Study technology and techniques that utilise biological systems and living organisms to develop or create different products
Biotechnology, sometimes referred to as biosciences, provides students with the skills needed to succeed in the area of controlled and deliberate manipulation of biological systems for the manufacture of products such as antibiotics, industrial chemicals and genetically modified crops. In the UK, biotechnology provides a firm basis for pursuing a career in any aspect of science.
Biotechnology modules can include biotechnology and management, environmental biotechnology, food biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, biological chemistry, drug discovery, molecular biology, cell biology, proteins and enzymes, genes and genomics, protein structure and function, immunology and biochemical and chemical engineering. Many biotechnology courses offer sandwich placements in the industry, with world leaders such as AstraZeneca, Avecia, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever and Syngenta all maintaining close links with universities in the UK.
Graduate Biotechnology Careers and Salary
Biotechnology graduates will find roles in the areas of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, drug discovery, immunology and other sciences. Careers also exist in quality assurance, medicine and food production.
- Average starting professional salary: £21,000
- Average starting non-professional salary: £16,000
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2016-17.
Biotechnology UK Entry Requirements
Biotechnology applicants must have studied chemistry, plus one other science subject (although not mandatory at all universities) alongside maths. An ideal combination would be chemistry and two further science subjects.
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 32-35 points.
- Typical A-level requirements: ABB including science subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics or maths.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Biotechnology in the UK?
To learn more about the best biotechnology courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Biology (Biotechnology) universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Bristol
- Imperial College London
- Edge Hill University
- University of York
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- Liverpool John Moores
- University of Aberdeen
Study Biotechnology in the UK
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