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Study Life Sciences abroad

About this subject

  • About this subject
  • Is this the course for me?
  • Careers prospects
  • Studying Life Sciences
  • Where to study?
Life Sciences

Life Sciences is a multi-disciplinary degree which concerns itself with the application of living organisms and eco-systems. Although biology is the focus of most Life Science degrees, advances in technology, molecular biology and genetics have led to an increase in specialised subjects of study.

From degrees in Human Biology to bio-chemistry and Zoology there are a wide range of courses available to those wishing to pursue a degree in Life Sciences or a related field.

Is this the course for me?

Most Life Sciences courses will give you a sound foundation of knowledge to build upon, allowing future graduates to pursue careers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical industries. If this is something you are interested in and you have a passion for understanding the scientific principles behind living organisms, the s Life Sciences course may be perfect for you.

However, as part of your degree course, you will not only be expected to learn the biographical theory behind the life-sciences, but also to conduct your own subject research within you spare time, Successful students of this course tend not only to have a flair for scientific knowledge, but are also hard-working and organised.

Careers prospects

Life Sciences degrees offer a wide range of careers opportunities for potential graduates in a number of fields including working as a lab technician or research assistant which can pay from £16,500 - £27,500 per year in the UK.

However, depending upon your degree course, there are also opportunities for graduates to study at a post-graduate level for a number of vocational positions. Many Life Science graduates with strong degrees train to work within the NHS as doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Some even go on to find work as medical journalists or lawyers.

One of the fantastic things about Life Sciences degrees is that they also lend themselves to careers within conservation and businesses. Many technology firms will only hire staff that are able to understand the products being sold and developed and will look to place new graduates in human resources, sales, public relations and marketing roles.

Studying Life Sciences

There are numerous courses available to those wishing to study degrees in Life Sciences. From Molecular and Cellular Biology to Genetics, there are a wide range of programmes on offer to undergraduates that will allow them to study areas of interest that are particularly appealing.

Most of the Life Science degrees available for study consist of three stages, although sometimes there is an option to extend the degree programme by a year between the second and third stages in order to undertake a work placement year within an industry of your choice. The programme itself will be assessed using a wide variety of method including examinations, report writing as well as lab-based work.

Depending upon where you want to study, you will need to fulfil the establishment’s entry level requirements. Most universities will require their students to have a minimum of 3 A-levels (or equivalent) two of which must be in a science related subject such as biology, chemistry, physics or geography. A strong mathematics qualification would also be of benefit.

For those who are non-native English speakers, you will be required to sit an IELTS test and score a minimum of 6.0.

Where to study?

It is important that you choose a course that interests you academically, but is equally as vital that you remember that for the next three years, your University choice will define where you end up living. Choose a University that not only offers fantastic academic choices, but that also appeals to the social side of your personality. If you’re not particularly outgoing, choose a smaller university with a communal focus, whereas if you’re the opposite, and enjoy meeting different people each night, then choose an establishment in the heart of a buzzing city.

It is essential when choosing a University that you look at institutions where your academic grades reach the entry level requirements for the course and that you consider the cost of the fees. Those struggling financially however, may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help fund their study. After having a look at your options, you should draw up a spending budget to help you make your decision.

For the majority of students, the purpose of attending University is not only to gain a degree, but also to increase their level of employability in the jobs market. Within this context it is vital that you consider you potential job prospects while making your applications. If you already know what you would like to do with your degree after you graduate, then look at the links your potential University has within related industries and the networking opportunities this will provide you with. Many firms will hire a large percentage of their entry level graduates from selected Universities with whom strong working relationships have been cultivated.

One of the most important things to consider when making a decision over your degree is the calibre of your potential University and the course itself. Although the underlying theory of Environmental Science remains the same wherever you study, the specialist subject areas available to you will change depending upon the staff and the resources available to your chosen establishment. Look for Universities that offer interesting modules that appeal to the particular area of study that interests you and examine how these modules are taught.

What Life Sciences courses are there?

1

Biology (General)

2
3

Neuroscience / Neurobiology

Top 10 study destinations for Life Sciences

1
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Canada
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