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Biotechnology

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Sutton Bonington Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Course overview
Biotechnology is where biology meets innovation. It’s the science of redesigning life at the molecular level. From modifying genes and engineering cells to creating solutions that transform health, food and the environment. If you want a career that tackles global challenges and drives real change, this is your gateway.

Biotechnologists are problem-solvers for the planet. They develop life-saving medicines, engineer crops to feed a growing population and create cleaner biofuels to fight climate change.

On this integrated master’s degree, you’ll choose the aspects of biotech that interest you the most. You can study modules relating to:

  • Microbial Biotechnology: Discover how microorganisms become tiny powerhouses, producing next-generation drugs, sustainable fuels and even cleaning up pollution.

  • Plant Biotechnology: Design crops for the future – stronger, more nutritious and naturally resistant to disease, ensuring food security for billions.

  • Animal Biotechnology: Explore genetics and physiology to improve animal health, pioneer new treatments and advance sustainable farming.

In the final year, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a research project, giving you the opportunity to work on ground-breaking research topics addressing global challenges.

Throughout the course, you’ll master cutting-edge topics like gene editing, molecular pharming, protein expression and the ethics shaping biotechnology’s future.

You’ll learn in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest gene-editing technologies, gaining hands-on experience that sets you apart. This is a field at the forefront of global innovation, where breakthroughs happen every day and your work can make a real impact. By joining this course, you’ll open doors to a career with limitless possibilities—whether in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental science, bioenergy or beyond.

Biotechnology isn’t just about studying life—it’s about engineering solutions for a better world. If you’re curious, ambitious and ready to make an impact, this course will give you the tools to do it. 

Why choose this course?
Course highlights

  • Gain practical experience using our facilities for gene cloning and sequencing.

  • Study in specialist laboratories for molecular biology, genetics, cell culture and microbiology.

  • Be taught by experts in the field and engage in thought-provoking debates about ethical, commercial and environmental concerns.

Proven results

  • We’re a top 20 UK and top 100 world university (QS World University Rankings 2026).

  • The average starting salary for School of Biosciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £29,189 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Modules

Course Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page.

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biotechnology-MSci-Hons.html

Assessment method

For detailed information about the course assessment methods please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biotechnology-MSci-Hons.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Sutton Bonington Campus

Study options

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Integrated masters • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
J703
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

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:
J703
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBB

BBB or ABC including B in Biology.

Alternatively, A*CC including A* in Biology.

Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science and Society and Leisure Studies are not accepted.

T Level
M

T Levels are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure sufficient biology is studied; please contact us for more information.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

This qualification is accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at BB including Biology.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 21 Merit: 18 Pass: 6

This qualification will be considered where appropriate biology content is being studied; please contact us for more information.

The requirement is 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3. 21 credits must be achieved at Distinction; 18 credits at Merit and 6 at Pass.

15 graded Level 3 credits must be achieved at minimum grade Merit from biology units.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BB

BB including Biology.

This qualification is accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.

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

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grade B. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the biology content studied in the BTEC.

Please contact us for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

including Higher Level 5 in Biology.

Alternatively, 3 Higher Level Certificates 555 or 654 including 5 in Biology, or 744 including 7 in Biology.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A-C

This qualification is accepted as equivalent to a non-biology A Level.

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

Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied; please contact us for more information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grades B,C. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the biology content studied in the BTEC; please contact us for more information.

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6(No less than 5.5 in any element) As well as IELTS, we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language/english-language-requirements.aspx If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/pre-sessional/index.aspx). Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.   If you successfully complete your pre-sessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.  Please note: For pre-sessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

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.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

International entry requirements

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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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/index.aspx

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