Biology helps us to understand the world around us – the way that plants and animals interact, the way that different living things evolve and adapt and our own role in the wider natural world. Biology at Royal Holloway, University of London gives you a sound understanding of the structure, function, evolution and diversity of living organisms and the interactions between them.

Our flexible degree structure allows you to tailor your course to your own interests, even within the first year. You will gain a foundation in cell biology and genetics, and study evolution, biological data analysis, and plant life. You may select from a very wide range of modules that include studies at molecular, organ, organism and ecosystem levels.

You will gain practical experience across this four year degree. In your first and second years you will attend laboratory-based and field-based practicals. After your placement, in your final year, you will join our renowned research culture as you complete your individual research project alongside academics with expertise in a wide range of research areas. Your topic may be from biomedical, environmental, microbial or plant sciences, and you may choose to use a laboratory, field, or computer-based approach.

You’ll gain invaluable laboratory experience across your degree. In your fourth year you will complete an individual project, becoming part of our renowned research culture. Many of our former students have contributed to published scientific papers, and our low student-to-staff ratio maximises your contact time with our internationally respected and enthusiastic academics.

You will also develop a range of transferable skills that you will need to impress potential employers, alongside experience of working in teams, project management, resilience, determination and strong organisational skills.

Our year in industry degrees are highly valued by employers and they give you the chance to gain first-hand experience of the world of work and to apply your learning to real-world scenarios. Your year in industry will start at the end of year 2.

Study Biology at Royal Holloway, University of London and take invaluable skills and experience into your future career. You’ll gain lab-based experience from year 1 onwards, and pick up a range of transferable skills from your field work and independent research projects.

Our alumni are building careers in fields including biotechnology, environmental monitoring and medical research. A close-knit graduate network means you’ll benefit from the knowledge and connections of Royal Holloway alumni, who regularly visit to share their experiences with current students.