Biotechnology (including Foundation Year)
University of Essex
UCAS Code: C111 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Including a science subject.
Access to HE Diploma
We will consider science based Access to Higher Education Diplomas. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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)
In a science subject. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
UCAS Tariff
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.
About this course
Our BSc Biotechnology (including foundation year) will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance.
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 study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with additional English language for non-English speakers. After successful completion of Year Zero, you progress to complete your course with our School of Life Sciences.
Training in biotechnology has never been more important, whether helping to prevent and cure diseases, feeding the growing human population or finding solutions for global crises such as climate change, pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
By taking our BSc Biotechnology (including foundation year) course you will obtain a broad, research-led education in biotechnology, covering aspects of animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, with a strong foundation in molecular and cell biology. Therefore, you will be well placed to contribute to a field that is essential for human and planetary health and the delivery of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
You will gain a range of practical skills in our modern STEM Centre laboratory. This hands-on lab training throughout your first and second years will provide skills for your final-year research project. Opportunities to interact with future employers with site visits and guest lectures will prepare you for future employment and to contribute to this exciting field.
Tuition fees
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What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
- Biotechnology
- Environmental biotechnology
- Industrial biotechnology
- Bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering
- Plant biotechnology
Biotechnology
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Environmental biotechnology
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This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Industrial biotechnology
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This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Plant biotechnology
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
After graduation
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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