Biological Sciences is the study of the living world, from the smallest of molecules to vast ecosystems. At Reading, we go under the skin of life to explore the natural world's deepest secrets. We invite you to join us on our journey of discovery.

The opportunities for research and study at the School of Biological Sciences are wide-ranging in scope. Whether you're interested in a career at the forefront of biomedical discovery, or are keen to preserve fragile habitats and threatened wildlife, this is the place for you.

90% of leavers were in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree, Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from Biological Sciences).*

Which Biological Science course?

At Reading, you will discover a School of Biological Sciences which offers an extraordinary variety of courses from molecular medicine and biomedical science to wildlife conservation and zoology. Not sure what path to take? Have a look at our degree courses to find out which course is best for you.

Degree courses

Delve deeper with Master's degrees

The School of Biological Sciences is an excellent place for graduates to pursue a higher degree. We offer an array of specialist master's courses, some of which are difficult to find elsewhere. With courses combining taught modules, field work and research, Reading is a renowned destination for postgraduate students.

Master's degrees 

Doctoral study at the forefront of discovery

Doctoral study offers you opportunities to make exciting new discoveries in your chosen field of interest. Our PhD degrees equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to become an independent researcher. We offer supervision in a diverse range of research areas and this means you have an excellent choice of PhD topics from which to select a project that strongly aligns with your strengths and interests. We invite you to join our vibrant community of doctoral researchers.

Doctoral study 

World-leading research

We are a research intensive institution with a history of internationally recognised research which has been rewarded with substantial investment. Our research interests span the broad scope of modern biology, from the molecular-basis of disease to global biodiversity and sustainability, and we emphasise cross-disciplinary and innovative approaches.

Research in the School is organised into two divisions:

• Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Our research 

An ideal environment to learn

Reading is a great place to study biological sciences.

Whiteknights campus itself is an outstanding habitat, with 130 hectares of biodiversity including woods, meadows and a lake. The University owns 760 acres of farmland and woodland around Shinfield, Arborfield and Sonning. These locations are both beautiful and practical for study. 

With an on-site molecular analysis facility, a renowned herbarium, the Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, environmentally-controlled growth facilities and the Cole Museum of Zoology, research in the discipline of biological sciences is well-served at Reading.

 Facilities 

*Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2020. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.