BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- GCF0
- Entry Requirements
- AAA (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
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 Natural Sciences with a Placement Year 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.
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.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Relevant work experience is an incredible asset in today’s competitive job market, and our Placement Year 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’ll 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 BSc Natural Sciences programme.
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.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year course is made up of optional modules from across the Faculty of Science. It will give you the opportunity to develop your existing scientific knowledge, while discovering new avenues of scientific study.
In your first, second and final years, you’ll have the chance to choose from a diverse range of modules from science schools across the Faculty, covering topics from artificial intelligence, to infection, to quantum mechanics and symmetry.
Your personal academic adviser will support you in choosing the best modules for you. The adviser is an academic in your main area of interest, who will help you make the right choices for your chosen scientific path. This interaction starts even before you arrive at UEA, with online discussions to choose your first year modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 120)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
You’ll learn from academics working at the forefront of their respective fields. The Faculty of Science is an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, so you can be sure you’ll be learning within a cutting-edge research environment, where you’ll benefit from constant exposure to the very latest scientific developments.
The teaching will include a mixture of lectures, small-group tutorials, workshops, laboratories, live online sessions and pre-recorded online material, depending on your areas of interest. In all the teaching sessions, you will be learning alongside students in that discipline, ensuring that you are being taught at the same level as a more specialised student.
As well as being taught by our world-class lecturers, you’ll be assigned a personal academic adviser, who will help you tailor your choices from across the sciences, ensuring you create a degree that ignites your passion and crosses conventional boundaries. We’ll also provide you with a high level of academic and pastoral care.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art university library.
Your independent study will, of course, be best exemplified by your final year project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible.
Assessment
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.
Structure
In second year, you will choose modules to build on your knowledge from the previous year, keeping your choices broad or narrowing it down towards a few areas that interest you most. There is also an opportunity to take a first year module, to extend your knowledge to a new area.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 100, Max Credits: 120)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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
You’ll learn from academics working at the forefront of their respective fields. The Faculty of Science is an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, so you can be sure you’ll be learning within a cutting-edge research environment, where you’ll benefit from constant exposure to the very latest scientific developments.
The teaching will include a mixture of lectures, small-group tutorials, workshops, laboratories, live online sessions and pre-recorded online material, depending on your areas of interest. In all the teaching sessions, you will be learning alongside students in that discipline, ensuring that you are being taught at the same level as a more specialised student.
As well as being taught by our world-class lecturers, you’ll be assigned a personal academic adviser, who will help you tailor your choices from across the sciences, ensuring you create a degree that ignites your passion and crosses conventional boundaries. We’ll also provide you with a high level of academic and pastoral care.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art university library.
Your independent study will, of course, be best exemplified by your final year project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible.
Assessment
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.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll spend 9 to 14 months on an industrial placement. You will be responsible for securing the placement, but we have well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond and can help you to identify and compete for appropriate industrial opportunities. Throughout your placement, you’ll maintain close contact with your UEA academic adviser and you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor. You’ll keep a diary to ensure that you’re fulfilling your learning objectives. The year will be assessed through a written report and a presentation.
Compulsory Modules
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
You’ll learn from academics working at the forefront of their respective fields. The Faculty of Science is an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, so you can be sure you’ll be learning within a cutting-edge research environment, where you’ll benefit from constant exposure to the very latest scientific developments.
The teaching will include a mixture of lectures, small-group tutorials, workshops, laboratories, live online sessions and pre-recorded online material, depending on your areas of interest. In all the teaching sessions, you will be learning alongside students in that discipline, ensuring that you are being taught at the same level as a more specialised student.
As well as being taught by our world-class lecturers, you’ll be assigned a personal academic adviser, who will help you tailor your choices from across the sciences, ensuring you create a degree that ignites your passion and crosses conventional boundaries. We’ll also provide you with a high level of academic and pastoral care.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art university library.
Your independent study will, of course, be best exemplified by your final year project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible.
Assessment
The year will be assessed through a written report and a presentation.
Structure
You’ll return to UEA for your final year of study, when you’ll undertake a substantial research project that will reflect your own scientific interests, supervised by an academic working in the same research area.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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
You’ll learn from academics working at the forefront of their respective fields. The Faculty of Science is an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, so you can be sure you’ll be learning within a cutting-edge research environment, where you’ll benefit from constant exposure to the very latest scientific developments.
The teaching will include a mixture of lectures, small-group tutorials, workshops, laboratories, live online sessions and pre-recorded online material, depending on your areas of interest. In all the teaching sessions, you will be learning alongside students in that discipline, ensuring that you are being taught at the same level as a more specialised student.
As well as being taught by our world-class lecturers, you’ll be assigned a personal academic adviser, who will help you tailor your choices from across the sciences, ensuring you create a degree that ignites your passion and crosses conventional boundaries. We’ll also provide you with a high level of academic and pastoral care.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art university library.
Your independent study will, of course, be best exemplified by your final year project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible.
Assessment
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.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAA including two Science A-Levels from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or ICT. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- We will publish this information as soon as possible.
- BTEC
- DDD - Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) is acceptable.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA (please note this is only considered in combination with two Science subjects at Advanced Highers Grade B or A-Level Grade A).
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBB including two Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography or ICT.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 6 subjects at H2 including two Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography or ICT.
- Access to HE Diploma
- 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 ICT.
- International Baccalaureate
- 34 with two HL6 Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography or ICT.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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.
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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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require 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.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed 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:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
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 placement year . Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
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 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:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll 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 CareerCentral 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.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Forensic science
- Teaching
- Science journalism
- Laboratory research
- PhD and Master’s programmes
- Environmental management and conservation