Biological Sciences (Including Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time including foundation year
- 10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Colchester Campus
Course summary
Our BSc Biological Sciences (including foundation year) will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entrance requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a programme that increases your subject knowledge as well as improves your academic skills to support your academic performance.
This four-year course includes a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by a further three years of study. During your Year Zero, you study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with additional English language for non-English speakers.
After successful completion of Year Zero in our Essex Pathways Department, you progress to complete your course with our School of Life Sciences.
Integrative biology brings together all the tools of modern biology to unravel the complexity of living systems. Our BSc Biological Sciences covers the breadth of biology from molecules and cells, to whole organisms and ecosystems. In our School you’ll 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 a huge range of opportunities for study and work, and at Essex we give you the flexibility to shape your degree to suit your interests. Your first year offers broad insights into cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, as well as an overview of animal, plant, and microorganism diversity. Our Integrative Biology pathway allows you to choose from a broad selection of modules across different disciplines. Alternatively you can customise your degree to specialise in an area you enjoy most, choosing from either Molecular and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or Ecology and Conservation Biology.
Choose to follow one of our four pathways:
-
Molecular and Cell Biology
-
Biotechnology
-
Ecology and Conservation
-
Integrative Biology
You’ll receive hands-on experience to develop important practical skills both in the lab and in the field throughout your course. In your final year you’ll carry out an independent research project allowing you to pursue your own interests and play your own part in adding to the ever-growing knowledge within biological sciences.
Visit our biological sciences subject page for more information and content.
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Colchester Campus
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time including foundation year • 4 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CD00
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Foundation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- CD00
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Chat to student ambassadors
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Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 72 points
A level - DDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
T Level - D
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
For our Essex Pathways courses we will consider your whole application before making a decision, regardless of your educational background and grades. If you need any advice please contact our Admissions team.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £20475 | Year 1 |
| International | £20475 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
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