
Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Our BSc Biomedical Science (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 Scie...
Our BSc Biomedical Science (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 Biomedical Science, students on the Life Sciences Pathway could also study BSc Biological Sciences or BSc Marine Biology.<br/><br/>From Year One of BSc Biomedical Science you will explore the causes and diagnosis of diseases and the effectiveness of the medicines that cure them. You apply the concepts of biochemistry and cell biology to the study of health and disease in the human body. Our multidisciplinary approach means you learn skills that are at the forefront of advanced in medical research. You will learn modern lab techniques, take part in specialist field-trips, and play your own part in adding to the ever-growing knowledge within biomedical science.<br/><br/>We are the top university in the country for providing NHS placements as part of our applied biomedical science course. You will gain fast-track career progression within the NHS by studying with us. At Essex, our research focuses on genetic diseases, infection and immunity, and age-associated conditions such as cancer.
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
BD00
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. For this course we require either Level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study. Considered science subjects from all qualifications include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science. or Two GCSEs from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at grade B/6 (or equivalent). Other science-related GCSE subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in an OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.
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 |