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Biological Sciences (Including Foundation Year)

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • October 2027
  • Undergraduate
Colchester Campus
More about University of Essex

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

What is the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year)?

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year) is a four-year degree.

You’ll secure a broad understanding of modern biology and a strong basis to specialise from, in your undergraduate degree or beyond.

If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the three-year version, starting the course with a Foundation Year gives you a supported step up to university study.

Why this course

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year) lets you explore the spectrum of biology and choose what to specialise in.

Year Zero prepares you with the skills and confidence needed to progress into your first year and continue on to a full undergraduate degree programme.

Year One will offer broad insights into cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution. For Year Two and your Final Year, you'll deepen your knowledge across disciplines or specialise in an area of your choosing, from molecular and cell biology to ecology and conservation biology.

You’ll graduate on the path to a biologist career in a range of specialisms, such as marine biology, conservation and molecular biology.

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

Modules

Course Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Integrated foundation year • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
CD00
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
CD00
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

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Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 72

To include 2 full A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be in a Science or Mathematics.

For this course we require either

Level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study. Considered science subjects from all qualifications include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science.

or

Two GCSEs from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at grade B/6 (or equivalent). Other science-related GCSE subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in an OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

https://www.essex.ac.uk/undergraduate/applying-to-essex

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

For our Essex Pathways courses we will consider your whole application before making a decision, regardless of your educational background and grades. If you need any advice please contact our Admissions team.

Learn more on the University of Essex website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Our tuition fees for this course will be confirmed soon.

Related courses

At University of Essex

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