20Sep
UndergraduateThis course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2025.
University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Our BSc Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year) could be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for a three-year version of our life sciences courses and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance. Open to UK and EU applicants, this four-year course includes a Foundation Year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department, followed by a further three years of study in our School of Life Sciences. During Year Zero you will study on our Life Sciences Pathway which will cover topics such as an Introduction to Biology, Chemistry for Biology, and Mathematics and Statistics for Life Sciences. At the end of Year Zero all students who pass the Life Sciences Pathway will have a choice of which course to progress with. As well as BSc Biological Sciences, students on the Life Sciences Pathway could also study BSc Biomedical Science or BSc Marine Biology. From Year One of BSc Biological Sciences you will cover the breadth of biology from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems, forming a strong basis from which you can specialise from as early as your second year of study. You'll discover how new developments in technology are driving current research, with research-based teaching delivered by leading scientists investigating global biological challenges. The vast and diverse world of living organisms offers you a huge range of opportunities for study and work, and at Essex we give you the flexibility to shape your degree to suit your interests. Your first year with our School of Life Sciences offers broad insights into cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, as well as an overview of animal, plant and microorganism diversity. Our Integrative Biology pathway allows you to choose from a broad selection of modules across different disciplines. Alternatively, you can customise your degree to specialise in an area you enjoy most, choosing from either Molecular and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or Ecology and Conservation Biology. With our School of Life Sciences you'll receive hands-on experience to develop important practical skills both in the lab and in the field. In your final year you'll carry out an independent research project allowing you to pursue your own interests and play your own part in adding to the ever-growing knowledge within biological sciences.
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.
How to apply
29Jan
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
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 72 points
A level - DDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
T Level - D
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £20475 | Year 1 |
| International | £20475 | Year 1 |
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
Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study, and standard undergraduate degree fee for international students will apply in subsequent years.
Provider information
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ