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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 Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C10C
- Typical Offer
- BBB including Biology or Human Biology
- Contextual Offer
- BCC including Biology or Human Biology
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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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
Why Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Biology is the study of life—discover it in all its forms with access to world-leading research and hospital expertise. Build a strong foundation before specialising, ready to tackle global challenges such as climate change and food security in your future career.
Why choose UEA?
- Flexible studies: Choose from topics ranging from medicine and biotechnology to evolution and ecology
- World-leading research: Explore global challenges in outstanding facilities at the Norwich Research Park
- Study abroad: Spend your third year studying abroad gaining valuable experience
What is BSc Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad?
Biology explores life from molecules to whole ecosystems, helping address global challenges such as health and climate change. You’ll learn from experts at UEA and across the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window).
Once registered for your course, you’ll gain access to our bespoke, award-winning prearrival content. Created by both staff and students, this self-guided material will help you explore our campus and laboratory facilities. You’ll get a feel for what to expect and learn about the support available to you.
You’ll start with a strong first year covering the core areas of biology. Then you can tailor your degree with a wide choice of modules to match your interests. You’ll spend your third year studying abroad, gaining valuable international experience. In your final year back at UEA, you’ll carry out an exciting research project in one of our laboratories.
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Year Abroad
Complete years one and two successfully and you’ll spend year three studying at one of our partner universities in North America, Australasia, Europe or Asia. We’ll take your academic interests and placement preferences into account when allocating the university that we feel is your best fit, from your chosen short-list.
For more details, check out study abroad.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad degree, you could develop a career as a:
- Pharmaceutical Scientist: Develop and test new medicines for the pharmaceutical industry
- Biomedical Scientist: Analyse samples and support diagnosis and treatment in healthcare laboratories
- Food Scientist: Improve food quality, safety, and production processes in the food industry
- Civil Service Policy Advisor: Develop and analyse policies related to science, environment, or health
- Science Teacher: Teach biology or general science in schools or colleges
Discover more at careers.
Career Support
You’ll graduate with the confidence and skills to take your next step. Industry partners will support your learning, helping you build practical skills that employers value. Your degree-long Elevate portfolio will connect you with workplace opportunities and career events. Researchers from UEA and the Norwich Research Park will support your development throughout your degree. You’ll leave with a strong, adaptable skillset ready for a wide range of future careers.
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready to make an impact across modern science, from health and nutrition to clean energy, ecology, and conservation. Career Central at UEA will help you build a strong CV and prepare confidently for interviews. You’ll also receive support to explore enterprise opportunities and new career directions. This guidance continues for up to three years after graduation, helping you grow and progress at your own pace.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year of your degree, you’ll be given a thorough introduction to biological sciences, alongside other core elements relating to the study of biology, such as chemistry, mathematics, and data science. You’ll also begin to learn the key scientific skills essential to your future research projects and develop creative and innovative problem-solving skills.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Your second year will enable you to pursue your interests in specialist biology subjects through a range of optional modules. You’ll be trained in practical skills, which will strengthen your analytical, innovative and professional abilities, thus further preparing you for the final year research project. In addition, you’ll have the option of learning from another science school or acquiring a language, subject to the approval of the desired school of study.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Complete years one and two successfully and you’ll spend your third year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Australasia, North America, or Europe. All universities have their own area of research focus, reflected in their teaching, so your year abroad is a fantastic chance to cover aspects of biology that aren’t our focus at UEA. This means that not only will you get to experience another country and culture, but you’ll also broaden your academic horizons.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll have an even greater range of modules to choose from which will focus on specific biological topics ranging from food security to cancer biology. You’ll study topics in greater depth and can acquire a variety of skills that will support you as you conduct your substantial independent research project.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn in lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical laboratory classes, which take place in UEA’s state-of-the-art undergraduate teaching labs, and in the field. Independent study will take advantage of our 24/7 library at the heart of the campus. Guidance is provided through regular contact with your academic adviser.
Support for mathematical and statistical skills is a major focus of workshops in the first year. Research skills are developed by direct contact with internationally recognised researchers.
Each module will involve applied work in collecting, analysing, and reviewing data, with emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge. Research design and analysis are brought together in your final year research project, where you’ll further develop independent thought and application.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, project reports, practical skills tests, scientific reports, presentations, essays, and multiple-choice and short-answer tests. Modules can have a mixture of examination and coursework, or be fully assessed by coursework. No modules are assessed only by examination.
In your first year, you’ll encounter a variety of assessments, including low-stakes tests that will enable you to track your learning as modules progress. There is also an emphasis data analysis and skills tests, authentic forms of assessment that will enable you to develop skills valuable to your future career. Ongoing feedback from assessments will help you grow into your course with increasing confidence.
As you progress into the later stages of your degree, there is a continued emphasis on authentic assessment coursework. This culminates in your own research project, which enables you to showcase your expertise assessment based on a research proposal, report, and presentation. Most non-project modules have exams and this combination of assessment types ensures you graduate with a strong, transferable skillset.
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
BBB including Biology or Human Biology
Contextual offer: BCC including Biology or Human Biology
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management OR DDD plus B at A-Level Biology or Human Biology .
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical 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.BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE DiplomaAccess to Science pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology.
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology at Merit.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. 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
32 points overall with HL5 in Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology
Scottish Highers
AAABB including Biology.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL 5 in Biology
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) 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, UEA International Study Centre 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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 for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(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
Fees are reduced during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location. Please see additional course fees 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: