Prospective Students

Accreditation can help you to make decisions about which bioscience degree programme will suit your chosen career. Working with experts from universities and employers, through accreditation we assess degree programmes to make sure you receive up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environments. See if the programme you are considering studying is accredited on our list of all institutions with accreditation. Also check out our careers resources which have loads of advice about going to university, gaining experience, and job hunting in the biosciences sector.

If you are currently studying an accredited degree programme you are entitled to free membership to the Royal Society of Biology for the duration of your studies.

Types of Accreditation

Degree Accreditation - tends to be awarded to 3 year (4 year in Scotland) BSc (Hons) programmes which allow you to conduct a capstone experience (a final year project).

Advanced Degree Accreditation – is awarded to Integrated Master's programmes and BSc (Hons) programmes with years in industry. If you're thinking of entering a career in research then you might want to consider studying a degree with Advanced Accreditation, which will give you the opportunity to conduct your own research project in a working environment.

Master’s Degree Accreditation – is awarded to master’s degree programmes which support the development of specific skill sets, competencies and training which will enhance life and health science research.

Foundation Degree Accreditation – is awarded to two year Foundation Degrees, with a focus on work-based learning.

Doctoral Training Accreditation – is awarded to Doctoral Training Programmes which will instil the characteristics of problem solving, innovation and creativity, and laboratory or field skills development.

How to Spot a Degree with RSB Accreditation

Visit our list of all institutions with accreditation

Look for the following statement on university websites and prospectuses: "This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology..."

Look out for our logo on university websites and prospectuses:

Current Students and Graduates of Accredited Programmes

Accreditation is one way of showing employers you have the knowledge and skills that they are looking for. The Accreditation Programme has established a profile of skills that employers can recognise in graduates. Studying a degree that has been awarded Accreditation by the RSB has the potential benefits of greater employability prospects and enhanced competitiveness in a crowded global jobs market. Check our list of all institutions with accreditation to see if your degree has been awarded accreditation. 

Employability

The Accreditation scheme has established a profile of skills that bioscience employers will be able to recognise in graduates from accredited degrees. These skills include:

• Technical skills and proven experience of the practical environment, including independent research and critical thinking
• Analytical and problem solving skills; including data handling and interpretation, and effective use of statistics
• An understanding of physics, maths, and chemistry in a biological context
• The capacity for independent study
• Effective communication to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• A critical awareness of developments in your field of study

Make sure you state on your CV that your degree has been awarded Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.

Membership

Students of an RSB accredited course are eligible for a free Student Affiliate membership for the duration of their studies.

Once you have graduated from an accredited degree, you are entitled to a 50% discount on your Associate membership for two years. This will open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

If you graduate from an Advanced Accredited degree, you will also be able to become a Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB) after only two further years of work or professional practice, rather than the usual three.

Degree Accreditation Awards Ceremony

To celebrate biosciences in higher education, the Royal Society of Biology hosts an annual Degree Accreditation Awards Ceremony. The evening Awards Ceremony celebrates universities who have been awarded accreditation over the last year.

In addition, the ceremony showcases the achievements of graduates from accredited degree programmes who have received the best marks in their final year projects. The ceremony offers a unique platform for all invited to connect with top bioscience graduates and network with academics, leaders and decision makers from industry and government, from across the UK.

Remember

The Accreditation Programme is an optional scheme run by the RSB. This means that some UK courses aren't accredited even if they meet the criteria. There are many excellent degree programmes delivered by UK universities which do not yet have accreditation.

Supporters of Accreditation