What A-levels do you need to study biology?

A-level subjects for biology

What A-level subjects are needed or essential for biology?

If you’re planning to study a biology or biological sciences degree, unsurprisingly the majority of courses will require you to have A-level biology under your belt, although a few may accept you with any science subject.

• biology
• many courses also require at least one from chemistry, physics or maths – preferences for particular subjects vary between universities.

As a general rule of thumb, the A-level combination that will keep as many options open to you as possible is biology, chemistry and maths.

Find out more about university entry requirements.

What A-levels are useful for biology?

• chemistry

• maths

• physics

Choosing your A-levels? See where different combinations can lead with our Explorer tool.

Other typical A-levels taken by current biology students

• general studies

Take a look at individual biology courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects students studied before starting their biology degree.

Examples of biology degree requirements

Below is a range of Bachelor of science (with Honours) courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 26 April 2024):

Newcastle University: ‘A,B,B. Including Biology and normally another science-related subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Environmental Science or Geology. General Studies is excluded. Chemistry is preferred at A or AS level, but not essential. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in the practical element. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade B or 6 if not offered at A or AS level.’

Edge Hill University: 'B,B,C - B,B,B. Please note, the above represents an example of how you can achieve the required number of tariff points, however you can also achieve this with other combinations. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.’

University of St. Andrews: 'A,A,A. To include Biology and one of the following science subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. Subjects excluded: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and General Studies.'

Other similar degree subjects

• biochemistry

• chemistry

• natural sciences

Bear in mind that these similar subjects may have slightly different A-level requirements to biology, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of specific courses before making your choices.