We’re world leaders in biological research, so by studying with us you’ll benefit from exposure to our cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology. You’ll have the chance to get to grips with the application of science within major global challenges such as environmental management, food security, biotechnology and human health. And with the hands-on experience you’ll have gained, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a pioneer in your chosen field. You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the Quadram Institute.  

This four-year degree programme follows the structure of our BSc Biological Sciences, while giving you the opportunity to spend your third year on a work placement from anywhere across the breadth of biology. 

A placement year makes an invaluable addition to your scientific knowledge and skills, increasing your employability and giving you the chance to put your first two years of learning into practice. 

ABOUT

On this course, you’ll follow the same programme as our BSc Biological Sciences students, but you will spend your third year on a work placement relevant to your interests. You’ll be able to undertake a placement that could cover any aspect from across the field of biology. For example, our students have worked in large pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, small biotechnology companies such as Phico Therapeutics, research institutes like the John Innes Centre, educational placements with the Field Studies Council or conservation placements like those taking place in the Norfolk Broads. Your placement can be in the UK or abroad, with recent students travelling to Poland, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.  

ACCREDITATION

This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced accreditation recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The advanced accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from advanced accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.

The current period of accreditation is for a five-year period, from 2020 to 2025. We expect to apply for renewal of accreditation at the end of this period. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

On this course you will spend your third year working on a placement that is relevant to your interests , gaining experience and skills that are highly valued by future employers. You will be expected to seek your own work placement, and in the first two weeks of your second year you will be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of employers. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities. During this year you’ll be supported by an placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year. Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a placement year or the Biological Sciences MSci degree. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You’ll not only gain scientific knowledge, you’ll also develop your skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking. This combinations makes you highly employable. Our graduates have gone on to establish careers in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, conservation management, environmental assessment, teaching, science communication and more. A number of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD). 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including: 

• Further academic research 

• Pharmaceutical research and development 

• Biotechnology 

• Science education or communication 

• NHS 

• Bioinformatics