MSci BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MSCI BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Study life itself. Discover the why, how and what of living organisms – how we came to be, and how we’ve since evolved.
Our four-year integrated Master’s programme spans the entire scale of biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. You’ll be able to explore the subject as a whole before selecting your area of specialisation. In your final year you’ll undertake a substantial independent project, which will serve you well if you hope to pursue a career in research, discovering answers to the scientific questions that interest you.
We’re world leaders in biological research, and you’ll benefit from exposure to our cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole-organism biology. You’ll get to grips with the application of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security, biotechnology and human health. And you’ll get to explore the role of biology in tackling the challenges society faces today – and in the future.
About
Our flagship Biological Sciences degree allows you to study a wide range of science subjects in your first year without prematurely committing yourself to any particular specialisation. You’ll also be given a grounding in mathematics, statistics, computing and chemistry. As the course progresses, the flexibility of the programme encourages you to explore and pursue your own specialist interests within biological sciences. You’ll also have the chance to develop your specific scientific interests independently in your final year, when you’ll complete a substantial research project. We aim to provide you with as much academic freedom as possible, so in your second and third years you’ll be offered a defined choice module, which will allow you to select from a huge range of units offered by UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, as well as other Schools across the university. At UEA we are uniquely partnered with the Norwich Research Park, providing you with access to learning experience that is dynamic and fascinating – and fuelled by research that is happening right here, right now.

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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
The BSc Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad enables you to spend your third year studying overseas. Time abroad is a great way to build contacts and show future employers your resilience and adaptability. You could also choose the BSc Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry and spend a year in the workplace. Not only will it give you first-hand knowledge of the way in which your chosen field operates, it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector, thanks to the relevant work experience, valuable contacts and real-world insight you’ll gain.

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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 makes 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. A number of our graduates progress on to higher degrees, and this course has been designed to help prepare you for further study by providing you with more in-depth research-based experience.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Pharmaceutical industry
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Science media and publishing
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PhD programmes
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Environmental management and conservation
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Healthcare

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Assessment for Year 2
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 3
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 4
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
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.Assessment for Year 2
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
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.Students must take EITHER BIO-6019Y, BIO-6023Y, BIO-6018Y or BIO-6022Y (based on it's availability). Students may be moved from BIO-6019Y to BIO-6023Y, based on stage 2 results.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 3
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
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.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 4
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course, reflecting the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Many of our modules are 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
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
AAB including Biology or Human Biology or ABB including grade B in Biology or Human Biology with an A in the Extended Project. Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical elementBTEC
DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management with Science. Excluding Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services and Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAAAA including grade B in Biology.Scottish highers advanced
BBC including Biology.Irish leaving certificate
4 subjects at H2 and 2 at H3, including Higher Level Biology.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at level 3, including 12 credits in BiologyEuropean Baccalaureate
80% overall, including 7 in Biology.International Baccalaureate
33 with HL 5 in Biology.GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
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 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
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
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. Please click here to see our full list.
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:
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.
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, EU and International 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
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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