
Biological Sciences (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Biological Sciences (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Our BSc Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year) could be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for a three-year version of our life sciences courses and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance.
Open to UK and EU applicants, this four-year course includes a Foundation Year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department, followed by a further three years of study in our School of Life Sciences.
During Year Zero you will study on our Life Sci...
Our BSc Biological Sciences (including Foundation Year) could be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for a three-year version of our life sciences courses and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance.<br/><br/>Open to UK and EU applicants, this four-year course includes a Foundation Year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department, followed by a further three years of study in our School of Life Sciences.<br/><br/>During Year Zero you will study on our Life Sciences Pathway which will cover topics such as an Introduction to Biology, Chemistry for Biology, and Mathematics and Statistics for Life Sciences. At the end of Year Zero all students who pass the Life Sciences Pathway will have a choice of which course to progress with. As well as BSc Biological Sciences, students on the Life Sciences Pathway could also study BSc Biomedical Science or BSc Marine Biology.<br/><br/>From Year One of BSc Biological Sciences you will cover the breadth of biology from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems, forming a strong basis from which you can specialise from as early as your second year of study. Youll discover how new developments in technology are driving current research, with research-based teaching delivered by leading scientists investigating global biological challenges.<br/><br/>The vast and diverse world of living organisms offers you 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 with our School of Life Sciences 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.<br/><br/>With our School of Life Sciences youll receive hands-on experience to develop important practical skills both in the lab and in the field. In your final year youll 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.
Course Information
1 option available
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
10/2026
Campus
Colchester Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
CD00
Institution Code
E70
Points of Entry
Foundation
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
72
To include 2 full A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be in a Science or Mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma
P:45
We will consider science based Access to Higher Education Diplomas. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
24
Including Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. To include Maths and Science. One of these needs to be at Higher Level grade 3, and the other to be at least Standard Level grade 4. We will accept GCSE Maths or Science grade C/4 or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths or Science in place of Maths or Science Standard Level grade 4 in the IB Diploma. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMP
In a science subject. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
A level
D,D,D
Including a science subject.
T Level
D
Pass with E in core, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided. Please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £21,500 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |