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BSc Biotechnology

Start date
September
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
J700
Course Type
Undergraduate
Fees
Annual tuition fees for 2025/26:
£9,535 (UK)
£28,130 Fee Band 3a (International Students - 2025-26)
More detail

Step into a world of innovation with our BSc Biotechnology degree, where the cutting edge of biology meets the power of technology!

Biotechnology blends life sciences with technology to solve global challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment. Graduates are empowered to drive innovations that combat diseases, protect ecosystems, and fuel start-ups, shaping a more sustainable and healthier future for all.

With a rapidly growing global population, ensuring food security and adopting sustainable agricultural practices are more critical than ever. Enter biotechnology: the game changer! By developing genetically modified crops that resist pests, drought, and diseases, this field not only increases yields but also minimizes the environmental impact of farming. Imagine a world where food is abundant, nutritious, and produced sustainably—this is the promise biotechnology holds.

Biotechnology is also a key player in environmental conservation. It offers innovative solutions for pollution, waste management, and renewable energy sources. As a graduate in this field, you’ll be at the forefront of creating cleaner, more sustainable technologies that will shape a greener future for our planet.

In the realm of healthcare, biotechnology is revolutionizing patient care through precision medicine, gene therapies, and advanced diagnostic tools. With cutting-edge knowledge and skills, you will contribute to pioneering treatments that can save lives and improve health outcomes. Picture yourself working on the next breakthrough therapy that changes the course of medicine!

Furthermore, industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioplastics are increasingly relying on biotechnological processes for efficient and sustainable production. Armed with a biotechnology degree, you will have the opportunity to thrive in diverse sectors, driving innovation and contributing to the development of greener industrial processes.

Moreover, the strength of collaboration is key to your success! Our partnerships with the Chemical Engineering department on campus will enrich your educational experience and create exciting new opportunities for innovation.

 

Why study this course?

  • QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranked 14th for Biosciences in the UK.
  • We increasingly incorporate new areas of science relating to biology, such as bioinformatics, and the School has major high-technology facilities for research in genomics, structural biology and optical imaging.
  • Our biotechnology enterprise module empowers students with vital business, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills to launch innovative biotech ventures, boosting employability in this fast-evolving, high-impact industry.
  • We have a large and internationally recognised School of Biosciences offering expertise that is the foundation of our research-led teaching.
  • We pride ourselves in our 'enquiry-based learning' strategy that will equip you with the skills to achieve full potential in your future career.

Modules

Please note: the modules listed on the website for this programme wil be regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules; in this event, we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Year 1

Compusory modules

  • Biochemistry & Microbiology for Biotechnology - focuses on cellular processes and microbial diversity through hands-on lab experiences
  • Biotechnology Skills and Enterprise - Develop essential skills for a successful biotechnology career through tutorials, teamwork, data analysis, and hands-on laboratory techniques in this module.
  • Cell Biology and Physiology
  • Genetics I
  • Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences

Optional modules

You can choose one of these optional modules.

  • Chemistry for Biochemists I (requires you to have studied A-level Chemistry or equivalent)
  • Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Molecular Biotechnology & Enterprise - Enhance your understanding of molecular biology and its biotechnology applications through advanced techniques, hands-on cloning experience, and key concepts in enterprise and leadership.
  • Microbiology: Medicine, Environment, and Industry
  • Genetics II
  • Proteins and Enzymes
  • Academic Development & Career Building

Optional modules (20 credits each)

  • You may take one optional module in each semester
  • Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment (Semester 1)
  • Membranes, Energy and Metabolism (Semester 1)
  • Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems (Semester 2)
  • Chemistry for Biochemists - II (Semester 2)
  • Cell and Developmental Biology (Semester 2)

Year 3

Compulsory modules

  • Biotechnology: Industry and Societal Impact

Optional modules

You may choose one of the following modules worth 40 credits

  • Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools with Evidence-Based Literature Review
  • Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal
  • Practical Project
  • Biotechnology Enterprise

You may choose 3 modules from the following:

  • Experimental design, analysis & interpretation of biochemical data
  • Eukaryotic Gene Expression
  • Cellular Neurobiology
  • Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular and Cellular Immunology
  • Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease
  • Bacterial Gene Regulation
  • Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics
  • Omics for Biomedical Research
  • Responses to Global Environmental Change
  • Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
  • Cellular Neurobiology

Fees

Standard Home student fees 2025-26

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Standard international student fees 2025-26

International fee
Fee Band (Undergraduate) Full-time
Band 3a (Laboratory) £28,130

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships
Learn more about our scholarships and awards

How To Apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com
Learn more about applying

NB: You should apply through UCAS for the preferred four-year option at the outset. You will retain the flexibility of changing your registration to one of our three-year degree courses during the second year. 

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
AAB

Number of A levels required:

3

Typical offer:

AAB

Required subjects and grades:

Two science subjects from the below list, at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology, along with a minimum of five GCSEs to include Mathematics and English

Subjects accepted: Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

We have a wide range of high technology research facilities here at the School of Biosciences

School of Biosciences

You’ll be taught using a combination of lectures, practical sessions and tutorials with lecturers using innovative teaching techniques where possible.

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors contribute to scholarship in their fields and, as academic teachers, are keen to introduce you to what intrigues them.

Find out more about research in the School of Biosciences.

Our spacious state-of-the-art teaching laboratories are the training ground for your skills development, and you will have access to high-technology facilities during your final-year project.

  • Lectures - At Birmingham, we support lectures through recordings of the session, so you can revisit and review parts of the session as needed. Lectures frequently include interactive elements, instance by using instant polling. Occasionally, we use 'flipped' lectures, asking you to study a particular topic prior to a session, and using the contact time to explore the topic in more depth through problem solving exercises, question-and-answer sessions or lecturer-led group discussions. Student interaction using discussion boards and social media is expressively encouraged.
  • Practical classes - Laboratory-based practical work is an integral part of our degree. A typical practical session will last 3 hours  delivering important transferable skills, experience of practical work is essential if you wish to move into a research career and is valued by a wide range of employers. You will be able to engage with academic and post graduate researchers who will help you during these practical sessions.
  • Field courses - Biological Sciences students have the opportunity to develop their field skills on a wide range of field courses in different environments. See the Course Modules tab for details.
  • Project (final year) 

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to Higher Education.

  • Personal tutors - You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
  • Wellbeing officers - We have dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
  • Academic Skills Centre - The centre aims to help you become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
  • Student experience - Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They will offer research opportunities, study skills support and help you prepare for your post-university careers. They will also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.

During your first year it is important that you have a smooth transition into university. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.

Assessment Methods

  • Feedback - You will be able to track your development by making use of a wide range of types of feedback, such as: written feedback on your assessments, class feedback and questions sessions and discussions with your tutor. An important avenue for providing individualised feedback is the e-learning platform Canvas.
  • Examinations - The end-of-year examinations take place in May, June each year. Length and format of the examinations changes from first to final year. We give you access to marking criteria, while mock exam and marking sessions allow you to get a sense what to aim for, helping ease any apprehension you might have.
  • Continuous assessment - During the teaching terms you will gather marks through assessments in a variety of formats. Essays, poster or oral presentations, or group submissions will feature at various points. May laboratory sessions require you to submit a write-up and some also feature a proficiency test prior to the session. The weighting of these assessments is small, therefore occasional missteps are not likely to jeopardise progression.
  • Projects and dissertations - You will choose the topic of your project from a wide range of titles. We offer a range of project opportunities, including practical work in the laboratory, entrepreneurship-focused, computer based projects, or literature reviews to give you the chance to demonstrate the full range of academic and transferable skills.

A Biosciences degree from the University of Birmingham is an excellent qualification for securing your future career in a diverse range of industries and employment sectors. 

In recent years, Graduates from BSc/MSci-degree programmes at the School of Biosciences have enjoyed a steady rise in their prospects of finding graduate employment or getting onto further degree programmes at Masters or PhD-level.
The School of Biosciences Careers and Employability Coordinator and the University’s Careers Network are there to help you to improve your employability and to find the right career for you. Even if you are not yet sure what you want to do, an appointment with a Careers Advisor will help you to clarify the kind of direction you want to take, and provide a plan for how to get there.