Overview
Cell Biology is key to understanding how organisms develop, how they respond to their environment and how the diseased state differs from the healthy state.
Recent advances in cell biology are enabling cell biologists to:
- understand the basis of diseases in humans, animals and plants;
- develop novel treatments and therapies for diseases;
- explore the processes associated with ageing;
- improve the quality and quantity of important food crops;
- develop novel and sustainable fuels;
- assess the impacts of environmental changes on biological systems.
Our course offers you unique and flexible interdisciplinary training from staff whose knowledge is constantly refreshed by their active research work.
As you study, you will develop a thorough understanding of Cell Biology that will give you the choice to progress to more advanced and specialised topics. You will be given the support and encouragement to develop your passion and ideas for your research project where previous Stirling students have excelled in producing high-quality work.
We'll also provide you with comprehensive knowledge, troubleshooting and critical thinking skills, as well as valuable laboratory experience, ensuring that you are well-equipped to start your career in Cell Biology.
Take a tour of our Biological and Environmental Sciences labs
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
AABB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
To include Biology and one of Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Scottish Higher level or equivalent at Grade B, if HNC or Access course is not science related.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the routes available.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
In Semesters 1-4, you’ll study the following core module: Cell Biology, Physiology, Evolution and Genetics, Laboratory Skills, Statistics, and Biodiversity. You’ll also take additional modules in other disciplines of your choice, usually from modules offered in Biological or Environmental Sciences or from the Institute of Aquaculture.
Semesters 5-6 include modules in: Animal Physiology; Microbiology; and Animal Cell Biology. You’ll also select additional modules such as: Changing Oceans, Infectious Diseases, Behavioural Ecology, and Plant Ecology.
In Semesters 7, you will undertake a number of advanced modules which include: Molecular Techniques, Systems Biology, Biological Control Mechanisms. Finally, in Semester 8 you will work independently on a research project of your choice - your Dissertation Project.
Research project topics will be offered to you that reflect the active research interests of academic staff but you're also supported in developing your own ideas. Some students have organised projects with other research organisations and/or in partnership with a life science company, usually when they have already established a relationship with the organisation during vacation work.
Examples of recent high-quality student work include:
- expressing genes involved in Golgi secretion;
- study of immunoglobulin M and monoclonal antibodies from Cod;
- PCR analysis of marine microorganisms in a changing climate;
- why and how the fly immune system degenerates as flies age;
- proteomics analysis of the biofilm inhabiting plastic debris
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
The University of Stirling was awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Teaching is delivered in the form of formal lectures and practical classes, tutorials, seminars, computer-based learning, guided reading and research.
Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination completed during each semester. For many modules the marks awarded for coursework contribute 40 – 50 percent of the final grade, but for some modules this is as high as 100 percent.
As a Cell Biology student, you can study abroad in your third year. We have well-established links to universities in the US and Canada, as well as new exchange programmes to European universities.
Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget, Course Director
sabine.matallanasurget@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467774
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Additional student costs are kept as low as possible, but include purchase of lab coat and some personal lab kit as well as travel expenses for an optional placement module.
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Our Cell Biology graduates may follow careers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biomedical, biotechnology, microbiology and agricultural industries. Many students will go on to further study, such as a Masters degree or a PhD.
Companies we work with include: Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) Valneva, BioReliance, Merck, Roslin Technologies Limited, Hyaltech Ltd and Diageo.
Companies we work with include:
- Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA)
- Scottish Water
- MERCK (Stirling, Glasgow and Livingston)
- E&O laboratories
- Valneva
- Zeiss
- Tower Mains Consultants
- Collagen Solutions
- Nutritional Analytical Services
- Q2 Solutions
- Symbiosis
- NextPharma
- R-Biopharm-Rhone
