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Embark on a global adventure with our BSc Biotechnology with International Year, where your education transcends borders! The international experience gained through the course will prepare you to tackle global challenges, from sustainable food production to breakthrough medical treatments, shaping a greener, healthier future while thriving in diverse, dynamic industries.
For me, the real highlight has been the opportunity to learn from and directly engage with the academic staff here, all of whom are true experts in their fields. The knowledge they impart to us is always up to date and often backed up by their own research.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Join our four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
Kickstart your journey in Biotechnology in year 1, where you'll explore cellular processes and microbial diversity through hands-on lab experiences in Biochemistry & Microbiology. Master essential biotech skills in teamwork and data analysis, while diving into Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecological Concepts. Customize your learning with exciting optional modules, paving the way for a thrilling career in biotech!
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, our course integrates ground breaking research with dynamic teaching, offering a range of tailored options to align with your career goals and passions.
Blended Learning: Enjoy the flexibility of recorded lectures for self-paced study, paired with engaging face-to-face sessions focused on deeper exploration, problem-solving, and group discussions.
Flipped Classroom: Prepare ahead with course material, then dive into interactive sessions that emphasize problem-solving, Q&A, and collaborative exploration with peers and lecturers.
Hands-On Practical Classes: Gain essential lab experience, developing critical research skills alongside academic and postgraduate researchers in cutting-edge facilities.
Seminars and Workshops: Participate in seminar-style learning, workshops, and unique opportunities to engage directly with research in labs and large-scale facilities across the college.
At the University of Birmingham, we’re committed to your success with comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Here’s how we ensure you thrive:
Our Biotechnology programme uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Module details will be confirmed shortly. Please check back soon for updates.
Admissions tutor for Biotechnology
Dr Steve Minchin has an interest in transcriptional control at both the molecular and genomic level. He has a strong interest in research-led teaching, innovation and quality management.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAB including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology
6,6,5 including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAB
AAB including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology
We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society and World Development.
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
Applicants who take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for the programme, plus an alternative offer, which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.
Deferring admission is usually not a problem but please inform the School or central Admissions. The university has a neutral attitude to gap years. You can still apply in advance for deferred entry and would be advised to do so.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBB including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology
ABB including two from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics - at least one of which must be Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2024’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
I would definitely say that the highlights of university come from my placement year where I was able to independently carry out a research project then present it at a national research conference.
Our graduates are increasingly sought after for roles in healthcare, environmental science, and biotechnology, with many pursuing advanced degrees. With dedicated support from our Careers and Employability Coordinator and the University’s Careers Network, you'll have the guidance needed to explore your passions and chart a successful career path tailored to your aspirations!
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.