BSc (Hons) Human Biology

Entry year:
2026/27
Start date:
September
Study mode:
Full-time
Campus:
City

Available in Clearing for 2026 entry

Visit our Clearing hub: You can call one of our helpful and friendly Clearing advisors on 0808 5 564 565 or complete our online application form.

Why study this course with LJMU?

  • Equips you with a wide range of specialist and transferable skills required by employers related to human biology and health
  • Delivered by experts in human biology and related disciplines.
  • Engage and learn with subject experts and research-active staff in a welcoming and supportive environment
  • Gain experience of using current and cutting-edge laboratory technologies, techniques and tools
  • Develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills required by employers and attend regularly organised employability events and networking opportunities
  • Participate in residential courses and work placement opportunities in the UK and abroad to further develop skills and competencies
  • This degree is available to study following a foundation year
  • International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

About your course

The new BSc (Hons) Human Biology provides a deep understanding of the human body, its anatomy and biological processes – from the molecular level to the whole organism, and related hot topics such as health, disease and the impact of ageing on societies.

You will develop an informed and critical understanding of human biology relevant to the public and private sectors, such as academic, health care, clinical and industry. The degree offer the opportunity to develop specialist subject knowledge in one of the following themes through selecting optional modules: genetics, health and disease, nutrition, neuroscience, and microbiology and immunology.

In the second and third years you can specialise by choosing optional modules from a variety of topics. You also have the chance to undertake a short 135 hour work-based learning placement or a year-long industrial placement. This means you can put what you have learnt into practice and acquire transferable skills sought by employers.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Principles of Human Nutrition
20 credits

The module will help you develop knowledge of the importance of nutrition to human health introducing the subject of nutritional recommendations in terms of energy and nutrients. You will gain an overview of the chemistry, function and properties of nutrients and the consequences of inadequate intakes.

Microbiology
20 credits

This module aims to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities, which will provide a foundation for microbiology-related modules at levels 5 and 6.

Anatomy and Physiology
20 credits

This module will introduce you to both the structural organisation of the human body and how it is controlled.

Optional modules

Food Chain and Sustainability
20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide knowledge and understanding of the global food supply chain and its impact on food choice, nutrition, health and the environment. The module introduces the main staple foods and food commodities; an overview of the structure of global food supply chain (including primary production, food processing and manufacturing, food distribution and food retail); an understanding of the political and ethical issues of food production and supply; as well as issues associated with food sustainability.

Food Technology and Development
20 credits

This module aims to provide an understanding of the technology, techniques and processes involved in turning raw materials into safe nutritious foods. The module will focus on technological advancements in the industry to help improve the nutritional quality of foods. The module will provide you with an understanding of food production and manufacturing techniques and will discuss selection, production, processing, preservation, packaging, labelling, waste management and quality management of safe nutritious food. Workshop sessions will provide opportunities for the practical exploration of food technologies. The combination of theory and practice will promote the development of both theoretical and practical skills.

Eating Behaviour for Sport and Health
20 credits

This module builds upon the Physiological Response to Acute Exercise, Biochemistry and Metabolism and Principles of Human Nutrition modules. The physiological, metabolic and nutritional knowledge gained from these modules will provide you with a good foundation to integrate the biological with new material on the psychosocial aspects of eating behaviour. The aims are to comprehend the interdisciplinary nature of eating and appetite behaviour, incorporating physiological/molecular and psychosocial models to understand how eating behaviour may affect individuals or society relationships with food; to discuss the consequential health implications of dysfunctional eating; to demonstrate a knowledge of how health professionals may treat dysfunctional relationships with food/diet.

Immunology and medical microbiology
20 credits

This module provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical concepts of medical microbiology and immunology. It will also provide an understanding of the principles and practices involved in the laboratory diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans.

Developmental Biology
20 credits

This module enables you to learn how state-of-the-art molecular and genetic tools are used to understand mechanisms that regulate the growth and development of organisms. It covers methodology and practical experiments that illuminate the molecular mechanisms that underpin developmental processes.

Sandwich year - Human Biology
120 credits

The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.

Study Semester Abroad - Human Biology
60 credits

The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.

Study Year Abroad - Human Biology
120 credits

The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.

Core modules

Omics in Health and Disease
20 credits

In this module, teaching will occur through lectures, practical sessions and workshops.  Laboratory experiments and computational analysis will take place in wet and dry laboratories as appropriate. Theory sessions will take place in the lecture theatre or classroom, and these will be followed by practical and/or workshop sessions. 

Optional modules

Clinical immunology and medical microbiology
20 credits

In this module, your education continues in the field of immunology and microbiology as we now focus the knowledge gained at level 4 and 5 onto the clinical aspects of disease.

Neurobiology
20 credits

This module builds on neurobiology-related concepts taught during the level 5 Physiology of Life module. The module provides you with an insight into how molecular, cellular and organ components contribute to form the body's most complex system and how different factors can produce dysregulation of the nervous system.

Work-Based Learning
20 credits

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.

Your Learning Experience

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies.

Teaching is mostly via lectures and in-person laboratory practicals. Additionally, small tutorial sessions provide a forum for discussing course material more informally. You can participate in residential courses and work placement opportunities in the UK and abroad to further develop your skills and competencies You will also have progress review meetings with your personal tutor. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Work-related learning

You have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement or a 12-month placement with a relevant organisation in the UK or abroad. All students are fully supported by a work placement officer. This gives you the chance to gain professional exposure in a relevant industry, form networks, enhance your skill set and gain valuable experience that can influence your long-term career goals and provide an employability edge. A work placement can be a refreshing break and provide inspiration for your final year research project.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

Throughout your course you will have the support of a personal tutor who will be available to discuss course-related matters in both tutorial sessions and one-to-one progress review meetings. These meetings are to monitor your performance and identify action plans for improvement. A dedicated supervisor will also provide support during your research project.

The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Most modules are assessed by exam and coursework, and some via coursework only. All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. Exams may therefore include a range of question types e.g. multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay. Coursework assessment could be in the form of phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays or the evaluation of your practical skills. These are based on individual assignments but some require group work.

Feedback on coursework assessments is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.

Where you will study

You will study at the Byrom Street site in the university's City Campus in the heart of Liverpool. You will have access to first class teaching facilities, laboratories and study areas. The City Campus Library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.

Career paths

Completing this BSc Human Biology programme will open up a vast range of career opportunities.

You can develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills required by employers and attend regularly organised employability events and networking opportunities. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and transferable skill set needed for further study and career success in human biology and related health sciences. Human biologists may pursue a variety of careers in the UK and abroad, in areas such as: laboratories, scientific education and communication, public health and policy, technical service and sales support, or health service providers.

Some graduates prefer to continue their studies with postgraduate study (PGCE/PGDE, MSc, MPhil, MRes, or PhD) or pursue careers in teaching and lecturing.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students beginning their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to Parliamentary approval.

In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are set in accordance with the Government’s regulated fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this cap will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28, in both cases subject to Parliamentary approval.

The Government has also indicated that from the 2028/29 academic year onwards, the fee cap may be adjusted annually in line with inflation. As a result, tuition fees in future years may increase in line with inflation. We will provide confirmation of any changes as early as possible in advance of each academic year.

The university reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament.

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.

Financial Support

The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.

Applying via Clearing

Minimum UCAS points required:

For the latest entry requirements, complete our Clearing Application Form or call our Clearing hotline on 0808 5 564 565.

You can find out a wealth of useful information and support with the Clearing process on our Clearing webpages.

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