
Biotechnology Msci (Hon)
Course Overview - Biotechnology Msci (Hon)
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.
Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:
+ develop new life-saving medicines
+ feed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value
+ reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner ...
<strong>What is biotechnology?</strong><br/>Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.<br/><br/>Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:<br/>+ develop new life-saving medicines<br/><br/><br/>+ feed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value<br/><br/><br/>+ reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuels<br/><br/><br/><strong>What youll study</strong><br/>In the first three years of this integrated masters degree you will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of biotechnology, genetic manipulations, and cellular processes relating to plants, microbes and animals. In the final year you will do a research project on ground-breaking research topics addressing global challenges:<br/><br/><br/>+ microbial biotechnology – learn how to genetically manipulate microorganisms to make better medicines, ensure food safety, and remediate the environment<br/><br/><br/>+ plant biotechnology – enhance the nutritional value of plants and develop more resistant crops<br/><br/><br/>+ animal biotechnology – understand animal nutrition, growth and welfare, and how biotech can be used to develop new disease treatments<br/><br/><br/>Throughout the degree you can choose the aspects of biotech that interest you most.<br/><br/><strong>Topics include:</strong><br/>+ genes and cells<br/><br/><br/>+ analysis of gene expression<br/><br/><br/>+ molecular pharming<br/><br/><br/>+ microbiology and immunology<br/><br/><br/>+ genomes and gene editing techniques<br/><br/><br/>+ protein expression<br/><br/><br/>+ ethics of biotechnology<br/><br/><br/>+ animal physiology and biotechnology<br/><br/><br/><strong>Why choose this course?</strong><br/>+ <strong>Practical Course</strong> – Use our facilities for gene cloning and sequencing to build your practical knowledge<br/><br/><br/>+ <strong>Specialist Labs</strong> – Study in specialist laboratories of molecular biology, genetics, cell culture and microbiology.<br/><br/><br/>+ <strong>Be Taught by Experts</strong> – Experts in the field give lectures and thought-provoking debates about the ethical, commercial and environmental concerns<br/><br/><br/>+ <strong>Improve Lives</strong> – Learn the latest techniques to develop new products and processes that improve our lives.<br/><br/><br/><strong>Study abroad</strong><br/>On many of our Faculty of Science courses, you get the chance to spend a semester or an academic year at one of our partner universities across the world. Read what its like to study abroad and how it can open new doors for adventures, connections and opportunities.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Sutton Bonington Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
J703
Institution Code
N84
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,B,B
This qualification is accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at BB including Biology.
Access to HE Diploma
D:21,M:18,P:6
This qualification will be considered where appropriate science content is being studied. The requirement is 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3. 21 credits must be achieved at Distinction; 18 credits at Merit and 6 at Pass. 15 graded Level 3 credits must be achieved at minimum grade Merit from biology units.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28
including Higher Level 5 in Biology. Alternatively, 555 or 654 in 3 Higher Level certificates including 5 in Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English and Maths grade C/4.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DM
This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grade B. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied. The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Scottish Advanced Higher
B,B
BB including Biology. This qualification is accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.
Extended Project
A
Considered alongside 3 A Levels or equivalent including Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grades B,C. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied. The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A
This qualification is considered alongside 3 A-levels (or equivalent). Level 3 Core Maths qualifications from other awarding bodies are also acceptable: - Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in Context - OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI) - OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI)
A level
B,B,B
B,B,C
BBB or ABC including B in Biology. Alternatively, BBC including B in Biology plus A in the EPQ or Level 3 Core Maths. Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science and Society and Leisure Studies are not accepted.
T Level
M
T Levels are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure sufficient biology is studied; please contact us for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
C
This qualification is accepted as equivalent to a non-biology A Level.
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £33,000 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |