Our new curriculum

Over the last year we’ve been working hard to enhance our courses to give our students the freedom to explore topics from across the full breadth of bioscience, alongside their chosen specialism.

From September 2021, our Zoology, Ecology and Conservation Biology and Plant Sciences programmes will give you increased flexibility in what you can choose to study.

You’ll be studying your chosen specialism from the start of your degree. To complement this core learning, you’ll also have the opportunity to study optional modules from areas of biology that you’d like to learn more about, such as biotechnology, human health or even molecular biology. All these modules are underpinned by the latest research discoveries and throughout your course, you’ll learn from top scientists who are working on global challenges from antibiotic resistance to food security, and from climate change to cancer and COVID-19.

We are delighted to be offering our students an expanded set of modules to choose from, making it even easier to tailor your degree to your interests.

Professor Andrew Beckerman

Director of Recruitment, Biology, Ecology, Plant Sciences and Zoology

Skills training has always been at the heart of our courses. Our programmes now include an enhanced skills module so from your very first week you’ll begin to learn the core practical field and laboratory research skills that you’ll use throughout your time at Sheffield and beyond. We’ll also help you to develop the key transferable skills like data visualisation and writing that make our graduates attractive to employers.

We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to apply your new skills and knowledge too. You’ll be in the lab completing in-depth practicals, out in the Peak District conducting your own research projects, visiting zoos, aquariums and other scientific spots around the country and embarking on a once-in a lifetime field course in the UK or abroad.

Find out more about our new course structures

Professor Andrew Beckerman, Recruitment Director for Biology, Ecology, Plant Sciences and Zoology said, "We are delighted to be offering our students an expanded set of modules to choose from, making it even easier to tailor your degree to your interests. No matter what you are studying, you'll be tapping into our excellent teaching underpinned by world-class bioscience research that focuses on solving real world problems. Whether your interests are focussed or broad, we'll be here to help guide your choices as you progress through your degree."

If you have any questions about our new course structures or any other queries about what it’s like to study at Sheffield, you can email us at apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk.