Biology (with Foundation Year)

This BSc Biology (with Foundation Year) provides an alternative route to undergraduate study if, for example, you cannot meet entry requirements or would benefit from a further year of academic preparation.

It provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university, giving you a taste of learning at this higher level. Covering core science topics, you’ll be introduced to a range of organisms, laboratory techniques, and statistical analyses, while building your confidence, academic and research skills.

Bangor is next to the Irish Sea, Menai Strait and mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), your studies take place within easy reach of a diverse range of habitats, soil types, climate and topography, ideal for field work. Extensive facilities for practical classes include Europe’s largest underground soil laboratory and our own natural history museum with various vertebrate and invertebrate specimens.

We are unusual among British Universities in having our own botanical gardens, Treborth Botanic Garden, with various habitats for biological studies. Similarly, Henfaes Research Centre facilitates studies of agriculture, including arable crops and livestock grazing, beehives, forestry, hydrology, and conservation. It also has an extensive shoreline for studying coastal salt marsh processes.

Bangor University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), whose Welsh branch is based there. We also host the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wales. Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT). Strong links with these employers provide opportunities for work placements and volunteering, and some contribute to teaching.

As a Bangor University student, you will be taught by committed and enthusiastic staff and will have access to the University’s extensive student support network and facilities.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the Biology programme.

‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.

Make lifelong friends and build a future you can be proud of at Bangor University.

You’ll benefit from high quality teaching, expert support and a friendly learning environment at a top 20 UK university (Uni Compare Rankings 2027), while gaining real world experience through work placements and opportunities to study abroad. With accommodation guaranteed for all Clearing applicants, you can settle in quickly and start making the most of university life from day one.

Bangor’s stunning campus and close knit community make it easy to feel at home. Meet friends at Bar Uno, Pontio or Barlows, stay active at Brailsford Sports Centre, or learn in specialist facilities including a Natural History Museum, Botanic Garden, research ship, replica courtroom and fully equipped media centre.

Set between the mountains and the sea, with excellent transport links and a low cost of living, Bangor offers an outstanding student experience where you can belong, grow in confidence and shape your future. It’s time to make Bangor your new home!