BSc NATURAL SCIENCES WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
BSC NATURAL SCIENCES WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
Our Natural Sciences course is ideal if you wish to study more than one area of science while retaining a larger degree of flexibility than traditional joint degrees allow. You’ll study modules from a minimum of two of the main disciplines: biology, chemistry, computing, environmental sciences, mathematics and physics. And you’ll have the opportunity to study specialist topics as your degree programme develops. Whichever subjects you choose, you will be learning at the forefront of your chosen disciplines with our stimulating, research-led teaching programme.
Our programme will give you an appreciation of complex concepts from across contemporary science. You’ll experience what is required of a skilled scientist: from the deliberation needed to design an experiment, including consideration of the results, to the excitement of discovering something new. And by spending your third year on an industrial placement, you’ll gain truly invaluable, hands-on experience of how this applies to a real working environment.
This highly competitive degree provides you with vital knowledge of several scientific disciplines, and its flexibility allows you to direct your learning around your own interests or career goals.
You’ll acquire technical skills and subject-specific knowledge as well as transferable skills desired by employers, including high levels of literacy and numeracy, data collection, collation and management, understanding and analysing complex systems, devising strategies of intervention, critical thinking, time management, organisational and analytical skills, teamwork and communication skills.
In your final year you will complete a supervised research project, which can be in a combination of disciplines.
About
Biology alone will not beat cancer; environmentalists alone will not mitigate global warming: scientific advances are forged through shared knowledge and collaboration. By studying Natural Sciences you’ll gain an appreciation of complex scientific concepts, and be able to approach them from more than one angle.
Our radically interdisciplinary Natural Sciences programme gives you the opportunity to create your own unique degree, crossing conventional boundaries and tailoring your learning to suit your interests from across the sciences. You could study any combination of biology, chemistry, computing, environmental sciences, mathematics and physics, with knowledge from one complementing the other.
On our four-year Year in Industry course you’ll gain practical and professional experience by spending your third year of study on placement. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a commercial environment and acquire invaluable experience as well as developing a greater understanding of the application of your scientific interests. And we have links with leading organisations including Astra Zeneca, Aviva, the Environment Agency and GlaxoSmithKline.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
Relevant work experience is an incredible asset in today’s competitive job market, and our Year in Industry programme ensures you’ll graduate one step ahead of other students. You’ll gain first-hand knowledge, secure valuable contacts, and learn how to put theory into practice, working within time and financial constraints.
You will be expected to seek your own work placement. In the first two weeks of your second year you will write a CV and apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support while you are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities. Current industrial links include local and national government, Astra Zeneca, the Environment Agency, GlaxoSmithKline and ICI.
During this year you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Alternatively, you have the option to take a Year Abroad, in Australasia, Canada, United States or Europe, by studying on the BSc Natural Sciences with a Year Abroad.

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After the Course
You will graduate exceptionally well prepared for your future career, having gained skills that are highly valued by employers, and with practical experience in the work environment.
Many Natural Sciences graduates continue to specialise in their chosen scientific fields across a broad range of careers, including forensics, teaching, science journalism and laboratory research. You might also choose to progress to postgraduate study or research
We work with UEA’s Careers Service to support you at every stage of your course, from finding paid or voluntary work opportunities and choosing a career, through to applying for graduate jobs and further study.
Career destinations
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Forensic science
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Teaching
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Science journalism
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Laboratory research
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PhD and Master’s programmes
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Environmental management and conservation.

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Assessment for Year 1
We use a variety of assessment methods across the different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination.
Coursework assessment methods include course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, field notebooks, literature reviews, essays and seminar presentations. Skills-based modules are assessed by 100% coursework.
You will also undertake a final year project, which will include a substantial piece of written research work and will count for 33% of your final year mark.
Assessment for Year 1
We use a variety of assessment methods across the different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination.
Coursework assessment methods include course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, field notebooks, literature reviews, essays and seminar presentations. Skills-based modules are assessed by 100% coursework.
You will also undertake a final year project, which will include a substantial piece of written research work and will count for 33% of your final year mark.
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.Entry Requirements
A Levels
AAA including two Science A-Levels from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICT or AAB including two science A-levels from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICT with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) is acceptable. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAAAA including two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTScottish highers advanced
BBB including two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTIrish leaving certificate
6 subjects at H2 including two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTAccess course
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3 including 24 credits in two Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTEuropean Baccalaureate
Overall 82% including 85% in two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTInternational Baccalaureate
34 points including HL 6 in two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICTGCSE offer
GCSE English Language grade C/4 and GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or above.
Additional entry requirements
Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for this course, our partner INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a foundation programme and an interview. Depending on your interests and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
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International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences
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International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
- IELTS : 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
- We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO UEA also offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
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 and to contact admissions@uea.ac.uk directly to discuss this further.
Gap year
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.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during your year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

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How to apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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