University of Essex

BSc Human Biology

University of Essex

Course overview

The BSc Human Biology at the University of Essex builds on the foundations of biology to explore the complexity of the human body using cutting-edge technology. Students learn how recent advances in understanding our genetic make-up and cellular function are leading to exciting new developments in treating and preventing human disease. The course provides students with a cellular and disease-focused understanding of human biology, covering topics including: Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology and Microbiology.

A major research area at Essex is centred on the relationships between protein structure and mechanisms of disease. This sheds light on the complex cellular pathways involved in cancer and brain cell damage. Another research area uses computational approaches to study the role of epigenetics and DNA structure in human disease. In their final year, students carry out individual research projects. Popular topics have ranged from mutagenesis of proteins linked to human diseases such as blindness and cancer to mechanisms of cell death and antibiotic resistance.

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 Human Biology from the University of Essex allows graduates to pursue career roles such as:

  • Physical Therapist

  • Microbiologist

  • Biological and Medical Scientist

  • Forensic Scientist

  • Sports Scientist

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the BSc Human Biology 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 throughUCAS. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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