Program Overview
BSc Biotechnology
Overview
Our BSc Biotechnology course will enable you to learn about the science behind biotechnology while also looking at how to succeed in a career in the industry.
You will learn how new start-up biotechnology companies are created, as well as about exploring the market potential of products and processes, creating business plans and raising money from venture capitalists.
Our group enterprise projects, which involve close collaboration with entrepreneurs, provide a great opportunity for you to stand out from other graduates.
This course is designed to produce graduates who have a comprehensive understanding of science, technology and business management, along with the entrepreneurial skills required to exploit technological advances within a competitive environment.
Special Features
- A range of study options
- Foundation Year available
- Flexibility to transfer between courses
Teaching and Learning
You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit.
These range from lectures and tutorials to practicals and research projects, including the final year project.
Coursework and Assessment
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study.
- Lecture units are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester in either January or May/June.
- Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
- The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Course Content
Year 1
You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular biology
In addition, you will study fundamental concepts of management and entrepreneurial skills.
Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.
Year 2
You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a Science Communication unit.
In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research.
Year 3
Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of bioscience endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.
You will undertake an independent in-depth research project that may involve supervised practical work in a laboratory, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics.
Facilities
- Learning facilities
- Research facilities
- Disability support
Careers
Our graduates may choose to work in industry, academia or to work for a biotechnology company. Career options include work as a microbiologist in the food industry, a geneticist in the field of medical research, or one of many other possibilities, such as in the pharmaceutical or agricultural sector.
You are not limited to the biotechnology industries, however, and may go into a variety of careers.
Entry Requirements
A-level
AAA - AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AB in at least two Core Sciences.
International Baccalaureate
35 - 36 points overall. 6, 6, 5 to 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects, including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
Other Entry Requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
- Scottish requirements
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- Foundation year
- Pearson BTEC qualifications
- OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Level
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Fees and Funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Additional Expenses
- Policy on additional costs
- All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme.
Application and Selection
How to Apply
Apply through UCAS.
Advice to Applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry.
Applicants who have left education for more than three years would normally be recommended to take an Access course or exceptionally considered for the Foundation Year.
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
You should not usually apply for more than one of the bioscience courses offered by The University of Manchester. Please contact us for advice if you are planning to do so.
Home-schooled Applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
Non-standard Educational Routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
Contact Us
For further information about our courses, please contact our Admissions Office.
The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK
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