UK Accreditation

• FdSc 2 year programme
• Level 4 and 5 FHEQ
• Level 7 and 8 SCQF

Defining features:

• Work-based learning (WBL)
• Work-related skills

Membership and Professional Registers: 

• Free membership at Affiliate level 
• Can apply for registers – Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) or Registered Scientist (RSci)

Foundation degrees integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and higher education providers. Foundation degree accreditation by the RSB follows an independent and rigorous assessment of degrees which contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

Foundation degree accreditation aims to: foster the development of key learning outcomes and recognise the excellence that exists in giving graduates the skills, knowledge, and professional development experiences that enable successful progression to employment and/or further qualifications in the biosciences.

Foundation Degree Accreditation assessment criteria

To achieve accreditation for a programme, HEIs will need to provide robust evidence in support of their application, which will be judged by peer review against the standard metrics listed below. The evidence should show how the intended learning outcomes are being achieved through appropriate assessment strategies. Further information can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

General criteria

Evidence is required to show how the foundation degree programmes meet the following:

1. Development of work-based learning — there should be a substantial focus on work-based learning relevant to the programme
2. Demonstration of the acquisition of professional skills — students should learn in a hands-on practical environment in a progressive process
3. Development of transferable skills — this should cover skills including word processing, task management, problem solving, and science communication
4. Foundation in mathematics, statistics, chemistry and physics — this should be in sufficient depth and breadth for students to appreciate and apply these subjects within a biological context
5. Specific skills and knowledge — this should include underpinning general knowledge of the basic fundamentals of biology appropriate to the degree title
6. Development of creativity and innovation — students are given the opportunity to apply their creative and innovative skills and think beyond their own discipline

Subject specific criteria

Subject specific guidance and learning outcomes have been developed by appropriate Learned Societies and written specifically for accreditation by the RSB for the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

These criteria can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

Assessment fee

The charge for the assessment of the application and site visit will be £3,500. This fee covers all expenses associated with the assessment and visit except for overnight accommodation for the assessment panel. HEIs will be required to book accommodation for the panel members in a suitable nearby hotel for the evening before the site visit. The assessment fee will be invoiced following receipt of the Formal Expression of Interest form. Please note if your application is unsuccessful the assessment fee is a non-returnable payment.

Accreditation annual fees

The fees for accreditation will be charged on an annual basis, and will cost £1,000. The Society reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation during the accreditation period. The first annual fee payment will be required once accreditation has been awarded and formally ratified by the Accreditation Committee.

• BSc (Hons) programme (may include sandwich year or placement year degree pathways)
• Level 4 – 6 FEHQ
• Level 7 – 10 SCQF

Defining features:

• Capstone experience minimum 30 credits
• Graduate employability and transferable skills

Membership and Professional Registers:

• Free membership at Affiliate level

Degree Accreditation by the RSB follows an independent and rigorous assessment of degree programmes which contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The six overarching accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability, and transferable skills.

Through Degree Accreditation we aim to:

• Recognise academic excellence
• Drive up standards of learning and teaching in the biosciences
• Enhance competitiveness for students in a crowded global jobs market
• Provide industry with an assurance of the level of employability skills and subject relevant bioscience skills provided by a degree
• Maintain and improve the UK's position as a premier location to develop the life scientists of the future

Degree Accreditation assessment criteria

To achieve accreditation for a programme, universities will need to provide robust evidence in support of their application, which will be judged by peer review against the standard metrics listed below. The evidence should show how the intended learning outcomes are being achieved through appropriate assessment strategies. Further information can be found in the Accreditation Handbook which should be used as the main source of reference.

General criteria

Evidence is required to show how the degree programmes meet the following:

1. A graduating level capstone experience — this should include the analysis and critical evaluation of data relating to a hypothesis, within an independently produced piece of work
2. Demonstration of the acquisition of technical skills — students should learn in a hands-on, practical environment in a progressive process
3. Development and use of transferable skills — this should cover skills including word processing, project management, problem-solving, and science communication
4. Foundation in mathematics, statistics, chemistry and physics — this should be in sufficient depth and breadth for the students to appreciate and apply these subjects with a biological context
5. Specific skills and knowledge — this should include underpinning general knowledge of the basic fundamentals of biology appropriate to the degree title
6. Developing creativity and innovation — students are given the opportunity to apply their creative and innovative skills and think beyond their own discipline

Subject specific criteria

Subject specific guidance and learning outcomes have been developed by appropriate Learned Societies and written specifically for accreditation by the RSB for the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

These criteria can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

Assessment fee

The charge for the assessment of the application and site visit will be £3,500. This fee covers all expenses associated with the assessment and visit except for overnight accommodation for the assessment panel. Universities will be required to book accommodation for the panel members in a suitable nearby hotel for the evening before the site visit. The assessment fee will be invoiced following receipt of the Formal Expression of Interest form. Please note if your application is unsuccessful the assessment fee is a non-returnable payment.

Accreditation annual fees 

The fees for accreditation will be charged on an annual basis according to the number of programmes submitted and as agreed by the Society. The Society will consider the level of work required for the application, the number of students, and the complexity of programmes in order to ensure, as far as possible, that costs are representative and equitable. The first year's fee will be required to be paid once accreditation has been awarded and formally ratified by the Accreditation Committee.

The table below is representative of fees charged in 2025; however the Society reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation during the accreditation period.

Programmes cost per year

• 1: £3,000
• 2 to 5: £4,000
• 6 to 10: £5,000
• 11 +: £6,000

• Integrated Master’s
• Level 7 FHEQFHEQ
• Level 11 SCQF

Defining features:

• Period of Practice minimum 80 credits
• Enhanced research skills
• Period of Practice must be an evaluated working experience in an active research environment

Membership and Professional Registers:

• Free membership at Affiliate level

Advanced Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, highlighting degrees which contain a significant research element, and educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The advanced accreditation criteria require institutions to provide evidence that their graduates meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.

Through Advanced Degree Accreditation we aim to:

• Develop research-ready graduates by providing substantial practical research experience
• Focus on academic excellence by teaching the most up-to-date knowledge and experimental techniques
• Drive up standards of learning and teaching in the biosciences
• Ensure the pipeline of graduates supports national excellence in academic and industrial research and innovation
• Maintain and improve the UK's position as a premier location to develop the life scientists for the future

Advanced Degree Accreditation assessment criteria

To achieve advanced accreditation for a programme, universities will need to provide robust evidence in support of their application, which will be judged by peer review against the standard metrics listed below. The evidence should show how the intended learning outcomes are being achieved through appropriate assessment strategies. Further information can be found in the Accreditation Handbook which should be used as the main source of reference.

General criteria

Evidence is required to show how the degree programmes meet the following:

1. Academic excellence — knowledge and understanding of the subject must be based on current scholarship and research, and have appropriate assessment strategies
2. Research-active environment — projects must be conducted in active research laboratories or similar professional environments appropriate to the research
3. Infrastructure supporting the claim for excellence — this includes library and ICT support, experience, and expertise of the teaching team, and the teaching environment and facilities
4. Other student outcomes — this covers understanding of physics, chemistry, and maths appropriate to biology, and an understanding of experimental design and analysis

The period of practice 

Inclusion of a substantial period of research experience outside the normal learning environment in a professional working structure is essential to advanced accreditation. This should be considered normal practice for advanced accredited degree programmes. The period of practice will:

• Allow students to apply their learned knowledge to their own supervised research in an active research environment
• Draw upon theoretical knowledge and skills acquired during their degree
• Normally be equivalent to 80 credits; typically lasting 6 — 12 months
• Involve appropriate assessment, including a written report
• Include significant contact from the HEI

Subject specific criteria

Subject specific guidance and learning outcomes have been developed by appropriate Learned Societies and written specifically for accreditation by the RSB for the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

These criteria can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

Assessment fee

The charge for the assessment of the application and site visit will be £3,500. This fee covers all expenses associated with the assessment and visit except for overnight accommodation for the assessment panel. Universities will be required to book accommodation for the panel members in a suitable nearby hotel for the evening before the site visit. The assessment fee will be invoiced following receipt of the Formal Expression of Interest form. Please note if your application is unsuccessful the assessment fee is a non-returnable payment.

Accreditation annual fees 

The fees for accreditation will be charged on an annual basis according to the number of programmes submitted and as agreed by the Society. The Society will consider the level of work required for the application, the number of students, and the complexity of programmes in order to ensure, as far as possible, that costs are representative and equitable. The first year's fee will be required to be paid once accreditation has been awarded and formally ratified by the Accreditation Committee.

The table below is representative of fees charged in 2025; however the Society reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation during the accreditation period.

Programmes cost per year:

• 1: £3,000
• 2 to 5: £4,000
• 6 to 10: £5,000
• 11 +: £6,000

• MSc 1 year stand-alone Master’s degree programme
• Level 7 FHEQ
• Level 11 SCQF

Defining features:

• Research component is equivalent to 80 credits, minimum 60 credits accounted for by the project
• Period of Practice must be completed in an active research environment

Membership and Professional Registers:

• Free membership at Associate (AMRSB) level
• AMRSB members can become MRSB after two further years of work or professional practice, rather than the usual three years

Master's degree accreditation by the RSB highlights degrees which support the development of specific skill sets, competencies, and training which will enhance Life and Health Science research. The master’s degree criteria require institutions to provide evidence that their graduates meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.

Through Master's Degree Accreditation we aim to:

• Develop research-ready graduates by providing substantial practical research experience
• Focus on academic excellence by teaching the most up-to-date knowledge and experimental techniques
• Drive up standards of learning and teaching in the biosciences
• Ensure the pipeline of graduates supports national excellence in academic and industrial research innovation
• Maintain and improve the UK's position as a premier location to develop the life scientist of the future

Master’s Degree Accreditation assessment criteria

To achieve Master's Accreditation for a programme, universities will need to provide robust evidence in support of their application, which will be judged by peer review against the standard metrics listed below. The evidence should show how the intended learning outcomes are being achieved through appropriate assessment strategies. Further information can be found in the Accreditation Handbook which should be used as the main source of reference. Master's degrees submitted for accreditation must satisfy the general requirements for Advanced Accreditation, which includes a significant period of practice.

General Master's criteria

Evidence is required to show the Master's degree programmes meet the following:

1. Academic excellence — knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject must be informed by current scholarship and research, and have appropriate assessment strategies
2. Research-active environment — projects must be conducted in active research laboratories or similar professional environments appropriate to research
3. Infrastructure supporting the claim for excellence — this includes library and ICT support, experience and expertise of the teaching team, and the teaching environment and facilities
4. Generic and specific skill acquisition — this includes an understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, application of advanced bioscience techniques, and knowledge and understanding of experimental design and analysis
5. Period of practice — the period of practice should be substantial and equivalent to 60 credits or more for a research-based course. Research will be related to, and draw on, the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired during the degree programme

Subject specific criteria

Subject specific guidance and learning outcomes have been developed by appropriate Learned Societies and written specifically for accreditation by the RSB for the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

These criteria can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

Assessment fee

The charge for the assessment of the application and site visit will be £3,500. This fee covers all expenses associated with the assessment and visit except for overnight accommodation for the assessment panel. Universities will be required to book accommodation for the panel members in a suitable nearby hotel for the evening before the site visit. The assessment fee will be invoiced following receipt of the Formal Expression of Interest form. Please note if your application is unsuccessful the assessment fee is a non-returnable payment.

Accreditation annual fees

The fees for accreditation will be charged on an annual basis according to the number of programmes submitted and as agreed by the Society. The Society will consider the level of work required for the application, the number of students and the complexity of programmes in order to ensure, as far as possible, that costs are representative and equitable. The first year's fee will be required to be paid once accreditation has been awarded and formally ratified by the Accreditation Committee.

The table below is representative of fees charged in 2025; however the Society reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation during the accreditation period.

Programmes cost per year:

1: £3,000

2 to 5: £4,000

6 to 10: £5,000

11 +: £6,000

• Doctoral training programme
• Level 8 FHEQ
• Level 12 SCQF

Defining features:

• Accredit the training programme not the research component 
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Physics (welcome joint applications)

Membership and Professional Registers:

• Free registration for Chartered Biologist (CBiol)
• Accelerated entry onto CBiol – can apply after completing first year of work (as final year PhD counts towards professional experience)

Doctoral training programmes allow PhD students the opportunity to study at centres of excellence, undertaking an integrated training experience, typically focused in particular research areas. The RSB will accredit the training component of such programmes in the Life and Health Sciences, to support the development of specific skill sets, competencies, and training which will enhance Life and Health Science research. Moreover, working with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics we aim to provide an accreditation process for Doctoral training programmes that is capable of encompassing the broad range of expertise that exists to support doctoral students working in interdisciplinary teams.

The criteria for Doctoral Training Accreditation closely align with the attributes required for Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Once students graduate from an accredited doctoral training programme, they will only need to complete one further year of professional experience (rather than the normal two) in order to be eligible to apply for Chartered Biologist.

Doctoral Training Accreditation assessment criteria

To achieve accreditation for a programme, HEIs will need to provide robust evidence in support of their application, which will be judged by peer review against the standard metrics listed below.

Further information can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, which should be used as the main source of reference.

Evidence will be required to indicate that graduates have been trained to have:

1. A high level of professional skills in the field of biology, including thoroughness and reliability
2. An understanding and appreciation of health, safety, environmental, and ethical issues and adherence to the requirements relevant to their role
3. Integrity and respect for confidentiality in work, personal, and professional issues, such as ethical practice
4. An interest in broader developments in biological science; and a contribution to the profession of biology outside their disciplinary specialism
5. An ability to work as part of a team
6. Skills in biological science plus other professional skills as required for work undertaken and career development
7. Skills in critical evaluation and in drawing conclusions from scientific and other data
8. Time management skills, demonstrating foresight in carrying out responsibilities, and ability to make improvements as appropriate
9. An ability to make a contribution to key tasks in their work, understanding fully the biological science objectives of the work done and its relevance to their employer and others
10. Written and oral communication skills relevant to a range of expert and non-expert audiences, and demonstrate an ability to convey both the broad context and detailed description of the work done
11. An ability to discuss work constructively and objectively with colleagues and others; that they respond respectfully to, and acknowledge the value of alternative views and hypotheses, whilst also demonstrating an ability to defend and promote their own perspective
12. An ability to think creatively and reflectively, and make persuasive arguments to influence colleagues, employers or others

Although accreditation will not judge the quality of the research output, the outcomes-based approach to accreditation means that it will be likely that the panel will need to examine theses and other student-generated outputs as evidence that they have acquired many of the skills and traits listed above. In addition, student progression in the acquisition of the above skills should be evidenced.

Assessment fee

The charge for the assessment of the application and site visit will be £3,500. This fee covers all expenses associated with the assessment and visit except for overnight accommodation for the assessment panel. Universities will be required to book accommodation for the panel members in a suitable nearby hotel for the evening before the site visit. The assessment fee will be invoiced following receipt of the Formal Expression of Interest form. Please note if your application is unsuccessful the assessment fee is a non-returnable payment.

Accreditation annual fees

The fees for accreditation will be charged on an annual basis, and will cost £2,000. The Society reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation during the accreditation period. The first annual fee payment will be required once accreditation has been awarded and formally ratified by the Accreditation Committee.