Biological Sciences with Language for Science
Understand the behaviour of living systems as you advance your language skills.
Biological Sciences with French for Science
Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.
Biological Sciences with German for Science
Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for Science
Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.
Develop your understanding of biology and develop your language skills in a science context
Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems
Build your research skills on an extended project with an approved partner university abroad
Course key facts
-
Qualification
-
BSc
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
8 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
AAA (A-level)
-
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
-
Qualification
-
BSc
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
UCAS course code
C1R1
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
8 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
AAA (A-level)
-
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
-
Qualification
-
BSc
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
UCAS course code
C1R2
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
8 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
AAA (A-level)
-
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
-
Qualification
-
BSc
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
UCAS course code
C1R4
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
8 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
AAA (A-level)
-
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France, Germany or Spain.
You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.
The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of your chosen country.
Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.
The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.
Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.
With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.
Your third year will be spent at a university in your chosen country, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.
Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.
Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France.
You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.
The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of French-speaking countries.
Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.
The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.
Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.
With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.
Your third year will be spent at a French-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.
Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.
Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Germany.
You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.
The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of German-speaking countries.
Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.
The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.
Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.
With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you’ll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.
Your third year will be spent at a German-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.
Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.
Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Spain.
You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.
The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of Spanish-speaking countries.
Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.
The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.
Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.
With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.
Your third year will be spent at a Spanish-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.
Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study all core modules.
Core modules
- Biological Chemistry and Microbiology
- Evolution and Diversity
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- French, German or Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
You’ll study all core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.
Core modules
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
- Tutored Dissertation
- French, German or Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
Optional modules
Group A
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Essentials of Ecology
Group B
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioural Ecology
Group C
- Vertebrate Form and Evolution
- Ecological Field Skills
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Computational ‘Omics
You spend this year studying at a leading university in your chosen country.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
You’ll take one language module.
You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.
Core module
- French, German or Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology
Optional modules
Group A
- Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
- Metabolic & Network Engineering
- Medical Microbiology
- Plant Biotechnology & Development
- Current Topics in Development Biology
- African Biology Field Course
- Evolutionary Applications
Group B
- Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Integrative Systems Biology
- Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
- Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
- Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
Group C
- The Microbiome
- Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
- Bioinformatics
- Synthetic Biology
- Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
- Biodiversity Genomics
- Advanced Immunology
- Global Change Biology
Group D
- Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
- Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)
You’ll study all core modules.
Core modules
- Biological Chemistry and Microbiology
- Evolution and Diversity
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
You’ll study all core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.
Core modules
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
- Tutored Dissertation
- French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
Optional modules
Group A
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Essentials of Ecology
Group B
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioural Ecology
Group C
- Vertebrate Form and Evolution
- Ecological Field Skills
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Computational ‘Omics
You spend this year studying at a leading university in Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
You’ll take one language module.
You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.
Core module
- French Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology
Optional modules
Group A
- Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
- Metabolic & Network Engineering
- Medical Microbiology
- Plant Biotechnology & Development
- Current Topics in Development Biology
- African Biology Field Course
- Evolutionary Applications
Group B
- Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Integrative Systems Biology
- Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
- Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
- Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
Group C
- The Microbiome
- Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
- Bioinformatics
- Synthetic Biology
- Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
- Biodiversity Genomics
- Advanced Immunology
- Global Change Biology
Group D
- Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
- Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)
You’ll study all core modules.
Core modules
- Biological Chemistry and Microbiology
- Evolution and Diversity
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
You’ll study all core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.
Core modules
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
- Tutored Dissertation
- German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
Optional modules
Group A
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Essentials of Ecology
Group B
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioural Ecology
Group C
- Vertebrate Form and Evolution
- Ecological Field Skills
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Computational ‘Omics
You spend this year studying in Heidelberg, Germany.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
You’ll take one language module.
You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.
Core module
- German Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology
Optional modules
Group A
- Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
- Metabolic & Network Engineering
- Medical Microbiology
- Plant Biotechnology & Development
- Current Topics in Development Biology
- African Biology Field Course
- Evolutionary Applications
Group B
- Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Integrative Systems Biology
- Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
- Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
- Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
Group C
- The Microbiome
- Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
- Bioinformatics
- Synthetic Biology
- Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
- Biodiversity Genomics
- Advanced Immunology
- Global Change Biology
Group D
- Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
- Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)
You’ll study all core modules.
Core modules
- Biological Chemistry and Microbiology
- Evolution and Diversity
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
You’ll study all core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.
Core modules
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
- Tutored Dissertation
- Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics
Optional modules
Group A
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Essentials of Ecology
Group B
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioural Ecology
Group C
- Vertebrate Form and Evolution
- Ecological Field Skills
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Computational ‘Omics
You spend this year studying at a leading university in either Madrid or Valencia.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
You’ll take one language module.
You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.
Core module
- Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology
Optional modules
Group A
- Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
- Metabolic & Network Engineering
- Medical Microbiology
- Plant Biotechnology & Development
- Current Topics in Development Biology
- African Biology Field Course
- Evolutionary Applications
Group B
- Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Integrative Systems Biology
- Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
- Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
- Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
Group C
- The Microbiome
- Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
- Bioinformatics
- Synthetic Biology
- Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
- Biodiversity Genomics
- Advanced Immunology
- Global Change Biology
Group D
- Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
- Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- 70% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Laboratory
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Site visits
- Group project
- Research project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Examination
- Coursework
Year 1
- 60% Examination
- 40% Coursework
Year 2
- 48% Examination
- 52% Coursework
Year 4
- 56% Examination
- 44% Coursework
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Essays
- Individual research
- Laboratory write-ups
- Presentations
- Reports
- Written examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- 70% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Laboratory
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Site visits
- Group project
- Research project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Examination
- Coursework
Year 1
- 60% Examination
- 40% Coursework
Year 2
- 48% Examination
- 52% Coursework
Year 4
- 56% Examination
- 44% Coursework
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Essays
- Individual research
- Laboratory write-ups
- Presentations
- Reports
- Written examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- 70% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Laboratory
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Site visits
- Group project
- Research project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Examination
- Coursework
Year 1
- 60% Examination
- 40% Coursework
Year 2
- 48% Examination
- 52% Coursework
Year 4
- 56% Examination
- 44% Coursework
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Essays
- Individual research
- Laboratory write-ups
- Presentations
- Reports
- Written examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
- 70% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Laboratory
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Site visits
- Group project
- Research project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Examination
- Coursework
Year 1
- 60% Examination
- 40% Coursework
Year 2
- 48% Examination
- 52% Coursework
Year 4
- 56% Examination
- 44% Coursework
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Essays
- Individual research
- Laboratory write-ups
- Presentations
- Reports
- Written examinations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
This department does not use a test as part of its selection process.
Predicted grades and scores in your application are important, but it’s not the only thing that drives the decision.
Our selectors will also consider things like your personal statement and your references to understand whether there is a good match between you and your chosen subject and department at Imperial.
You can read more about our selection process, including tips on writing a personal statement, in our How to apply section.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Generally, the department does not hold interviews.
Applications from school leavers who wish to take a gap year are welcome. Applicants must state in their UCAS personal statement how they propose to spend their time.
For Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, we sometimes accept transfers from other institutions into the second year. Students should provide us with a transcript of their first year grades and details of their Pre-University Qualifications and the grades attained in them.
Offers are based on the number of places available (if any), the relevance of the modules covered in the first year elsewhere and the grades achieved. If we feel direct entry to the second year wouldn't be possible we may offer you first year entry instead.
We do not accept any transfers into the third year of any of our courses.
Applicants who are unsuccessful cannot be reconsidered for entry within the same cycle but may reapply the following year without prejudice with a new application. We consider resit students in open competition with all other applicants.
We do not accept Access courses, Foundation years or OU courses.
General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
The structure of the Department's courses means that transfer between different Biotechnology and Biochemistry degrees is usually possible up until the end of the second year.
- Transfer onto Language for Science courses must be completed at the very start of the first year.
- Transfer onto Year in Industry/Research courses should be completed at the start of the second year to allow time to arrange a suitable placement.
- It is not possible to transfer onto one of the Biological Sciences degrees from a Biochemistry or Biotechnology degree.
- Transfer onto the Management Year is subject to approval from the Imperial College Business School; and academic performance in the first two years of the degree (students should be working to a 2:1 standard by the end of their second year).
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 60% or above will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students with marks of 70% or above will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Read more about how our language for science degrees are taught on the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication website.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,250 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
£1,385 for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
We’re offering up to £5,000 each year through our Imperial Bursary scheme for eligible Home undergraduates.
If your household income remains under £70,000 a year, you’ll automatically qualify for every year of your course.
Find out more about our Imperial Bursary scheme.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
15% of the fee for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
94% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in work or further study*
- 94% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in work or further study*
- 6%
83% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 83% Of Imperial Life Sciences graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 17%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a life sciences career.
You’ll be highly sought after for roles in the pharmaceuticals industry, biotechnology, biomedical science, food technology and agrisciences.
Pest, disease and environmental management is another potential career path open to you.
Previous graduates have also advanced to roles with laboratories involved in medical research and public health, as well as the education sector and the media.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 5398
- Email: lifesciences.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Life Sciences website
Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications