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Biology A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    SA070

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

You will learn essential principles in the context of today’s themes and issues, such as how our actions enhance the antibiotic resistance of bacteria and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

In your first year, your learning will be focused on biological molecules, cells, organisms exchanging substances with their environment, genetic information, and variation and relationships between organisms. In your second year, you will explore energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution, ecosystems and the control of gene expression.

Your course will combine detailed theoretical knowledge with practical research including laboratory work, interpreting data to solve scientific problems and writing in a scientific way. There will be opportunities to participate in external visits linked to your course, with previous students taking part in a mock autopsy experience, visits to the University of East Anglia to explore genetic engineering techniques and a biodiversity conference at Norwich Castle.

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve at least six subjects at grade 4 or above, with at least four of these at grade 5 or above. A minimum of grade 5 or above in GCSE maths and English language is required . If GCSE combined science: trilogy was taken you will need a grade 6 and 5 or above, or a grade 6 in GCSE biology.

How You Will Be Assessed

You will be assessed through written exams which include questions on science investigative skills and practical’s carried out as part of the course. There are three written exams in the A Level qualification, all sat at the end of the second year. Your investigative and practical skills are also assessed throughout the course and contribute to a Practical Endorsement in addition to your A Level grades.

Course Progression

An A Level in Biology will open doors to a wide variety of universities and courses. Biology is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level when progressing to science degrees. You could explore degrees in biomedical science, physiology, microbiology or biochemistry to name a few

Where Your Course Can Take You

An A Level in Biology can be the first step towards careers in a wide range of fields including healthcare, research, environmental science, education, and biotechnology. Career options include a research scientist, marine biologist, healthcare or forensic scientist, radiographer, physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary scientist.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.