Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

A student standing in a laboratory, with lots of students working on benches behind them

Life Sciences

From animal behaviour and zoology to biomedical science, forensic science and crime and investigative studies, we’ll develop your practical skills and knowledge, encouraging your passion for applied sciences.

Browse Life Sciences courses

Discover Life Sciences

Five students standing in the mouth of a cave

Animal and Environmental Biology

If you care deeply about the natural world and have the strength and compassion to help shape its future, study a degree course at ARU. We'll prepare you for careers in animal behaviour, ecology, zoology or conservation. With many of our courses, you’ll gain hands-on experience on field trips and placements.

Field trips
Two students using equipment in the SuperLab

Biomedical Science

This is your opportunity to make a difference. Investigate and treat disease in our specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories set in the heart of our £45m Science Centre. You’ll gain valuable employment experience whether you're just starting out in your chosen profession or you want to boost your existing knowledge and experience with a Masters degree or research programme.

A student in a white forensics suit taking a sample from a carpet

Crime and Forensic Science

Uncover the truth behind crime and forensics by studying at ARU Cambridge. Our £45m Science Centre will ensure you get hands-on in our state-of-the-art crime scene rooms and Super Lab with industry-standard technology. With 360-degree cameras and technology systems, we’ll ensure you gain real-world experience ready for a rewarding career in this sector.

Silhouette of a man in front of biomedical equipment.

Research

Find out about our world-class research in Applied Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Biomedical, and Forensic and Investigative Sciences, as well as postgraduate research opportunities.

School of Life Sciences research

Visit our next Open Day

An Open Day is the perfect opportunity to discover the right course for you. Chat to our course tutors and current students, explore the campus and facilities and find out what life is like at ARU. We offer free travel to our campuses for Open Days.

Come to our next Open Day

Placements

Gain experience and make contacts, with placements offered on many courses.

Find out more about placements

Student blogs

Our bloggers give you a behind-the-scenes look at life at ARU.

Read our students' blogs

How to apply

Visit our course pages to find out more about how to apply and entry requirements or email [email protected].

How to apply

Teaching Excellence Framework

Teaching across ARU was rated 'Gold' in the 2023 Teaching Excellent Framework (TEF).

Find out why we're rated Gold

University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. The University of the Year award honours ‘exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year'.

THE University of the Year award

Experience ARU

Take 360 guided tours and hear from our students.

Explore ARU

Careers and employability

ARU ranked in the top 15% in the country for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023), and ranked third in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We are also in the top 15% in the country for graduates that agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

Find out more about our careers and employability services.


Chat to our students and staff

Do you want to know more about a course or student life at ARU? Send a message to our students or staff – they'll be happy to answer any questions you have.