Biology with a Year Abroad

The BSc Biology with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the diverse and dynamic field of biological sciences while gaining valuable international experience. This undergraduate degree is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of biology, including genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and molecular biology, through a combination of lectures, practicals, and independent research projects. Throughout the course, students will develop essential skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking, preparing them for a wide range of careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, and education.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, during which students spend an entire academic year studying at a partner university in another country. This placement offers an immersive cultural experience, enhances language skills, and exposes students to different scientific approaches and research environments. Students will have the chance to participate in international research projects, attend courses tailored to their interests, and build a global network of academic and professional contacts. The Year Abroad not only enriches students' personal development but also makes them more competitive in the global job market.

The curriculum at the University of Kent is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within biology, such as marine biology, biotechnology, conservation, or molecular genetics. In their final year, students can engage in independent research projects, often in collaboration with leading scientists and institutions, gaining practical experience and contributing to active scientific research.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from modern laboratories, dedicated teaching staff, and access to extensive biological collections and research facilities. The university’s strong emphasis on employability and practical skills ensures that graduates are well-prepared for postgraduate study, research roles, or careers outside academia. The BSc Biology with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent provides an inspiring and supportive environment for students passionate about understanding life in all its forms and eager to make a positive impact on the world through scientific discovery and innovation.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

BI300 - Introduction to Biochemistry

BI301 - Enzymes and Introduction to Metabolism

BI302 - Molecular and Cellular Biology I

BI307 - Human Physiology and Disease

BI308 - Skills for Bioscientists

BI321 - Biological Chemistry A

BI323 - Biodiversity

BI324 - Genetics and Evolution

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

BI501 - Gene Expression and Its Control

BI503 - Cell Biology

BI505 - Infection and Immunity

BI513 - Physiology

BI532 - Skills For Bioscientists 2

BI546 - Animal Form and Function

BI547 - Plant Physiology and Adaptation

BI548 - Microbial Physiology and Genetics I

Year abroad

The Year Abroad programme offers you the opportunity to study at a university in Malaysia (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, where teaching is in English) or the USA between stages 2 and 3. Taking a Year Abroad is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and become a more independent person. The courses you take when abroad will complement your studies here and provide a wider learning experience.

Visit the School of Biosciences web pages for more information about the year abroad option for this programme.

Possible modules may include:

BI799 - Year Abroad Assessment

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

BI628 - Microbial Phsiology and Genetics II

BI610 - The Cell Cycle

BI600 - Biology Project

CB612 - New Enterprise Startup

SE581 - Biological Anthropology: The Human Animal

SE582 - Comparative Perspectives in Primate Biology

BI638 - Bioinformatics and Genomics

BI639 - Frontiers in Oncology

BI640 - Magnetic Resonance in Biosciences and Medicine

BI642 - Cancer Biology

BI643 - Neuroscience

BI602 - Cellular Communication I

BI604 - Biological Membranes

BI606 - Pathogens & Pathogenicity

BI620 - Virology

BI622 - Advanced Immunology

BI626 - Integrated Endocrinology and Metabolism

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:ABB including Biology or Human Biology grade B

• GCSE:Mathematics grade C

• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with 30 level 3 credits at distinction and 15 at merit, and to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits in particular subjects at distinction or merit grade.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis. Typical offers when made are Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

• International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 points at HL including Biology 5 at HL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of biological sciences, complemented by an international dimension that enhances their academic and personal development. The programme is designed to provide a strong foundation in core biological principles, including genetics, ecology, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology, enabling students to understand the complexities of living organisms and their interactions within ecosystems.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity for students to spend a full year studying abroad at a partner university. This Year Abroad element allows students to immerse themselves in a different educational environment, experience diverse research cultures, and strengthen their language skills. The international experience is intended to develop cross-cultural communication abilities, adaptability, and global perspectives, which are highly valued in scientific careers.

Throughout the course, students benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories, extensive library resources, and expert staff with considerable research backgrounds. The curriculum combines lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, and independent research projects, fostering analytical thinking and practical skills. The programme also emphasizes employability, offering career development workshops, placement opportunities, and scientific communication training.

The Year Abroad typically takes place in the third year of study, during which students attend partner universities located in various countries, including those within the European Union and beyond. The duration of the placement is approximately 12 months, and students are supported throughout the process by dedicated international coordinators. Upon returning, students integrate their abroad experience into their final year assessments, often including a dissertation or project that reflects their international exposure and research experience.

Graduates of the Biology with a Year Abroad programme acquire a comprehensive understanding of biology, complemented by international experience, making them well-prepared for careers in research, conservation, healthcare, environmental consultancy, or further postgraduate study. The programme aligns with UK and international accreditation standards, ensuring graduates meet the required competencies for professional scientific work. Overall, the course aims to produce adaptable, skilled, and internationally-minded biologists ready to contribute to solving global biological challenges.