MSci Biotechnology
About this course
MSci in Biotechnology, a biotechnology degree exploring molecular biology, cellular processes, and modern laboratory science. Core topics include Data Analysis and Research Methods. The course holds Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. The first year covers fundamental concepts through compulsory modules such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, From Molecules to Cells, and Introduction to Laboratory Science. The second year focuses on advanced cellular and genetic topics, featuring modules like Genome Maintenance & Regulation, `Omic Technologies & Resources, Fundamentals of Bacteriology, and Plants for the Future. The third year shifts towards specialised applications and research preparation, including Post-Genome Biology, Green Biotechnology, MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal, and MSci Experimental Skills Module. The final year is dedicated to the MSci Research 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 including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences)
What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 35%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 28%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 27%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
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: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Foundation course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Academic Tutorials Year 1
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- From Molecules to Cells
- Introduction to Laboratory Science
- Introduction to Experimental Biology - Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Introduction to Microbiology and Immunology
- Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit)
- Health & Safety online course
- Exploring Enterprise
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- History of Biology
- Biodiversity
- Genes, Evolution and Development
- Body Systems
- Drugs: From Molecules to Man
- Excitable Cells: the Foundations of Neuroscience
- Chemistry for Bioscientists 1
- Chemistry for Bioscientists 2
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Science & the Modern World
- Academic Tutorials Year 2
- Molecular and Cellular Biology EDM
- Genome Maintenance & Regulation
- `Omic Technologies & Resources
- Fundamentals of Bacteriology
- Plants for the Future
- Science Communication
- Tools and Techniques for Enterprise
- Biochemistry RSM
- Microbiology RSM
- Molecular Biology RSM
- Proteins
- The Dynamic Cell
- Cell Metabolism & Metabolic Control
- Cell Membrane Structure & Function
- Principles of Developmental Biology
- Principles of Infectious Disease
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Clinical Drug Development
- Molecules and Cells in Human Disease
- Disease in Nature
- Introduction to Cancer
- Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine
- Chemistry of Biomolecules
- Advanced Technology Enterprise
- Academic Tutorials Year 3
- Post-Genome Biology
- Green Biotechnology
- MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal
- MSci Experimental Skills Module
- Biotechnology - Essay Paper
- Biotechnology - Problem Paper
- Current Topics in Microbiology
- Gene Regulation & Disease
- Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine
- Toxins, Toxicants & Toxicity
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Stem Cells
- Role of Diagnostics in Medicine
- Introduction to Nanomedicine
- MSci Bioinformatics Tools and Resources
- Computational Approaches to Biology
- MSci Reproducible Data Science
- Chemistry of Biological Processes (E)
- Enterprise Feasibility
- MSci Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Biotechnology at University of Manchester earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £41,500. The £33,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Biotechnology.
What do graduates of MSci Biotechnology at University of Manchester do next?
90% 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 Manchester?
89% 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 Manchester?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
Is MSci Biotechnology at University of Manchester accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
How many students continue on MSci Biotechnology at University of Manchester?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.