University of Essex International College
University of Essex International College

Constable Building, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, East of England, United Kingdom

2-Term Pathway - International Year One in Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Human Biology

4-Year Bachelor's Degree

Program Summary

Program Description

For students that completed high school with good grades but don’t qualify for entry to an undergraduate degree, they could study an International Year One, which combines university preparation with degree 1st year. After completing this pathway option students qualify for progression to the 2nd year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Essex. 

Students’ course length is determined mainly by their English language level (UKVI IELTS score). Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If the course is longer than 2 terms, they’ll take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Human Biology

Understand the structure and function of the human body, from the cells and molecules that perform the chemical reactions for life, to the mechanisms of disease and how our immune system fights infection. This BSc Human Biology builds on the foundations of biology to explore the complexity of the human body using cutting-edge technology. Students learn how recent advances in understanding our genetic make-up and cellular function is leading to exciting new developments in treating and preventing human disease.

This course provides students with a cellular and disease-focused understanding of human biology, covering topics including:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Cell biology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
A major research area at Essex is centered on the relationships between protein structure and mechanisms of disease. This sheds light on the complex cellular pathways involved in cancer and brain cell damage. Another research area uses computational approaches to study the role of epigenetics and DNA structure in human disease. In the final year, students carry out an individual research project. Popular topics have ranged from mutagenesis of proteins linked to human diseases such as blindness and cancer and mechanisms of cell death and antibiotic resistance.

Academic Background

Minimum Level of Education Completed

Grade 12 / High School

Minimum GPA

50%

Minimum Language Test Scores

Reading

5

Writing

5

Listening

5

Speaking

5

Reading

36

Writing

36

Listening

36

Speaking

36

Program Intakes

Open date

June 4, 2025

Submission deadline

December 4, 2025

Open date

February 4, 2026

Submission deadline

August 4, 2026

Cost and Duration

4-Year Bachelor's Degree

Program Level

8 month pathway program (international year one) followed by 2 years of bachelor's degree completion

Program Length

£12180 GBP

Cost of Living

£0 GBP

Application fee

£21440 GBP / First Year

Gross Tuition

Other Fees

EduTravel Insurance Fee: £520 (per year)
Administration Fee: £200 (one time)