SHU press release

Three undergraduate degrees at Sheffield Hallam University have received Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology for their high quality biosciences degree programmes.

The University received the accolade at the Royal Society of Biology’s (RSB) annual accreditation awards ceremony highlighting the institution’s commitment to delivering a robust education that equips their students with knowledge and skillsets valued by employers.

Accreditation by the RSB 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.

A reception in Parliament celebrating the latest accreditation cohort took place on 24th April, with academics, industry representatives and bioscience graduates in attendance.

Eight-five degree programmes across 16 institutions have been awarded Accreditation this year by the Royal Society of Biology, in recognition of the high standards of education provided by their biosciences programmes.

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the RSB, said: “We are delighted to announce that 16 more institutions have received Accreditation.

“With over 50 per cent of UK universities that teach biosciences now having at least one accredited degree programme, we can see RSB Accreditation enhancing and recognising education landscape development.

“Our Accreditation scheme has influenced the way HEIs deliver teaching, and ensures that students at these institutions are receiving a robust biosciences education that equips them with the skill sets and abilities valued by employers.

“We want to ensure all bio-scientists, at all stages of their education, can enrol on an accredited course in confidence that they will receive an exceptional standard of training and support.”

The scheme has grown since its inception in October 2012, with more than 50% of UK universities that teach the biosciences now able to offer one accredited degree programme or more.

Including this year’s additions, there are now over 600 programmes across 58 institutions that have received Accreditation from the RSB, including several outside of the UK.

Accreditation and Advanced Accreditation is available for undergraduate degrees, with postgraduate degrees eligible for Master’s Accreditation or Doctoral Accreditation. International Accreditation status is also available for institutions based overseas.