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Overview
GCSE Biology is available to be completed over one year.
This course is suitable for progression onto healthcare courses such as nursing or any biology-based level 3 course such as Access to HE or A-Levels. It is also for students who need a science GCSE for Primary Teaching.
The exam board we use is Edexcel.
The next courses start early September.
How you’ll learn
Teaching is done through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical experiments.
Teaching is face-to-face in college, not online.
Assessment is by two external examinations which are scheduled for May and June 2026. The exams can be done at Foundation Tier (allowing achievement at grades 1 – 5) or Higher tier (allowing achievement at grades 4 – 9). Students can choose their Tier in February.
There is no assessed coursework for these courses but there are 8 practical investigations which are compulsory for all students. The exams include questions relating to these practicals.
Attendance at a minimum of 80% is required for entry to the exams.
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but English and Maths at grade D (or equivalent) would be helpful as English and maths skills form part of the assessment outcomes for the course.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) At this collegeAlso at University Campus Doncaster
- Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) At this collegeAlso at University Campus Doncaster, North Lindsey College and University Campus North Lincolnshire
- Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Science) At this collegeAlso at University Campus Doncaster
See all 14 courses
At this college
At University Campus Doncaster
At North Lindsey College
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
Careers it can lead to
With further study or experience
- Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists £37,400 a year
- Biological Scientists £65,800 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeQualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.