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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of East AngliaThe BSc Biological Sciences with a Placement Year at UEA is perfect if you’re curious about life at all levels — from tiny molecules to entire ecosystems. Over four years, you’ll not only study biology in depth but also gain a year of real-world experience in a professional setting, giving your CV a huge boost before you graduate.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building a Foundation
Your first year introduces the core ideas in biology. You’ll explore Cell Biology to understand how life works at the cellular level, Genetics and Evolution to see how traits are passed down and populations change, and Ecology and Environment to study the relationships between organisms and their surroundings. These modules give you the solid foundation you need for more advanced study.
Year 2: Specialising and Learning Research Skills
In your second year, you’ll start to focus on areas that interest you while learning essential research techniques. Modules like Microbiology show you the fascinating world of microorganisms, Biochemistry teaches the chemical processes that keep life running, and Research Methods in Biology helps you master lab work, data analysis, and experimental design.
Year 3: Placement Year
This year is all about experience. You’ll spend time in a lab, a research centre, or in industry, putting what you’ve learned into practice. It’s a chance to build professional networks, develop practical skills, and gain a real taste of what a career in biology could look like.
Year 4: Advanced Topics and Independent Research
Back at UEA, your final year is about going deeper. You’ll take advanced modules such as Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, and complete a Final Year Research Project. This is your opportunity to explore your own questions, work closely with academic supervisors, and showcase your research skills in a dissertation.
Focus Areas : Molecular Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics
Learning Outcomes :
By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to:
Understand the key principles of biology across multiple disciplines
Conduct hands-on lab and field research confidently
Apply biological knowledge to real-world challenges
Communicate scientific ideas clearly
Work independently and in teams in professional environments
Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which means your degree meets professional standards recognized across the UK. It’s a mark of quality that employers respect and helps open doors for your future career.
Reputation (Employability Rankings) : UEA is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for Biological Sciences. The placement year, combined with the strong research focus, means graduates leave well-prepared for careers or further study.
Studying Biological Sciences with a Placement Year at UEA isn’t just about lectures — you’ll get hands-on, real-world experience from day one. The program is designed to help you build practical skills in modern labs, in the field, and during a professional placement, so that you’re ready for a career in biology or further study.
Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:
Modern laboratories – Work in labs equipped for molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, using the same techniques that professional scientists use.
Research projects – Collaborate with faculty on real research, giving you a taste of what it’s like to contribute to scientific discovery.
Fieldwork – Take part in ecology and environmental trips, observing organisms and ecosystems in their natural habitats.
Placement year – In your third year, spend time in a professional setting, whether that’s a lab, research centre, or industry, applying your skills and building your CV.
Career support – UEA’s CareerCentral helps you find internships, craft your CV, and prepare for job applications so you’re ready to step into the professional world.
These experiences are all designed to bridge the gap between what you learn in lectures and what happens in the real world, giving you confidence, practical skills, and a head start on your career.
Graduating with a BSc in Biological Sciences with a Placement Year from UEA gives you both the knowledge and real-world experience employers are looking for. Many of our students go on to roles such as Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnology Analyst, or Healthcare Scientist. The placement year really helps you stand out, giving you hands-on experience and professional connections before you even finish your degree.
Here’s how UEA supports you in building your career:
CareerCentral Support – Personalised guidance on internships, placements, CVs, and job applications, so you’re ready to take the next step after graduation.
Strong graduate outcomes – Around 80% of UEA graduates move into professional work or further study shortly after finishing their degree.
Industry partnerships – Work with leading organizations during your placement, gaining valuable professional experience and networking opportunities.
Accreditation – This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, giving employers confidence in the skills and knowledge you bring.
Employability edge – Combining academic study with a placement year means you leave UEA with practical experience that sets you apart in the job market.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you have lots of options if you want to continue studying. You could move on to an MSci in Biological Sciences to dive deeper into research, pursue a Master’s or PhD in fields like Molecular Biology, Ecology, or Biomedicine, or even gain professional qualifications in areas like Clinical Biochemistry or Environmental Management. Your placement year experience and the research skills you develop at UEA give you a solid foundation for further study anywhere in the world.
A Levels : BBB including Biology or Human BiologyIB : 31 points overall with HL 5 in BiologyAll applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4. IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) , TOEFL : 79for India : 70% + in the Higher Secondary School Certificate- Standard 12 (CBSE / ICSE)for USA : High School Diploma Overall Score - 3.3 GPAfor USA : 3 AP Exams with the following scores - 3+for USA : ACT : 27+ / SAT: 1280+Contextual Offer : BCC including Biology or Human Biology.Placement year fees for international students are 25% of the standard tuition fee, amounting to approximately £7,325 for the Biological Sciences course at UEA for 2026/27 entry. Research scientistBiomedical scientistEcologistBiotechnologistMicrobiologistForensic scientistEnvironmental consultantScience communicatorHigher education lecturerPharmaceutical researcher
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