Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Biomedicine and Biomedical Science with A Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C94F
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for you to study Biomedicine or Biomedical Sciences at UEA, even if you don’t have the standard entry qualifications for these courses or feel you need a more supported start to your university life.
You’ll begin with a foundation year covering core subjects to help prepare you for your degree. About 60% of this year will focus on biology. You’ll learn about cells, organisms, ecosystems, and how all these areas connect to help us live healthier and more sustainable lives. The remaining 40% of your studies will include research skills, chemistry, and mathematics, depending on what you’ve studied before and which degree you plan to take.
After successfully completing the foundation year, you’ll move on to one of two degrees:
- BSc Biomedicine: This course focuses on medical research and how it can be used to treat patients.
- BSc Biomedical Science: This is aimed at training students to work in NHS laboratories and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
If you’re not sure which course to choose, don’t worry. The first year of both degrees is the same, so you can decide which one suits you best at the end of that year. You can also add a year abroad or a placement year to your course.
You’ll be taught by experts, including scientists, hospital consultants, and medical professionals. You’ll also learn in excellent facilities like the new £34 million STEM labs and the Norwich Medical School. UEA is part of the Norwich Research Park, which includes top research centres and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, giving you a great environment to study, learn, and grow.
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Accreditations
Our BSc programme in Biomedical Science is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Study and Modules
Structure
The focus of most of your biology studies will relate to the drivers and processes contributing to the evolution of life. You’ll study crucial processes such as metabolic pathways and nutrient flow within our bodies and the environment. You’ll explore the role of fossils as evidence for evolution, the inheritance of genetic disorders, and the processes driving diversity within populations, including specific examples on topics such as antimicrobial resistance. You’ll also train in core research skills including various “wet lab” techniques such as DNA extraction, microscopy, bacterial culture, experimental design, plus data collection and statistical analysis. Depending on your previous qualification, 20% of your study will also cover core mathematics or chemistry.
After completing your foundation year, you’ll progress on to one of the main Biomedicine or Biomedical Science degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences. The progression criteria for these courses varies, but a typical example might be 60% overall and 60% in biology and either mathematics or chemistry. Passing all your foundation year modules (the pass mark is 40%) will also make you eligible for our main Biological Sciences programmes as well as our Ecology and Conservation, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics degree courses.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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
The primary avenue for your learning will be through lectures, seminars, and practical laboratory sessions, offering hands-on experience and significant contact time with lecturers and researchers. Additionally, seminars and group discussions serve to cultivate problem posing and solving abilities.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library, and you’ll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will provide you with guidance throughout.
Assessment
We’ll use a variety of assessment methods to enable you to demonstrate your learning. These include multiple choice questions (MCQs) online tests, mini-interviews (called vivas), presentations, posters and lab assessments.
Employability
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Medical research
- Industrial research
- Academic Research
- Management
- Biomedical Scientist (NHS)
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Clinical trials and regulatory sector
- Education: university, college and school teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK 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 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies 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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Contextual offer: CDD.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Contextual offer: MMP.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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: 6.5 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, 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
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
- 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of 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: