Molecular & Cellular Biology
About this course
BSc/MSci in Molecular & Cellular Biology, a microbiology and biochemistry degree centred on the study of living organisms through biochemistry, genetics and cell biology. Core topics include Statistics and Research Methods. The course includes a final-year investigative, outreach, internship or dissertation honours project. The first year covers foundational concepts through Biology 1A, Biology 1B, Chemistry 1 and Science Fundamentals-1X. The second year advances into Fundamental Topics in Biology 2, Genes, Molecules & Cells 2, Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2 and Microbiology and Immunology 2. The third year focuses on Molecular & Cellular Biology 3A and Molecular & Cellular Biology 3B. The fourth year features Core Skills in Molecular and Cellular Biology 4X alongside optional modules such as Current Topics in Biotechnology 4A, Cancer 4B, Cell Signalling and Disease 4D and Plant Molecular Biology 4Y, culminating in a choice of a Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project, Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project, Life Sciences Internship Honours Project or Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project.
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 or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Biology or Chemistry.) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL Biology or Chemistry.) Scottish Higher: ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)* Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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What students say
Based on about 5 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 62%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 40%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 35%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 4%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 77%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 70%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Access course: 10%
- A degree: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Biology 1A
- Biology 1B
- Chemistry 1
- Science Fundamentals-1X
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
- Molecular & Cellular Biology 3A
- Molecular & Cellular Biology 3B
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
- Core Skills in Molecular and Cellular Biology 4X core
- Current Topics in Biotechnology 4A option
- Cancer 4B option
- Cell Signalling and Disease 4D option
- Molecular Basis of Cardiometabolic Disease 4B option
- Molecular Biology for Climate Solutions 4B option
- Plant Molecular Biology 4Y option
- Stem Cells 4D option
- Tissue and Cell Engineering 4Y option
- Cell Compartmentalisation 4Y option
- Mitochondrial Biology 4C option
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 1) 4Y option
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 2) 4E option
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology 4Y option
- Biological Mechanisms of Ageing 4Y option
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £39,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 219 UCAS points.
Does Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Glasgow?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.