Scottish Higher - AABB
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
Scottish Advanced Higher - BB
including Biology or Human Biology plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
including a science subject at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 32 points with Biology at Higher Level 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in relevant subject with C in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HNC in relevant subject (science based course to include Biology) with grade B in graded unit.
Scottish HND - Pass
For Year 2 entry: HND in relevant subject (science based course to include Biology) with grades BB in graded units.
For Year 3 entry: HND in a relevant subject (science based course to include Biology) with grades BA in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - BCC
including a science subject e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
in relevant subject.
Scottish Higher - BBBC
including a science subject at B e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
-
Scottish HNC - Pass
with B in the graded unit and passes in all 15 units for entry to Year 2 (where there is a recognised route from a relevant HNC qualification).
Scottish HND - Pass
with BB in the graded units and passes in all 30 units for entry into Year 3 (where there is a recognised route from a relevant HND qualification).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:
Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.
Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25008 | Year 1 |
| International | £25008 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Related courses
At Heriot-Watt University
Like this page