University of Essex

BSc Biological Sciences

University of Essex

Course overview

The BSc Biological Sciences at the University of Essex covers a broad range of biology from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems, forming a strong basis from which students can specialise from as early as their second year of study. In our School of Life Sciences, students will discover how new developments in technology are driving current research, with research-based teaching delivered by leading scientists investigating global biological challenges.

The vast and diverse world of living organisms offers students a huge range of opportunities for study and work, and at Essex, we give students the flexibility to shape their degree to suit their interests.  Our Integrative Biology pathway allows students to choose from a broad selection of modules across different disciplines. Alternatively, they can customise their degree to specialise in an area they enjoy most, choosing from either Molecular and Cell Biology or Ecology and Conservation Biology.

Students will receive hands-on experience to develop important practical skills both in the lab and in the field. In their final year, students will carry out an independent research project, allowing them to pursue their own interests and play their own part in adding to the ever-growing knowledge within biological sciences.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements:

  • UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points

  • A level - BBB

  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

  • Access to HE Diploma - D: 6 credits M: 39 credits

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 - 30 points

  • T Level - D

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants who don't have English as their first language, will be required to have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component,  or equivalent.

Scholarships

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250
  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000
  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000
  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000
  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

Career opportunities

The BSc Biological Sciences from the University of Essex

 allows graduates to pursue career roles such as:

  • Microbiologist

  • Biochemist

  • Ecologist

  • Physician

  • Pharmacologist

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the BSc Biological Sciences in the University of Essex is  £24,360 per year for international students. (Fees will increase for each academic year of study).

Admission

To apply for the course, applicants can apply through UCAS. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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