BSc Biotechnology
About this course
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology is an undergraduate degree within the microbiology and human biology domain, focusing on the application of biological systems to address global challenges. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, meaning graduates meet in part the academic and experience requirements for membership and chartered biologist status. Students can also opt to include a year in industry or a year abroad during their studies. The first year establishes foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Life on Earth, Genetics, and Molecules of Life. The second year progresses into specialised study with modules including Molecular Biotechnology, alongside optional choices spanning Cell Biology, Molecular Microbiology, and Medical Genetics. The final year centers on independent investigation via the Biology Research Project and Advanced Topics in Biotechnology, while optional selections include Genomics, Pathogens, and Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology.
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 Biology and a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. We accept the following IB subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Mathematics (A&A or A&I), Physics, Psychology, Sports, exercise and health science BTEC: DDD We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept.
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 23%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Caring personal services: 4%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 78%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 62%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 20%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 17%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
- Life on Earth
- Genetics
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges
- Cells to Organisms
- Molecules of Life
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Gene Expression in Action
- Introduction to Bioenterprise
- Medical Genetics
- Neuroscience
- The Immune System
- Population Genetics and Evolution
- Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges
- Practical Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biology Research Project
- Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Machinery in Action
- Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
- Trends in Microbiology
- Molecular Recognition
- Evolution
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pathogens
- Genetics of Disease
- Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
- Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease
- Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
- Current Research in Ecology
- Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biotechnology at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £43,500. The £33,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of BSc Biotechnology at University of York do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biotechnology at University of York?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biotechnology at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biotechnology at University of York accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Biotechnology at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biotechnology at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.