Biotechnology Degrees
Biotechnology is a discipline that unites science and technology to develop breakthrough products and technologies. These products and technologies are focused on medicine, health, food, and the environment. You will explore biological science, the technologies that are currently being used in the area, as well as the developments that may affect future discoveries.
About Biotechnology
Accreditation
The accreditation of a degree in biotechnology will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be affected by your level of study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), or an integrated Master of Science (MSci). At postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Science (MSc), or a Master of Research (MRes). Further study will award research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Duration
Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years to complete.
Your institution may offer part-time study options, which usually means that your degree will take four to six years. You may also be able to take a foundation programme, which is useful if you do not meet the entry requirements for your degree.
Fees
Annual tuition fees for UK students are capped by the UK government. For the 2019/20 academic year, they are £9,250. This is subject to change each year, and will be updated on your institution website.
Postgraduate course annual tuition fees are set by the institution, which means that they can differ. Postgraduate programmes are generally less expensive than undergraduate programmes. You will find detailed fee information on the institution webpage.
The fees displayed below are an example of typical annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate biotechnology degrees. Actual tuition fees can be found on the institution webpages.
Typical Annual Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate - £9,250
- Postgraduate - £11,000
Topics Covered
Undergraduate
An undergraduate degree will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. You might study modules on cell biology, food production, biological chemistry, proteins and enzymes, molecular biology, and genes and genomics. Most undergraduate degree courses will be designed to suit students who do not have a large amount of experience with biotechnology, as well as challenging those who have previously studied or worked within the discipline. You degree will be delivered through lectures and tutorials, as well as incorporating practical and laboratory sessions. Assessment methods could include written work, exams, presentations, and a dissertation or final research project.
Postgraduate
A postgraduate degree, such as an MSc, will build on the knowledge gained at undergraduate level. The modules you study will cover more complex and specialist areas of biotechnology. Modules and specialisms might include molecular biochemistry, medical microbiology, cancer, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. Assessment methods could include written work, presentations, exams, and a final major research project.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for a degree in biotechnology will depend on where you choose to study. They will also be influenced by the level for which you are applying. An undergraduate degree will require you to have a background in biology, or a biological/life science subject. If you do not have a strong background in this area, but can prove that you are passionate about biotechnology, some universities may still consider your application. For a postgraduate degree, most institutions will require you to have an undergraduate degree in biotechnology, or a closely related subject.
Typical Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- A Level Grades - AAA-ABB
- UCAS Points - 144-128 UCAS points
- Required/Desired Subjects - Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Postgraduate
- Degree Requirements - 2:2 or higher
- Required/Desired Subjects - Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry
Career Prospects
Graduates of a degree in biotechnology will find that there are career opportunities available to them, in a wide range of industries and roles. If you choose to work in a role directly related to your degree, jobs could include a biotechnologist, pharmacologist, food technologist and a biomedical scientist. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your degree, jobs could include teaching, public health, forensic science, and disease research.
