Course Overview
Do you have a genuine interest in the way living organisms work and how they interact with their environment? The Biology A-level develops essential biological knowledge and understanding of key biological concepts.
You'll learn how to analyse and evaluate scientific concepts from the destruction of tropical rainforests to gene cloning. You'll also learn to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
A-level Biology is valued by universities and employers alike, and opens many doors to wide and varied career choices including veterinary medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy.
Biology can be combined with a wide range of other A-level subjects. The combination will depend upon future career plans and option blocks. Students wishing to enter the area of Medicine, Veterinary or Equine Science commonly combine Biology with Mathematics and Chemistry.
For a career in the Sporting arena Biology combines well with PE. Studying Biology alongside Psychology or Geography gives a variety of possible career paths and the subjects work well together.
Ultimately, Biology can be combined with virtually any other subject.
At Hartpury, we follow the OCR exam specification for A-level Biology. For further information, please click here.
For A-level, Biology staff also deliver Pre-Vet, Biological Skills and offer supervised study to further enhance academic progress and progression opportunities. Some are also examiners with the relevant exam boards.
GCSE | You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include Mathematics and English Language, as well as:
Grade 6 or above in Maths and Biology or Combined Science.
Course Overview
Course information
Do you have a genuine interest in the way living organisms work and how they interact with their environment? The Biology A-level develops essential biological knowledge and understanding of key biological concepts.
You'll learn how to analyse and evaluate scientific concepts from the destruction of tropical rainforests to gene cloning. You'll also learn to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
A-level Biology is valued by universities and employers alike, and opens many doors to wide and varied career choices including veterinary medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy.
Biology can be combined with a wide range of other A-level subjects. The combination will depend upon future career plans and option blocks. Students wishing to enter the area of Medicine, Veterinary or Equine Science commonly combine Biology with Mathematics and Chemistry.
For a career in the Sporting arena Biology combines well with PE. Studying Biology alongside Psychology or Geography gives a variety of possible career paths and the subjects work well together.
Ultimately, Biology can be combined with virtually any other subject.
At Hartpury, we follow the OCR exam specification for A-level Biology. For further information, please click here.
For A-level, Biology staff also deliver Pre-Vet, Biological Skills and offer supervised study to further enhance academic progress and progression opportunities. Some are also examiners with the relevant exam boards.
Entry requirements
GCSE | You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include Mathematics and English Language, as well as:
Grade 6 or above in Maths and Biology or Combined Science.
Why study A-levels at Hartpury College?
We support you to be the best you can be within your academic studies, as well as providing a world of enrichment opportunities. Through our unique Hartpury Certificate, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and experience that employers or universities are looking for.
Why study A-levels at Hartpury College?
We support you to be the best you can be within your academic studies, as well as providing a world of enrichment opportunities. Through our unique Hartpury Certificate, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and experience that employers or universities are looking for.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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