RSB Accreditation
Degree Accreditation is acknowledgement by an external body that a degree programme meets a defined set of overarching criteria.
Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology recognises and supports the advancement of skills and education in the biosciences, throughout the UK and internationally. Graduates from accredited degree programmes are equipped with well-rounded knowledge and skill sets, making them highly employable both within and beyond their chosen field.
Accreditation aims to:
- Recognise academic achievement
- Drive up standards of learning and teaching in the biosciences
- Enhance competitiveness for students in a global jobs market
- Provide industry with an assurance of the level of employability skills and subject relevant bioscience skills provided by a programme
- Maintain and improve the UK’s position as a premier location to develop the life scientists of the future
UK Accreditation
Click or tap here to learn more about UK Accreditation .
International Accreditation
Click or tap here to learn more about International Accreditation .
Accreditation Handbook
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Apprentice Accreditation Handbook
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International Accreditation Handbook
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Students/Graduates
- Greater employability prospects
- Enhanced competitiveness in a crowded global jobs market
- Professional body accreditation of their degree
- Free membership/registration to the RSB
Prospective Students
- Professional body assurance on the quality of a degree
HEIs
- Recognition of academic quality
- A mechanism to drive change within an institution
- An external review of programmes
- Sharing/highlighting of best practice
Employers
- A clear signpost to employers of the level of employability skills and subject relevant bioscience skills provided by a degree
The Royal Society of Biology initiated the development for accreditation of bioscience degrees in 2010. We received input from:
- Universities
- Business and Industry
- Government
- Learned Societies
- Research Councils
- Funding Bodies
- Sector Skills Councils
This led to a two year consultation period, including a survey of undergraduate and postgraduate students studying the life sciences in the UK, and recent graduates. 90% of respondents felt that it was important to gain work experience during their studies. Advanced Accreditation was launched in October 2012 which was supported by Government funding from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).
Due to the success of Advanced Accreditation and requests from the wider community, the Society developed Accreditation, addressing the skills gaps identified by employers for graduates from traditional bachelor's degrees, launched in March 2015.
The Royal Society of Biology Accreditation Programme now includes Accreditation, Advanced Accreditation, International Accreditation, Master's Accreditation, Foundation Degree Accreditation, Doctoral Training Accreditation, and Apprenticeship Accreditation.
Accreditation is not about the wide recognition of threshold standards, nor does it make judgements on the wide range of excellent degrees delivered by UK higher education institutions (HEIs).
Quotes from accredited institutions
“Thanks to [the panel] for their valuable feedback on our pathways — we very much appreciate their attention to detail and their positive approach to the discussion. It was a pleasure to engage with you all.” Dr Angela Mousley, Programme Director (Biological Sciences), Queen’s University Belfast
“Working with the RSB has been incredibly positive and rewarding, the whole process was both thorough and friendly, and we very much valued the key discussions that took place during the accreditation visit. We are thrilled to be able to offer this accreditation success to our apprentices and to our employers.” Dr Chrystelle Egger, Programme Lead MSc in Technical Leadership (Research Scientist Apprenticeship), Keele University
“The Accreditation process was extremely useful to us in a number of ways. It provided us with a framework with which to assess where we were with our curriculum, and the mapping of our degree learning outcomes and skills was especially helpful. The assessment by the accreditation panel gave use some really useful suggestions on ways we could improve. It has provided our students with the confidence that their degree provides them with excellent training and skills.” Professor Matthew Turnbull, Professor School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury
“Embarking on the journey towards international programme accreditation under the exceptional stewardship of the RSB team has been an enlightening and rewarding experience. Their explicit accreditation guidelines, combined with the insightful reviews provided, have significantly elevated the quality and rigor of our curriculum. Undoubtedly, this accreditation endeavour has not only fortified the credibility of our programmes, but has also propelled us towards achieving global standards of academic distinction.” Professor Daprim Samuel Ogaji, Centre leader, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt
''The accreditation process was an extremely rewarding learning experience for us, which could not have happened without the panel's professionalism and guidance throughout the interim phase. Their support and expertise were instrumental for our application's successful outcome. We are pleased that the accreditation means that our Biology students of all levels of study are entitled to free membership and have access to cutting edge research and news from the forefront of bioscience.” Laura Maska, Managing Director, Aegean College
Accreditation Committee
Contact us
Apply for UK Accreditation
Apply for International Accreditation