Overview
A foundation year helps you develop the study skills and self-confidence needed for higher education when you don’t reach the entry requirements for your subject.
If you're interested in studying the structure and function of the human body along with elements of sport and exercise physiology, then this is the course for you.
Our degree provides a unique blend of fundamental biology integrated with aspects of sport and exercise science. You’ll study normal human form and function as well as the processes that occur during the development of disease.
Throughout your course, you’ll study many different topics, including genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology, and have the opportunity to get involved with ongoing research relevant to the field of human biology.
You'll develop strong practical skills through extensive lab work, including sessions at our Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab located on Kent's leading science business park, Discovery Park. Here you'll be surrounded by scientists involved in research and development in the life sciences industries and you'll be able to gain valuable experience to help your CV stand out from the crowd.
The variety of modules you take will help you to build a holistic view of the physiological processes that define human form and function, both at rest and in exercise, and explore the changes that occur during the development of disease.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
Accredited by Royal Society of Biology
Royal Society of Biology logo
100%
of our Human Biology students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023Why study Human Biology at CCCU?
National Student Survey 2023
100% of our Human Biology (including Foundation Year) students were satisfied with the academic support on their course.
Joint 6th in the UK
for student satisfaction with the quality of teaching in the subject area of Biological Sciences.
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2025
Entry requirements
64
UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
More information
Contact us
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of blended learning with workshops, laboratory practicals and seminars.
Workshops will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your Personal Academic Tutor at least once each semester, but you are encouraged to arrange additional meetings as required.
You will use industry-standard software, and you will have access to specialist facilities and equipment throughout your course.
In your final year, you will conduct an independent research project that can cater to your particular interests and skills development. You will be supervised by a member of our academic team and guided in undertaking independent research, data analysis and presentation of your results. Depending on the topic of your project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner on an industry-relevant research project.
Your actual contact hours depend on the optional modules you select.
When not attending workshops, practical sessions or other timetabled activities, you will continue learning through self-study that will be structured for you by the module leader for each module. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, engaging with online learning materials (videos, quizzes etc.), undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.
For the Honours Project module in final year, you will undertake independent research. You will work under the supervision of a member of our academic team, with support of other members of the teaching team where necessary, and you will meet with your supervisor regularly.
The team consists of highly qualified academics, that have a range of expertise and experience.
All our team members hold doctoral and teaching qualifications and they are research-active. They have experience in delivering research-informed teaching. You should note members of the teaching team might change. Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules, however, experienced academics teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.
Teaching is at the heart of what we do and this is reflected in the number of contact hours we offer students, especially for practical skills development.Dr Chris HarveySection Director of Natural and Applied Sciences
How you’ll be assessed
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is also a formal or 'summative' assessment element for each module. Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments, such as laboratory reports, literature reviews, skills assessments, presentations and your final year major project. Some modules also have a formally assessed exam. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Typically, there will be two coursework assessments weighted at 50% each and a practical skills portfolio. Some modules from Level 5 (Year 2) onward will have an exam that replaces the 50% piece of coursework.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module leader or personal academic tutor.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).
Your future career
On completion of your degree, you could follow any one of a wide variety of future graduate-entry career paths. Employment areas for Human Biology graduates include those within the NHS or the wider healthcare sector, in sales and marketing of healthcare and diagnostic products, within diagnostic and clinical laboratories, and in research and development for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries. Alternatively, you may wish to continue on to further study, such as postgraduate medicine.
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
| Full-time - years 1-3 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
The tuition fees relate to 2025/26 only. Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
Home (UK) tuition fees for Foundation Years at Canterbury Christ Church University will be set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for foundation years in classroom-based subjects or non-classroom based subjects, as set by the UK Government.
Home (UK) tuition fees for subsequent years 1-3 are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for standard undergraduate degrees set by the UK Government.
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 onwards, our undergraduate home tuition fees for subsequent years of study are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry links
Our course has been designed with input from clinical practitioners in Biomedical Science as well as speakers and lecturers with a clinical lab background who will be delivering some of your sessions.
Our Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park in Sandwich has facilitated research collaborations and student internships with biomedical companies located there. You will have opportunities to visit and carry out practicals at Discovery Park during your studies and we regularly have students completing dissertation projects there in collaboration with one of our industry partners.
We also host a careers fair specifically for our life science students where you can talk to employers, find out about the exciting careers they offer and get advice on how to progress into those careers with the skills you have learned. The careers fair has features talks from major biotechnology companies such as Roche.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
B101Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
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