Human Biology
 Human Biology (Major).jpg)
UCAS Code: Combined Honours only – see combinations tab|Duration: 3|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Human Biology at Liverpool Hope University is an exciting, future‑focused degree that explores how the human body works, why diseases develop, and how biology shapes everyday life. You’ll study in small groups, learning essential topics like anatomy, physiology, genetics, cell biology, immunology and pharmacology, gaining a clear understanding of major health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and gut dysbiosis.
Teaching is hands-on from day one, you’ll learn from active researchers in the School of Health and Sport Sciences, gain experience with laboratory techniques, scientific investigation and data analysis. You’ll build real scientific confidence through practical lab skills, data analysis, and specialist techniques used across modern bioscience industries.
The course also introduces cutting‑edge developments like gene technology and links biological science directly to real-world medical and research applications. You'll also discover how advances in gene technology are shaping the future of medicine and biomedical research. With Liverpool’s strong health, biotech and life‑science sector, you’ll be studying Human Biology in one of the UK’s most dynamic science cities, ideal for placements, networking and future employment.
Course structure
Teaching on the human biology course is delivered through a combination of lectures, lab practicals, seminars, and tutorials. Practical lab work is a central feature of the programme, with students typically spending time in practical labs during most teaching weeks of term. First-year students may also have the chance to participate in a short field trip to the University’s Plas Caerdeon outdoor education facility in North Wales.
In the first year of the human biology degree, students receive around 6 hours of face-to-face teaching each week. This then shifts to approximately 5 hours per subject in the second and third years of study. Alongside scheduled teaching, students are expected to dedicate additional time to independent study each week across both subjects of their combined honours degree, as well as collaborative group work for assessments. To provide further support, staff make themselves available weekly for one-to-one tutorials during office hours.
Assessment and feedback
Within the Human Biology course, students are assessed through a mix of coursework and assesments, with formal exams taking place in the summer term of the second and third years.
Coursework assessments are varied in style and format, giving every student the opportunity to excel. These include scientific and laboratory reports, critiques, essays, portfolios, case studies, individual and group oral or poster presentations, multiple-choice tests, and practical lab or data-driven assessments. Staff provide detailed online feedback for all coursework, along with future support and the option to discuss progress directly with academics.
In the final year of the Human Biology degree, students undertake an independent research project in Human Biology or a double-weighted integrated dissertation that combines both subjects from their combined honours award. This enables students to specialise in a chosen area of interest, supported by an academic supervisor with expertise in the field.
Curriculum overview
The Human Biology degree at Liverpool Hope University is designed to give students the opportunity to study a broad range of relevant topics while developing essential skills within the discipline. The human biology course also allows for specialism through in-depth study of particular areas, supported by a structured framework of teaching, learning, and assessment. This approach encourages students to apply their knowledge and understanding in a way that is both independent and well supported, preparing them for future study and employment.
Year One
Fundamentals of Human Biology
This highly applied first-year module introduces students to the core principles of Human Biology, combining essential theory with hands-on laboratory experience. You will develop foundational lab skills and experimental techniques relevant to the biosciences, including spectroscopy and enzymology, while also gaining a grounding in the ‘chemistry of life’.
The module places strong emphasis on practical lab classes, helping you apply knowledge to understand and interpret biological data. A key focus is building competency in essential lab techniques, alongside risk assessment and safe laboratory practice. In addition, you will begin developing vital transferable skills, such as scientific writing, data interpretation, presenting information, referencing, teamwork, and critical analysis. These skills not only enhance success in the human biology degree but also improve future employability prospects.
Biological Systems
This module provides a comprehensive foundation in Human Biology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body, its major systems, and how dysfunction leads to disease. You will study body systems at multiple levels — from cells and tissues to organs and system integration through neural and hormonal control.
Key systems covered include the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, renal, endocrine, and immune systems. You will also explore the fundamentals of cell biology, such as cell structure, cell division, the cell cycle, and respiration, along with an introduction to genetics, heredity, and human evolution. Practical elements of this module include exposure to laboratory and clinical tests, as well as insights into emerging technologies like AI in biological system assessment.
By the end of this module, you will have a strong foundation of knowledge and practical understanding to support further study within the human biology course.
Year Two
Immunology
As a core branch of Human Biology, this module develops your understanding of the body’s defence systems, including innate, active, passive, and adaptive immunity. You will also explore both acute and chronic inflammatory processes, giving you deeper insight into disease mechanisms and biological dysfunction in the human body.
Molecular Biology
This module focuses on the structure and function of the key biological molecules that control cellular function and activity. You will study DNA, RNA, and proteins while examining how molecular biology is applied in areas such as medical diagnostics and forensic science. Through these examples, you will see the real-world impact of molecular biology within modern science and medicine.
Human Diseases
This module explores the pathophysiological basis of major human diseases across a variety of organ systems, including chronic, infectious, and age-related conditions. You will study the nature and progression of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), gastrointestinal pathologies, respiratory disorders, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
In addition, you will investigate the microbiome, dysbiosis, and the fundamentals of epidemiology. This includes an introduction to surveillance techniques and analytical approaches used to monitor and respond to diseases, providing a multidisciplinary perspective that underpins the human biology degree.
Investigative Methods in Disease Biology and Practical Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
During the second year of the human biology course, you will build on your laboratory and research skills through advanced practical sessions and seminars. These practicals include assessing biomarkers of health and disease, DNA extraction and amplification, antigen/antibody blood typing, and bacterial identification.
This module is designed to strengthen both subject-specific and transferable skills, while increasing your confidence in applying different research methodologies. The emphasis on investigation and problem-solving prepares you directly for your final-year research project in Human Biology.
Year Three
Degenerative Disease Biology
In the second year of the human biology course, you will continue advanced laboratory-based practicals and seminars designed to enhance both your subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Practical work includes assessing bone density and electromyography (EMG) in health and disease, as well as quantification techniques such as Western blotting.
Oncology and Immunology
This specialist module provides an in-depth study of cancer biology and immunology, exploring the complex interactions between the immune system and tumour cells. You will gain insight into how the immune system can both inhibit and promote tumour growth, providing the foundation for understanding modern cancer therapies.
Cell Signalling
This module builds on your molecular biology and biochemistry knowledge to explore cell-signalling pathways in detail. You will learn how cells communicate to regulate functions and maintain homeostasis, and how dysregulation can lead to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and asthma. Research-informed teaching links contemporary disease examples to cell-signalling mechanisms, reinforcing your practical and theoretical understanding.
Pharmacology and Research Methods
This module develops both theoretical and practical knowledge of disease treatment and clinical trial design. You will study topics such as drug-receptor interactions and gene technology while enhancing your critical reading and research skills in preparation for your final-year research project.
Clinical Genetics
In this contemporary module, you will explore conditions with a known or probable genetic origin. Topics include mutations and epigenetics, providing insight into one of the fastest-growing areas of biological research.
Human Biology Research Project
The Human Biology degree culminates in an independent research project or integrated dissertation in your final year. You will apply skills developed throughout the first and second years to plan and execute a 15-credit research project, or a 30-credit integrated dissertation if undertaking a combined honours pathway. Projects may be lab-based or systematic literature reviews.
Support includes research methods tutorials and supervisory meetings, covering quantitative and qualitative research skills, experimental design, good laboratory practice, health and safety, legal and ethical considerations in human research, and data analysis, including statistics. This experience equips students with the expertise and confidence to pursue careers in research, healthcare, or further study.
Entry requirements
| A-Levels | BBC |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points | 112 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications. Appropriate Foundation year may be considered as an alternative pre-requisite |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access to HE | 112 Tariff Points |
| IB | 26 points |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 Tariff Points from Higher Level qualifications only |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications |
| T-Levels | Merit |
| Subject Requirements | A Science (preferably Biology/Human Biology) A Level or equivalent; Maths GCSE; English GCSE; Science Double or Individual Biology GCSE. |
International entry requirements
| Specific Country Requirements | Select your country |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page. |
Careers
A Human Biology degree opens doors to a wide range of careers in the biosciences, healthcare, public health, research and education. You’ll graduate with strong lab, analytical and problem-solving skills that employers actively look for. Typical career paths include laboratory technician, research assistant, public health roles, medical writing, scientific and technical posts, and wider healthcare support careers.
Many graduates progress into specialist postgraduate routes or teacher training through PGCE Primary or Secondary Science. These pathways support careers in the NHS, clinical research, health promotion, education, and scientific communication.
Human Biology also provides a strong foundation for roles in biotechnology, food science, environmental health, pharmaceuticals, and general graduate schemes.
With Liverpool’s growing life science sector and the University’s emphasis on practical skills, you’ll be well‑prepared to step confidently into employment or continue your journey into advanced scientific study.
Enhancement opportunities
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are £9,790 for full-time undergraduate courses.*
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,790.
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be £10,050 for full-time undergraduate courses.*
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £10,050
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
Home students (UK)
*Tuition fees are subject to inflation-linked increases in line with government policy. Updated fees will be confirmed in line with the maximum fee cap set by the Government or the Office for Students (OfS) for each academic year. This means your fee may increase for each academic year of study, but only up to the maximum amount permitted for that year.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Additional costs
You will also need to consider the cost of field trips, text books, and a laboratory coat, which we estimate to cost around £300 per academic year.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2026/27 are £15,225.
The International Tuition fees for 2027/28 are £16,000
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is only available as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects:
| Degree Title |
|---|
| Human Biology and Criminology |
| Human Biology and Food & Nutritional Sciences |
| Human Biology and Health & Wellbeing |
| Human Biology and Sport & Exercise Science |
Course Enquiry
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