MSci BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MSCI BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Our four-year 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 the biological sciences. through independent research projects in both third and final years.
If you are fascinated by the world around you and wish to explore it further through a career in research our Integrated Masters is an excellent choice. You’ll cover topics from antibiotic resistance to biofuels, from cancer to bees. But most of all you’ll lay the foundations for a career at the forefront of biological research, where you could have a positive impact on the daily lives of people all over the world.
You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the new £75-million Quadram Institute.
About
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. The fourth year is designed to prepare you for a research career and includes a two-semester independent project, under the supervision of an internationally recognised scientist on the Norwich Research Park.
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.

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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 MSci Biological Sciences programme does not accommodate a year studying abroad or a placement year, but the School does offer two other fours year programmes that do. 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 a research career by offering the opportunity to undertake two independent reseach projects and a final year module dedicated to professional development.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Science Policy
- Science media and publishing
- Doctoral Education (PhD programmes)
- Science Education
- Healthcare and Medicine

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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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through coursework.
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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, some are assessed only through 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
ABB including Biology or Human Biology or BBB 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 element.BTEC
DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management with Science. Excluding Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.Scottish highers
AAABB including grade B in Biology.Scottish highers advanced
BCC including Biology.Irish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2 and 2 at H3, including Higher Level Biology.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 Level 3 credits in Biology.European Baccalaureate
75% overall, including 70% in Biology.International Baccalaureate
32 points with HL 5 in Biology.GCSE offer
You are required to have English Language at a minimum of Grade C/4 or above and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
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.
Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year
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 Sciences
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 speaking, listening, reading and writing) at the following level:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
We will also accept a number of other English language qualifications. Please click here for further information.
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
The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some students an interview will be requested. You may be called for an interview to help the School of Study, and you, understand if the course is the right choice for you. The interview will cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a convenient 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
Undergraduate University Fees and Financial Support
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 system 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 must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL 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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