MSci Biotechnology
About this course
Master in Science in Biotechnology, a biosciences degree focused on biological systems and applications. Core topics include Data Analysis and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The curriculum culminates in an advanced fourth year of study. The first year covers foundational concepts through Cell Biology & Physiology, Genetics I, and Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology. The second year introduces specialized study via Genetic Engineering and Data Science, Genetics II, and Proteins in Biotechnology. The third year builds advanced research capabilities through modules such as Cancer Biology, Molecular and Cellular Immunology, and Omics for Biomedical Research, alongside a project proposal. The fourth year continues at master level with advanced modules including Bacterial Gene Regulation, Eukaryotic Gene Expression, and Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: AAB including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology. IB: 6,6,5 including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology. BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted, but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 35%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 88%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 81%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 66%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 470 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 30%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 19%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 9%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other qualifications: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cell Biology & Physiology
- Discovering Biosciences Skills and Enterprise
- Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences
- Genetics I
- Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology
- Chemistry for Biochemists I
- Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology
- Communication and Enterprise
- Genetic Engineering and Data Science
- Genetics II
- Microbiology: Medicine, Environment, and Industry
- Proteins in Biotechnology
- Membranes, Energy and Metabolism
- Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment
- Topics in Medical Biosciences
- Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal
- Bacterial Gene Regulation
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Neurobiology
- Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- Experimental design, analysis & interpretation of biochemical data
- Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- Omics for Biomedical Research
- Responses to Global Environmental Change
- Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity
- Bacterial Gene Regulation
- Cancer Biology
- Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- Omics for Biomedical Research
- Responses to Global Environmental Change
- Structures of Destruction: the Structural Biology of Pathogenicity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Biotechnology at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £33,000 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £34,000 and £52,000. The £41,000 median after five years is £7,000 more than the UK median for Biotechnology.
What do graduates of MSci Biotechnology at University of Birmingham do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Biotechnology at University of Birmingham?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Biotechnology at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Biotechnology at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.