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Frequently asked questions

Am I guaranteed accommodation if I accept a place at Sheffield?
First years are guaranteed a place in a Hall of residence or University-owned self-catering flat to all single applicants providing they fulfill the necessary criteria. Find out about our accommodation guarantee.

What is the typical workload?
All our single subject degree courses require attendance at approximately 15 hours of classes per week (lectures, tutorials, practical classes). In addition, you will be expected to do in the region of 20 hours per week of private study (reading, report, essays and other assignments) and some courses require attendance on field courses during the Easter or summer vacations.

Can I change my course if it does not suit me?
A small proportion of our students wish to change degree course within Animal and Plant Sciences at the end of the first year. Because there are a number of core components in common across all our degrees at Level One, then this is usually possible. It may involve doing a little extra reading to familiarise yourself with topics you haven't covered, but which are needed as background at Levels Two and Three. Your tutor will be happy to discuss this with you, and advise you on your options if the need arises.

Can I change my non-compulsory modules once I have started them?
You are permitted to change your optional modules within the first three weeks of each semester.

Is there a choice of projects in the third year?
There is choice in both laboratory projects and literature review projects at Level Three. Towards the end of the second semester at Level Two, you are asked to select a number of project areas (linked to academic supervisors) and indicate your order of preference. Most people get their first or second choices, though for the most popular project areas student allocations to project areas are linked to assessment performance.

Is it possible to combine the degree course with a year abroad, or work experience?
The modular structure of the degrees means that it is straightforward to have a year out (usually between Levels Two and Three) if you wish to gain relevant work experience. There are a range of ways this can be done. Study abroad is a formal part of the Biology with a Year Abroad degree, or if you opt to take a degree with employment experience then work experience can also be formally incorporated into your final degree award. There are other ways of getting work experience and studying abroad, and the Department has a study abroad advisor who will be happy to discuss options with you.

What sort of jobs do people do with a degree from APS do afterwards?
The simple answer is, a very broad range of things! Many people stay in biology, in research, industry or government agencies, while others move into other subject areas (information technology, management, planning, the media, finance). We have a good record for graduate employment, and effective support for career planning through the University Careers Service. Find out more about what our graduates do.

How do I decide whether to apply for the degree I am interested in as a BSc or an MBiolSci?
You need to consider what your goals in doing the degree are. The BSc provides a good all-round coverage of whole organism biology, and a widely applicable set of generic and practical skills. The MBiolSci covers exactly the same ground in years one-to-three, but provides an opportunity to get more in-depth and hands on research experience during the fourth year. The MBiolSci is particularly aimed at those who have a definite intention of pursuing a career in biological science, either in a research, or related area. Bear in mind that you can change from the MBiolSci to the BSc at any point up until part way through Level Three, but you cannot change in the other direction (BSc to MBiolSci) so if you think you are interested in the MBiolSci then it is best to apply for this initially. See the Undergraduate Masters page for more details.