BSc Biotechnology with International Year
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with International Year, a biosciences degree focused on the study of biological systems and their industrial and environmental applications. Core topics include Data Analysis and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students spend their third year studying abroad at an overseas partner institution before returning for advanced study. The first year covers core foundations through Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology, Cell Biology & Physiology, Genetics I, and Chemistry for Biochemists I. The second year progresses to topics such as Genetic Engineering and Data Science, Proteins in Biotechnology, and Membranes, Energy and Metabolism. The final year involves advanced optional study across subjects like Cancer Biology, Molecular and Cellular Immunology, and Omics for Biomedical Research, alongside a practical project or literature review.
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 to include specific subjects - see below for details. IB: 6,6,5 to include specific subjects - see below for details. BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted, but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
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
- Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology
- Discovering Biosciences Skills and Enterprise
- Cell Biology & Physiology
- Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences
- Genetics I
- Chemistry for Biochemists I
- Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology
- Communication and Enterprise
- Genetic Engineering and Data Science
- Microbiology: Medicine, Environment, and Industry
- Genetics II
- Proteins in Biotechnology
- Membranes, Energy and Metabolism
- Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment
- Topics in Medical Biosciences
- International Year
- LH Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal
- LH Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools with Evidence-Based Literature Review
- LH Practical Project
- LH Bacterial Gene Regulation
- LH Cancer Biology
- LH Cellular Neurobiology
- LH Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- LH Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics
- LH Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- LH Experimental design, analysis & interpretation of biochemical data
- LH Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease
- LH Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- LH Omics for Biomedical Research
- LH Responses to Global Environmental Change
- LH Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biotechnology with International Year 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 BSc Biotechnology with International Year 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 BSc Biotechnology with International Year 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 BSc Biotechnology with International Year at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Does BSc Biotechnology with International Year at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biotechnology with International Year at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.