Exploring the science of life

There has never been a more exciting time to study the science of biology, whether your interest is in human, animal or plant life. As one of the University’s largest departments, we’re renowned for our high levels of student satisfaction on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

At Essex you can study a wide and exciting range of subjects including biomedical science, marine biology, biochemistry, biological sciencesgenetics or genomics, environmental biology, and global sustainability.

We address problems ranging from how to exploit enzymes as new industrial catalysts and how they evolve to drive antibiotic resistance, to use microbes as agents to clean up pollution and keep us healthy, to stop cancer cells forming. We are working to develop better crops to feed us, understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems from the tropics to the arctic and how modern life affects the workings of the human genome.

Like our students, our staff are passionate about science and have travelled from all over the world to be at Essex. Our founding principle of research-led teaching is central to our ethos, giving you the opportunity to develop an enquiring research mind set while you gain practical laboratory skills and field techniques in our first class facilities.

Our curriculum is constantly evolving, so you have the freedom to explore what interests you most from our diverse selection of modules. Whatever you choose, we equip you with everything you need to build a successful and satisfying career.

Our work with business

Through our research and teaching and our external Advisory Board we have developed strong links with companies, government bodies and charities. Our Advisory Board brings together representatives from external organisations, key employers, regulators and professional bodies to help inform our curriculum, employability and research outputs.


Explore our undergraduate courses View our Masters courses Browse our research degrees

Why choose us?

2nd for anatomy, physiology and pathology for overall positivity score (National Student Survey 2023)
86% of our Life Sciences undergraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024)
23rd in the UK for Biology in The Guardian University Guide 2024
State-of-the-art laboratories
Athena Swan Silver Award
Top 400 for Life Sciences in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2024
A man wearing a lab coat reaching across a laboratory shelf, picking up a clear bottle with a blue lid.
A pipette held over a row of test tubes that have red, yellow and blue liquid in them.
A pipette held over a row of test tubes that have red, yellow and blue liquid in them.
A pair of hands wearing green disposable gloves holding a bottle with some red liquid in it.
A female academic, wearing a white lab coat and plastic goggles, holds a piece of scientific equipment in her hands
students working in a lab
A man in glasses smiling in the field wearing a short-sleeved shirt
“The goal of our friendly and supportive School is to make a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world. You will learn from inspirational lecturers, performing cutting-edge research across the spectrum of biology, from genes to ecosystems, to improve human and planetary health. We will share the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to help you to shape the future.”
Professor Terence McGenity Head of School
A top-down photo of a group of four people wearing black graduation robes trimmed with red and white, and mortarboards on their heads.
What can you do with a life sciences degree?

A degree in life sciences can open a host of doors and career paths. Read our alumni stories, learn more about the skills you will develop, and find out how our School will help you build experience for your CV.

More about life sciences careers
Latest news
Building research partnerships on wellbeing, health and locale
31 Oct 2024
Pioneering professor retires after 28 years at Essex
14 Oct 2024
Essex KTP associate shortlisted for Innovate UK Award
12 Sep 2024
Contact our School of Life Sciences
Kerry Alban General Enquiries
Maz Brook General Enquiries