BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad

Course Overview

Study life itself, from its very origins and the early stages of evolution to the minutiae of molecular, cellular, and organismal processes. Study growth and development, investigate the complex entanglements of ecosystems, and learn about health and disease. Discover how biology can be applied to major global challenges, including disease, food security, and climate change.

In our biological sciences course, you’ll benefit from exposure to our brilliant academics and cutting-edge research. We are part of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), and academics from the hospital and four world-renowned NRP research institutes will teach on your course.

Flexibility and choice are key features of your biological sciences degree. A defined first year ensures that you have a broad understanding and gives you a platform for further study. In the following years, a wealth of subject choice lets you explore the areas of biology that interest you most.

UEA offers excellent facilities, including fantastic new teaching laboratories. We have brand-new, state-of-the-art research labs and our beautiful campus is home to diverse organisms that you’ll have the opportunity to study.

Your degree will lay the foundations for a career in research, but you’ll also develop transferable skills that will prepare you for a career outside of biology, such as science communication and data analysis. Your degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, confirming that it meets high standards in teaching and skills development. In the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, 95% of our students were in work or further study.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

AAB including Biology or Human Biology

Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall with HL 5 in Biology

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.0  overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

You’ll not only gain scientific knowledge, you’ll also develop your skills in areas of research and communication, IT and data science data collection, analytics and critical thinking. This combination makes you highly employable.

Our graduates have gone on to establish careers in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, conservation management, environmental assessment, teaching, science communication and more. Many of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD) and an academic career.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Healthcare
• Food industry
• Science media and publishing
• Environmental management and conservation
• Teaching

Discover more on our Careers webpages.