You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen Pathway and achieve a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Maths and a grade 6/5 in GCSE Sciences.*
General entry criteria will also apply for your chosen pathway.
For more information about the pathways, please click here.
*If predicted a grade 7/7 in Science subjects, a grade 5 in Maths would be accepted
HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.
This fascinating subject will see you explore topics that include:
- Cells and cell transport
- Biological molecules
- Cardiorespiratory system and immunity
- Genetics and genetic variation
- Respiration and photosynthesis
- The nervous system
- Epigenetics and gene expression
An Enriching Experience
Studying A Level Biology at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will
help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our A Level Biology students enjoy include:
- Residential visits to stretch and challenge you and build on your cultural capital. In previous years, Science students spent 10 nights in South Africa, taking part in conservation projects and working with pupils in a rural primary school
- Visits to universities and employers to help you to understand progression routes and support to apply for prestigious summer schools at Russell Group Universities
- Visiting speakers and lecturers to expand your knowledge and inspire your next steps. This year A Level Biology students have enjoyed an enlightening university level workshop on genetics
- Participation in national competitions such as the British Biology Olympiad
- Taking part in lunchtime enrichments such as Dissection Club
- Access to UpLearn, an AI powered study guide designed to develop your knowledge and maximise your exam success
Enlightening Opportunities
We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.
How will you be assessed?
This course is assessed via examination. There are also 12 required practicals that must be completed for you to achieve the Practical Endorsement.
If you’re thinking of studying A Level Biology and pursuing a STEM based career, we recommend that your study programme contains at least one other STEM based subject. This is because many universities will require more than one Science as part of their entry requirements. For example, it is recommended that students hoping to progress to undergraduate degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science study A Level Biology and Chemistry as part of their study programme.
A Level Biology students progress to university to study subjects such as:
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Dentistry
- Biological Sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Psychology
What does this course go well with or what may you like?
