DEGREE GUIDE

Biotechnology

What do Biotechnology degrees involve?

Biotechnology degrees teach you how to use biological processes and technologies to develop solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. You will explore key areas such as genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, bioprocess engineering, and synthetic biology. These courses help you develop strong analytical, laboratory, and problem-solving skills while understanding how biotechnology is applied to industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and sustainable energy. You will also gain hands-on experience with genetic engineering, fermentation technology, and molecular diagnostics. Through research projects, industry placements, and lab-based learning, you’ll build the expertise needed for careers in biomedical science, biotech innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Example
Modules

Genetic Engineering: Learn how genes are modified using modern tools like CRISPR to study gene function, develop therapies and create genetically altered organisms.

Bioprocessing and Bioengineering: Explore how living cells and biological systems are used to produce vaccines, enzymes, fuels and other bioproducts on an industrial scale.

Molecular Biology: Study how DNA and RNA control cell function through replication, transcription & translation, forming the basis of modern biotechnology.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are commonly available in biotech firms, food science labs or pharmaceutical companies.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BSc (Hons) Biotechnology
BSc (Hons) Applied Biotechnology
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology and Genetics
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology and Business
MSci Biotechnology

MSci is a four-year integrated Master’s available at several universities with a focus on lab and industry research.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Biotechnology uses living organisms to develop products and technologies – from medicines to sustainable materials. The degree blends biology with chemistry and lab work.

You'll need:

Biology – essential for almost all Biotechnology degrees

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Chemistry – required or strongly preferred by many universities
Maths or Physics – useful for lab techniques or bioinformatics

✨ Biology and Chemistry together keep the widest range of options open. With Biology plus another science or Maths, choices may be more limited.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, typically with distinctions in biology- and chemistry-related units. Some universities may require an additional A-level in a relevant subject
T-levels in Science may be considered for some courses—check with individual institutions

✨ Subject combinations and grade requirements vary, so it’s always best to check the specific entry criteria on the university’s website.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English Language, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP

📘 If you studied Separate Sciences, that’s a strong foundation—but Combined Science is also widely accepted.

Some courses may ask for a higher grade in Maths (e.g. 5 or B), especially if bioinformatics or statistics are involved.

💬 Interviews
Most courses do not require interviews. However, some universities may invite applicants to a short online or in-person conversation—especially if they’d like to know more about your interests or prior experience.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests for Biotechnology degrees in the UK.

🔍 Work Experience
Not usually required—but if you’ve taken part in a STEM summer school, done lab work, or joined a science club, it can help show your passion and curiosity in your personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Science Foundation Year
If you’re missing a required subject (like Chemistry), or didn’t quite meet the entry grades, many universities offer a foundation year in Life Sciences or Biotechnology. After successful completion, you can move directly onto the full degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science)
A good Access course with strong Biology and Chemistry components is accepted by many universities. You’ll usually need a high number of Distinctions in science-based units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
A relevant apprenticeship—such as Laboratory Technician, Science Manufacturing Technician, or Biological Science Technician—may support an application to a Biotechnology course, especially when combined with additional academic study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Biotechnology degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Learn practical skills in molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering techniques.
Research & Data Analysis: Collect and interpret data to develop products and technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Analyse complex biological information and evaluate biotechnological solutions.
Problem-Solving: Find creative ways to tackle challenges in medicine, food production, and environmental sustainability.
Attention to Detail: Work accurately with experiments, genetic data, and lab procedures.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software and bioinformatics tools for analysis and modelling.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Present findings and explain biotechnology concepts to a range of audiences.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work with scientists, researchers, and industry professionals on projects.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adjust to fast-paced advances and new discoveries in biotechnology.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of biotechnology innovations.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Biotechnology degree a good match for you

Careers a Biotechnology degree could lead you to