Biology is the scientific exploration of the vast and diverse world of living organisms. Biological sciences have expanded enormously within recent years, revealing a wealth of knowledge about ourselves and the millions of organisms on our planet.
At Essex, you'll learn modern lab techniques, participate in research field trips, develop employability skills and explore the most recent developments in the field. Some of our most recent research has focused on areas of biology such as:
You'll study integrative biology, which covers a wide breadth of biology from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems, giving you a solid foundation across all of biological sciences.
Our courses equip you with the analytical and computational skills that are in high demand by employers. The Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy predicts that the life sciences sector could expand by over 130,000 jobs between 2020 and 2030. You'll also become skilled at report writing, data analysis and delivering presentations.
A biological sciences degree can lead to an exciting range of careers. Essex graduates have gone on to work in a range of different careers in private, public and third-sector organisations including:
There has never been a better time to study biology. Find out more about careers and employability in Biological Sciences
鈥淚n my degree I focused on molecular biology and cancer was a topic I found to be really interesting, so getting to study a whole module centred around the disease was fascinating! After graduating I undertook an internship at Colchester Zoo as a full-time Zookeeper. The internship lasted for 12 months and I trained to become a fully-qualified. I secured the position through the University's volunteering programme, allowing me to volunteer at the zoo at least one day a week during my studies. I had the best time and still can't quite believe I get to look after so many amazing animals as my job!鈥
Our multi-disciplinary environment enables us to offer you a wide range of modular and interdisciplinary taught postgraduate courses, which provide targeted training in specialist areas of biological sciences such as:
We collaborate with a number of academic departments across the University - including social sciences and humanities - on areas such as marine science and sustainable development.
Studying a Masters degree in biological sciences can help you build your skillset and develop expertise in a specific area of biological interest. It shows your commitment to your professional development and builds on the experience gained in your undergraduate degree.
As one of our Masters students, you'll gain hands-on experience in our dedicated life sciences labs. You'll use the same types of facilities that you'll find in private and public sector organisations, making you familiar with tools and techniques that you'll use in an advanced career.
Our School of Life Sciences will provide you with a stimulating environment for research training. The research being conducted by members of staff and research students covers the whole spectrum of biology from genes, proteins and cells through to whole organisms, communities and entire ecosystems.
We employ a range of state-of-the-art techniques covering all the biological sciences, including:
Our research and teaching are guided by a mission to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world from responsible management of natural resources through deep understanding of biological systems to health technologies and cancer treatments.
Explore our research programmes by theme or your area of interest and find a supervisor to support your through your studies. More information can be found about research degrees on our school pages. Our courses below will help guide you through the various research degree programmes we offer.
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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.