BSc (Hons) Human Biology at University of Essex

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Human Biology covers advances in understanding genetic make-up and cellular function and developments in treating and preventing human disease.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Quantitative Methods for Life Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Biochemistry of Macromolecules and General and Organic Chemistry. Year 2 includes Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease and Cell Biology with options; the final year centres on a Research Project in Life Sciences plus options.

Career pathways

Biology (biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, forensic science); health (dental science, biomedical science, sport science and physiotherapy, radiography); postgraduate research; science communication and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics C/4. Plus one of the level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including C in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology or Life and Health Sciences. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 4 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology or Life and Health Sciences; the GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. T-levels: Science T-levels are considered case by case; T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science are not accepted. A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications holding UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in Biology or equivalent. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,600 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

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