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. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.
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.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
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:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Science media and publishing
- PhD programmes
- Environmental management and conservation
- Healthcare

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Assessment for Year 1
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 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.
BEGINNERS' LANGUAGE MODULES
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
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.
BEGINNERS' LANGUAGE MODULES
You can select from a wide range of level 5 language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Assessment for Year 1
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 and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.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.
BEGINNERS' LANGUAGE MODULES
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students must take EITHER BIO-6019Y or BIO-6022Y (dependent on availability). 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 and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.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.
BEGINNERS' LANGUAGE MODULES
You can select from a wide range of level 5 language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
AAB including Biology or Human Biology. 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
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: ScienceBTEC
DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management with Science. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services, or Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAAAA including Biology/Human BiologyScottish highers advanced
BBC including Biology/Human BiologyIrish leaving certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including BiologyAccess 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 grade 7 in BiologyInternational Baccalaureate
33 points with HL 5 in BiologyGCSE 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
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 such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
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 language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA, 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:
International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in Biology (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
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):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
- 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:
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 and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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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
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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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:

We’re 17th for research quality!

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We’re 17th for research quality!

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What's included in your fees
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