Biotechnology BSc (Hons)
University of York
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Biological Sciences
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Course info

Our Biotechnology and Microbiology course examines how microorganisms can be used to produce improved therapeutic drugs, and why an understanding of microbial evolution is important for controlling pathogens.This course is ideal if you want an interdisciplinary approach to Biotechnology and Microbiology. You will have a wide range of options to tailor the course to your developing interests. Microorganisms are an important but often overlooked form of life. They are causative agents of many ...Read more

Our Biotechnology and Microbiology course examines how microorganisms can be used to produce improved therapeutic drugs, and why an understanding of microbial evolution is important for controlling pathogens.

This course is ideal if you want an interdisciplinary approach to Biotechnology and Microbiology. You will have a wide range of options to tailor the course to your developing interests.

Microorganisms are an important but often overlooked form of life. They are causative agents of many diseases, and can be harnessed to produce a wide range of useful products including antibiotics and other medicines. Microbes are also vital for providing multiple ecosystem services and are crucial for agricultural systems. They can provide the means to decontaminate polluted environments and act as important models for understanding biological processes. At York, you will learn about the practical application of biological knowledge to economically important areas, such as health, food and the environment.

Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are both an option with this course too, so you can benefit from the advantages that a year away can bring. The Department of Biology will provide you with the opportunity to learn in new, spacious and modern teaching laboratories which provide excellent facilities for practicals and small group project work, alongside our state-of-the-art computing facilities.

Accreditation

All of our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. As a graduate, you will meet in-part the academic and experience requirement for membership and chartered biologist (CBiol).

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

Careers and skills

A degree in Biology provides an excellent basis for science or health-related careers, and for a wide range of other occupations and professions from management and finance, to journalism and teaching.

Studying Biology will develop your critical thinking and research skills, and prepare you to be competitive for entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes.

Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from biological and biomedical research and development, to careers in science communication, the health service, forensic science, environmental health and wildlife conservation. Our graduates are not confined to science-related careers, and a significant number enter jobs within finance, public and private sector management, social and health service work, the media and law.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
49/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
7th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
17th
What students say
S
Sam
06 Nov 23

The university has a class divide between the two campuses. The east campus is newly developed and has cutting-edge facilities that are way nicer than anything on the west campus...Read more

C
Chukwudiuto
06 Dec 22

They have a good support system for students which helps students improve in their skills. Availability of modern facilities which allows students to study better in their..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
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Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Access to HE Diploma:

D:36,M:9 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,D3,M2 Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

B Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

35 Grades / Points required

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma:

DDD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDD Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

A - B Grades / Points required

Essential Subjects: Biology or Human Biology and a second Science (or equivalent) are essential. We consider the following subjects as a second Science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. Information: Applicants taking Science A Levels that include a practical component will be required to pass.

Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.

Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction and 9 at Merit or higher including Biology and second Science-related units.

Cambridge Pre-U Biology and a second Science are essential.

If you achieve B or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A Level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

With 6 in Higher Level Biology plus either 6 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 6 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects.

We consider a range of OCR qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications.A Level in Biology and a second Science (or equivalent qualification) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your OCR Cambridge Technical as A Level Science equivalent.

We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications.A Level in Biology and a second Science (or equivalent qualification) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your BTEC as A Level Science equivalent.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.

We will consider this qualification alongside or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications, as equivalent to one A Level.

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£31,100 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£31,100 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Biotechnology reviews

Biotechnology
Biotechnology
S
Sam
06 Nov 23
MSc Biotechnology
The university has a class divide between the two campuses. The east campus is newly developed and has cutting-edge facilities that are way nicer than anything on the west campus....
Read more
C
Chukwudiuto
06 Dec 22
MSc Biotechnology
They have a good support system for students which helps students improve in their skills. Availability of modern facilities which allows students to study better in their...
Read more
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How Biotechnology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.7) 7 reviews
5 star
72%
4 stars
28%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,919 reviews
5 star
38%
4 stars
51%
3 stars
10%
2 stars
1%
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Uni info

University of York
Heslington York YO10 5DD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Poppleton  2.7 miles away

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