Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional year in placement or abroad. This program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of modern biology and a strong basis to specialize from, in their undergraduate degree or beyond.

Overview of the Course

• The course starts with a broad introduction to cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution in the first year.
• In the second and final years, students can deepen their knowledge across disciplines or specialize in an area of their choosing, from molecular and cell biology to ecology and conservation biology.
• Students have the opportunity to add a placement year or study abroad to put their learning into practice, expand their perspective, and build confidence in professional or international settings.
• Previous students have undertaken placements with renowned organizations such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Proctor & Gamble (P&G), AquaTerra, AstraZeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermo Fisher, and Isogenica, among others.

Who Should Apply

• Future biological scientists and researchers
• Those wanting to further our modern understanding of the living world
• Students considering careers through a broad understanding of biology
• Practical learners wanting hands-on and field experience

What You'll Learn

• Introductions: Spend the first year exploring molecular cell biology, genetics, ecology, and microbiology
• Employability: Choose from employability skills for the biosciences or professional skills for ecology and marine scientists
• Specialise: Tailor the last two years of your degree through your choice of applied modules

Your Learning Experience

• Optional study abroad year: Spend a year at one of the partner universities and experience another culture
• Optional placement year: Gain professional experience in a business or organization with university support
• Expert teaching: Learn in a lively, friendly, and supportive community with research-led study and high-quality teaching from researchers across the spectrum of biology
• Specialist facilities: Access a range of equipment and facilities, from teaching labs to bioimaging, x-ray crystallography, and macromolecular interactions, and complete your final-year research alongside academics and research students in shared labs

Careers and Outcomes

A BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences degree prepares students for diverse careers in:

• Biology: Biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, forensic science
• Environment: Ecology, marine biology, nature conservation, water quality, soil analysis
• Health: Pharmacology, biomedical science, clinical science
• Research: Postgraduate research programs
• Education: Primary and secondary science and biology teaching

Employers of Graduates

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in national and international organizations, including:

• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• Sainsbury Laboratory (University of Cambridge)
• ALS Laboratories
• NHS
• Essex Wildlife Trust
• Natural England
• Suffolk County Council

Why Choose This Course

• 1st in the UK for biology (Mail University Guide 2026)
• 3rd for student positivity in biosciences (National Student Survey 2025, English Broad Discipline Universities)
• Top 100 globally for six of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (THE Impact Rankings 2026)

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics C/4, plus one of the level 3 qualifications below
• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, or Life and Health Sciences
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent, including B in Biology (or equivalent)
• IB: 30-29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects, including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, or Life and Health Sciences

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test
• Details of English language requirements can be found on the university's website

Structure

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with optional years abroad or in placement. The modules are designed to evolve with the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.

Components and Modules

• Year 1: Core modules include Quantitative methods for Life Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Animal Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Microbiology, and Plant Biology and Ecosystems
• Year 2 and Final Year: Include a mix of compulsory and optional modules, allowing for specialization and depth in chosen areas
• Research Project: In the final year, students undertake a research project in Life Sciences, preparing them for carrying out individual scientific investigations

Placement and Year Abroad

• Placement Year: Gain relevant work experience within an external business or organization
• Year Abroad: Experience other cultures and languages, broadening the degree socially and academically

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching: Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group projects
• Assessment: Degrees are awarded on the results of written examinations together with continual assessments of practical work and coursework

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• £9,535 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

International Fee

• £24,360 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course. Details can be found on the university's website.

What's Next

After graduating, students are prepared for a variety of careers and further education opportunities, equipped with a deep understanding of biological sciences and practical experience.