BSc Molecular Cell Biology
About this course
The BSc (Hons) Molecular Cell Biology, a microbiology and biochemistry degree, explores cellular and molecular systems and mechanisms. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students can choose to add an industry placement year or a study abroad year to the three-year course, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills, Life on Earth, Genetics, Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges, Molecules of Life, and Cells to Organisms. The second year continues with compulsory modules including Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication and Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action, alongside optional modules covering subjects like Cell Biology, Gene Expression in Action, Molecular Microbiology, Neuroscience, The Immune System, Medical Genetics, Molecular Biotechnology, Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges, Population Genetics and Evolution, Practical Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, and Introduction to Bioenterprise. The final year centres on a compulsory Research Project and provides further options such as Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Pathogens, Ageing and Regenerative Medicine, Molecular Machinery in Action, Advanced Topics in Biotechnology, Genomics, Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease, Advanced Topics in Neuroscience, Advanced Topics in Gene Expression, Trends in Microbiology, Genetics of Disease, Molecular Recognition, Evolution, Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene, Current Research in Ecology, and Ecology Field Course.
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 48 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 20 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 15%
- 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: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 25%
- South East: 20%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
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
- Molecules of Life
- Cells to Organisms
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
- Cell Biology
- Gene Expression in Action
- Molecular Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- The Immune System
- Medical Genetics
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges
- Population Genetics and Evolution
- Practical Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Introduction to Bioenterprise
- Research Project
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pathogens
- Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Machinery in Action
- Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
- Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
- Trends in Microbiology
- Genetics of Disease
- Molecular Recognition
- Evolution
- Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
- Current Research in Ecology
- Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Molecular Cell Biology at University of York earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £31,000 and £46,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of BSc Molecular Cell Biology at University of York do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Molecular Cell Biology at University of York?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Molecular Cell Biology at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
Is BSc Molecular Cell Biology at University of York accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Molecular Cell Biology 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 Molecular Cell Biology at University of York?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.