Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Met: Diploma
- Met: Subjects
- Not yet clear: Grades
- Not yet clear: Language
- Not yet clear: Age
- Not yet clear: Other
- Not yet clear: Score
The programme
This four-year biology programme covers cell biology, genetics, evolution, molecular biology, physiology and ecosystems, with mathematical, statistical and computational skills. Students choose one of 11 specialisations for years three and four, including biochemistry, genetics, immunology, neuroscience and zoology.
(Moderatorship) B.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
(Moderatorship) B.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
Other prices, for students in another situation (your profile decides which one you see):
- €2,705 a year Free Fees: EU citizen (including Dutch), resident in the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK for at least 3 of the previous 5 years, starting their first full-time third-level course. Includes €2,500 contribution and €204.75 mandatory levies; no grant needed.
- €7,537 a year EU fee rate through the university’s schooling or other fee-status exception; the Free Fees residence requirement is not met. Separate fee assessment is required. Includes €204.75 mandatory levies; optional €8 AMLÉ excluded.
- €7,537 a year EU rate without Free Fees: prior third-level study. Prior-study exceptions or partial tuition cover may apply; the university confirms the fee assessment. Includes €204.75 mandatory levies; optional €8 AMLÉ excluded.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
2026/27 | School of Natural Sciences | Biology and Biomedical Sciences with specialisation in Botany | UBSC-BBSC-1F | UF_000031 | €4,832.00 | €2,500.00 | €7,332.00 | €29,570.00
In addition to Tuition Fees and the Student Contribution Fee (Student Contribution Fee for undergraduate EU students only), students are required to pay a Student Levies and Charges fee annually.
EU students eligible for inclusion in the Irish Free Fees Initiative will be liable for the Student Contribution and the SLC (Student Levies & Charges).
Students must also be resident in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for three out of the past five years prior to starting your course.
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In order to meet the nationality criteria of the Free Fees Initiative students must meet one of the following: Students must be a national of: an EU Member State, a state which is a contracting state to the EEA Agreement, the United Kingdom, the Swiss Confederation.
You must be a first-time full-time undergraduate.
Full Time … UG/PG … Degree/Doctorate … 4 Year … €212.75
SLC Charge Breakdown = Student Sports Development Charge + Student Space and Centre and Irish Language Levy + Graduation Fee + AMLÉ Membership (the AMLÉ charge of €8 is optional)
Following Budget 2026, the Government announced a permanent reduction of €500 on Student Contribution Fee.
Tuition fees may be paid in respect of the full-time students who have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss State/United Kingdom for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to their third-level course and who meet the criteria of the scheme.
Students must be a national of an EU Member State
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students pursuing a second undergraduate course.
are not eligible for free fees for the equivalent period of time spent on the first course of study where the third level course concerned did attract exchequer funding
- €35 once Early (discounted) online CAO application by 20 January 2027, 17:00 Irish time
- €50 once Normal online CAO application by 1 February 2027, 17:00 Irish time
- €65 once Late online CAO application by 1 May 2027, 17:00 Irish time (restrictions apply)
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
Early online 35 20 January 2027 at 5pm
Discounted application fee (35 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
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Early online application (discounted) €35 20 January 2027 at 5pm
Normal online 50 1 February 2027 at 5pm
Normal closing date for applications (50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
Normal online application €50 1 February 2027 at 5pm
Late online application 65 1 May 2027 at 5pm
Late online application – restrictions apply €65 1 May 2027 at 5pm
Rank in biology Where Trinity College Dublin ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
topuniversities.com · biological sciences=127 … Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
timeshighereducation.com · life sciences126–150 … Trinity College Dublin
shanghairanking.com301-400 … Trinity College Dublin
Where Trinity College Dublin ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
=127 … Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
126–150 … Trinity College Dublin
301-400 … Trinity College Dublin
Can you get in?
- School diploma requiredVWO (Dutch pre-university diploma)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
tcd.ie · NetherlandsTrinity is delighted to accept students who have completed the below qualifications from the Netherlands: Recognised School Leaving Qualifications Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma
Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma
For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts. - Required school subjectsNo specific subjects
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Source
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesH4 in two* of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science.
For you, Met: Nothing to meet. - Minimum subject grades6 different subjects at 6 or higher, at least 3 of them at 8 or higher, including English, Mathematics and another language; Wiskunde A or wiskunde B or wiskunde C or wiskunde D: at least 7; 2 subjects from natuurkunde, scheikunde, biologie, aardrijkskunde, wiskunde B, wiskunde D, informatica at 9 or higher
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
tcd.ie · Netherlands6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 3 subjects grade 8 and 3 subjects grade 6 in the VWO to include English, Mathematics and another language.
Subject Grade Comparison … H6 | 8 … O4 | 7
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Subject Grade Comparison … H4 | 9
* For a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D
www2.cao.ieIf two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesH6 or O4 Mathematics
H4 in two* of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects and grades to check. No grade entered for wiskunde A or wiskunde B or wiskunde C or wiskunde D. You have 0 at 9 or higher. - Minimum overall gradeNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Source
tcd.ie · Netherlands6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 3 subjects grade 8 and 3 subjects grade 6 in the VWO to include English, Mathematics and another language.
- Language level requiredEnglish: VWO engels 8 or higher or an accepted language test
English: at least 8 for engels on your VWO list or IELTS Academic 6.5 or Duolingo English Test 120 or TOEFL iBT (before January 2026, 0-120 scale) 90 or TOEFL iBT (from January 2026, 1-6 scale) 4.5 or Cambridge C1 Advanced 180 or Cambridge C2 Proficiency 180 or PTE Academic 69
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesApplicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.
tcd.ie · english language requirementsBand B (Standard entry) … IELTS Academic … 6.5 overall … 6.0 in each band … Duolingo English Test … 120 overall … 100 in each subscore … TOEFL iBT … 90 overall … 21 in each section … 4.5 overall … 4.0 in each section … Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency … 180 overall … no score below 170 … PTE Academic … 69 overall … 59 in each section
www2.cao.ieThe minimum acceptable level of English is 8 in the VWO or equivalent English Language competence (see page 9).
For you, Not yet clear: English: enter your grade for engels. - Minimum ageBorn before 15 January 2011 for 2027, going by the 2026 rule (born before 15 January 2010)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
tcd.ie · undergraduateApplicants seeking admission in 2026 must have a date of birth before 15 January 2010.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your birth year to check. - Extra stepsNone
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ieRestricted courses normally require additional assessment procedures, for example, the submission of a portfolio, an oral assessment or interview, or a written assessment.
8 TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Other requirementsDo not combine Physics/Chemistry with Physics or Chemistry, or Applied Mathematics with Mathematics. When Mathematics is one of the two higher-level subjects, its grade must be in VWO Mathematics B or D.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesH4 in two* of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science. *Certain subject combinations are not permitted: Physics/Chemistry with Physics or Chemistry. Applied Mathematics with Mathematics.
tcd.ie · Netherlands* For a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D
Subject Grade Comparison … H4 | 9
tcd.ie · english language requirementsBand B (Standard entry) … IELTS Academic … 6.5 overall … 6.0 in each band … Duolingo English Test … 120 overall … 100 in each subscore … TOEFL iBT … 90 overall … 21 in each section … 4.5 overall … 4.0 in each section … Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency … 180 overall … no score below 170 … PTE Academic … 69 overall … 59 in each section
For all proficiency tests, the results must be issued within two years prior to the start of your course.
For you, Good to know: Good to know: for information; it does not change whether you qualify. - English tests must meet all score, section and validity rules. Not required with VWO English 8 or higher.
If English proficiency is shown by a test rather than VWO English grade 8, meet the relevant overall and component scores: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each band; Duolingo English Test 120 overall and 100 in each subscore; TOEFL iBT before January 2026, 90 overall and 21 in each section, or from January 2026, 4.5 overall and 4.0 in each section; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180 overall with no score below 170; PTE Academic 69 overall and 59 in each section. Results must be issued within two years before the course starts.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesH4 in two* of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science. *Certain subject combinations are not permitted: Physics/Chemistry with Physics or Chemistry. Applied Mathematics with Mathematics.
tcd.ie · Netherlands* For a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D
Subject Grade Comparison … H4 | 9
tcd.ie · english language requirementsBand B (Standard entry) … IELTS Academic … 6.5 overall … 6.0 in each band … Duolingo English Test … 120 overall … 100 in each subscore … TOEFL iBT … 90 overall … 21 in each section … 4.5 overall … 4.0 in each section … Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency … 180 overall … no score below 170 … PTE Academic … 69 overall … 59 in each section
For all proficiency tests, the results must be issued within two years prior to the start of your course.
For you, Not yet clear: Check this yourself. - Score needed to get in2026 cut-offs: 544–553 CAO points, depending on the study option or admission route; they change every year.
2026 published cut-offs: 553 CAO points (CAO Round 1); 544 CAO points (CAO Round 2). Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself. They change every year.
Applicants are ranked by CAO points; the highest get the places. The cut-off is the lowest score that got a place, so it moves with each year's applicants.
Earlier cut-offs: 553 in 2025 (CAO Points 2025).
How the score is worked out: Average of the best 6 distinct recognised VWO subjects in a single sitting: 10 → 600, 9 → 595, 8 → 541, 7 → 374, 6 → 250, 5 → 200.
+25 for wiskunde B or wiskunde D at 6 or higher, if it is one of the subjects counted.
Two versions of one subject, such as wiskunde B and D, count once, at their average.
Grades are rounded to whole numbers first, as on the diploma.
The university gives only these rows and does not say how averages between them convert, so a score between two rows is a range.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
www2.cao.ie2026 RND 1 RND 2 … TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences 553 544*
www2.cao.ieThe indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting as follows: … Average Mark … 10 … 600 … 9 … 595 … 8 … 541 … 7 … 374 … 6 … 250 … 5 … 200
If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.
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Bonus points of 25 will be awarded for grade 6 or better in Advanced level Mathematics (i.e., B or D) where mathematics is one of the subjects counted for points.
NB Sample grades only. The steps between points shown are not necessarily even as they are based on statistical comparisons.
For you, Not yet clear: Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself.
Applying
Where you apply
Through CAO, with course code TR060.
- Official final VWO examination results (certificate or statement from the examining authority)
- Professional English translation of results if required
- Evidence of English proficiency if required; VWO English grade 8 meets CAO's stated minimum
Dates
- 20 Jan 2027Last day for the discounted CAO application in 3 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieEarly online 35 20 January 2027 at 5pm
Discounted application fee (35 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
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Early online application (discounted) €35 20 January 2027 at 5pm
- 1 Feb 2027Normal CAO application closing date in 4 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieNormal online 50 1 February 2027 at 5pm
Normal closing date for applications (50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
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Normal online application €50 1 February 2027 at 5pm
- 1 May 2027Late CAO application closing date (restrictions apply) in 7 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieLate online application 65 1 May 2027 at 5pm
Late online application – restrictions apply €65 1 May 2027 at 5pm
- 1 Jul 2027CAO Change of Mind closes (last change to course choices) in 9 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieChange of Mind Nil 1 July 2027 at 5pm
Change of Mind Closes on 1 July at 5pm
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The CAO online Change of Mind facility opens on 5 May and closes on 1 July at 5pm – restrictions apply.
More about the programme
How places are given
- Cap on places (numerus fixus)235 a year
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Source
- How applicants are pickedRanked by school grades; the highest get the places
CAO ranks eligible applicants in order of merit by points; when applicants are tied for the final place, random number selection applies.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieAfter the points have been calculated, applicants are placed on a list in order of merit for each course for which they are eligible.
If there are five applicants with an identical points score competing for one remaining place, random number selection applies
- Past admission numbersIn 2026 the lowest score that got in was 553 (CAO Round 1).In 2026 the lowest score that got in was 544 (CAO Round 2).In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 553 (CAO Points 2025).
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ie2026 RND 1 RND 2 … TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences 553 544*
Once you have started
- First-year minimum to continuePass all 60 credits in the first year; if you do not, you can resit or repeat the year
Every course is worth a number of credits, which you earn by passing it; a full year is 60.
In the university’s words: Students need 60 credits to pass the year. All modules and components are compensatable; up to 10 ECTS may be accumulated at Qualified Pass (35–39% where the pass mark is 40%). Failed components require reassessment; if the year is not passed, it must be repeated in full.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
tcd.ieThe number of credits to pass a year is 60
All modules and components of modules are compensatable.
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10 ECTS may be accumulated at ‘Qualified Pass’ (i.e. marks between 35-39% where the pass mark is 40%)
Repetition of a year is in full, i.e., all modules and all assessment components.
tcd.ieProgression and awards … Information on progression and awards can be found via the following webpage
After you graduate
- Where graduates goThe university lists research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical-industry careers; related options include patent law and forensic science, as well as education, management, business, communication and policy-making.What Trinity College Dublin says its graduates go on to do; not measured.
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
tcd.ie · biological and biomedical sciencesThese attributes are a preparation for a career in science and medicine (such as in research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry); for a career in related areas where a scientific education is beneficial (such as patent law, forensic science) and for careers in areas such as education, management, business, industry, communication and policy making.
- Where graduates went (measured)
Sure — Not in these rankings.
Pages checked