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Molecular and Cellular Biology

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 14 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Gilmorehill (Main) Campus

Course summary

Molecular and cellular biology is a fundamental discipline that underpins the study of all living organisms. This is a rapidly evolving and exciting field which combines biochemistry, genetics and cell biology to provide insights to, and explain how, molecular function produces the hierarchy of living cells, tissues and ultimately whole organisms.

Why study this course at the University of Glasgow?

There is a strong focus on research led teaching and course content is continually updated to reflect scientific advancements and breakthroughs. You will be taught by leading experts in their field from across our research institutes.

Equally important to the theoretical background is the development of practical, problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills. All of these are built into the course from year 1. Practical classes allow you to experience firsthand modern molecular biology techniques and experimental strategies. These are closely aligned to lecture content and give a further opportunity to consolidate your learning and understanding of core topics.

We strongly encourage applications for summer internships and help students to try to secure these either at the University or further afield.

Career Prospects?

Many of our graduates go on to pursue a Masters degree or PhD in their area of specialism and work in research laboratories in academic institutions, hospital laboratories, or in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Graduates are also able to move readily into related specialties such as bio-engineering, biotechnology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology and synthetic biology.

In addition, the transferable skills you will develop such as communication (written and oral), critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis and interpretation, time management, adaptability and teamwork will leave you well equipped for a wide range of careers outside the laboratory setting. Recent graduates have secured positions in non-science careers as diverse as accountancy, IT, journalism, teaching, patent law, finance/investment banking, data analyst, science communication, policy makers for government and law enforcement. With your degree, you will acquire a wide range of highly sought-after skills, making you extremely competitive in the job market when applying to potential employers.

How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
  • Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies
  • Rest of UK does not have vacancies
  • Scotland does not have vacancies
  • International does not have vacancies
  • EU does not have vacancies

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C720
Institution code:
G28
Campus name:
Gilmorehill (Main) Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB-BBB

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for Scottish SQA Higher entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/

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

The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) Qualifications. Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for BTEC entry requirements linked here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/how-to-apply-for-an-undergraduate-degree/entry-requirements/admissions-guidance/#btec

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for International Baccalaureate entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/

For the most up to date and detailed entry requirements including any subject-specific requirements, please refer to the University of Glasgow website: www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/molecularcellularbiology/

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 with no subtests under 6. We accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements with a single test.
TOEFL (iBT)9090 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements.
PTE Academic5959 with minimum 59 in all subtests. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge English Proficiency176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge English Advanced176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. We do recognise that some applicants may already have a good command of English through education and work experience. However, in line with UKVI requirements, we must insist on a satisfactory English language test. You can also meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school. Please note that these are the University’s standard requirements and for some courses these may be higher. Applicants should always check the specific requirements for their chosen course.https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/englishlanguage/requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our contextual admissions approach could mean that you may be eligible for adjusted grades. Please review our website for more information on our widening access priorities at www.gla.ac.uk/study/wp.

The entry requirements for a programme will be detailed in your offer. If you meet these conditions, you are guaranteed a place on the programme.

Our programmes may require specific grades in mandatory subjects. Please review our programme pages on our website for more information.

Learn more on the University of Glasgow website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please refer to the fees information listed on our website - https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees/

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