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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with a Placement Year
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C104
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis90%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course 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. Learn how biology can be applied to major global challenges, including disease, food security, and climate change.
In our BSc Biological sciences with a Placement Year course, you’ll benefit from exposure to our brilliant academics and cutting-edge research(opens in a new window). We're part of the Norwich Research Park (NRP)(opens in a new window), and academics from the hospital and four world-renowned NRP research institutes will teach on your course.
Flexibility and choice are key features of this four-year degree programme, which aligns with the structure of our BSc Biological Sciences. A defined first year ensures that you have a broad understanding and gives you a platform for further study. In years two and four, a wealth of subject choice lets you explore the areas of biology that interest you most. In year 3 you have the opportunity to source a work placement. This placement year makes an invaluable addition to your scientific knowledge and skills, increasing your employability options in the future.
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 has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, confirming that it meets high standards in teaching and skills development.
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Placement Year
On this course you’ll spend your third year working on a placement that is relevant to your interests, gaining experience and skills that are highly valued by future employers. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and in the first two weeks of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of employers. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it’ll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. Though you UEA cannot guarantee you a placement we'll, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst you're identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During the year on placement, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it's progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
If you're unsuccessful in securing a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to apply to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a placement year or the Biological Sciences MSci degree.
Careers
Career Pathways
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Healthcare
- Food industry
- Science media and publishing
- Environmental management and conservation
- Teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages(opens in a new window).
After the Course
You’ll not only gain scientific knowledge, you’ll also develop your skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking. This combination will make 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 progress on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD) and an academic career.
Entry Requirements
- 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(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Biology or Human Biology
Contextual offer: BBB 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.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management OR DDD plus B at A-Level Biology or Human Biology .
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics, Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level in one other subject OR DD plus B at A-Level Biology or Human Biology.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus C at A-Level in one other subject OR DD plus C at A-Level Biology or Human Biology.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus AB at A-Level including Biology or Human Biology, OR D plus AB at A-level in Biology/Human Biology and one other subject.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus BB at A-Level including Biology or Human Biology, OR D plus BB at A-level in Biology/Human Biology and one other subject.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying ONE of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics, Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.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. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science pathway.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall with HL5 in Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Biology
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Biology.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Biology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
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):
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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(opens in a new window) 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.
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- 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You're eligible for reduced fees during the placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees(opens in a new window) webpage. There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: