Biotechnology MSci/BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Degree with foundation year
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Study how biotechnology is applied in health, agriculture and environmental contexts. Develop scientific knowledge and practical lab skills, with opportunities to focus on areas such as molecular biology, industrial biotechnology or vaccinology through project work.

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BSc:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MSci:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

B947 / B948

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028


Course overview

Study a lab-focused course that blends theory with hands-on experience, helping you develop scientific, analytical and communication skills that could be useful in solving real-world challenges and preparing for diverse roles in biotechnology.

  • Build foundations: explore how life works from the smallest molecules to whole-body systems. Learn about DNA and RNA, how genes are switched on and off, and how cells use energy. Study about bioinformatics, using maths and statistics to analyse real biological data.
  • Real-world focus: understand how biotechnology helps create safe, sustainable food, clean up pollution, produce useful materials on a large scale and develop greener solutions for the environment.
  • Explore cutting-edge topics: learn about areas like genomics, personalised medicine, CRISPR and gene therapy in disease treatment. Learn how biotech breakthroughs are brought to market, and develop skills in areas including computational biology.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

  • Learn digital and analytical skills: develop bioinformatics and computational biology skills, learning how to analyse large data sets, interpret omics data and use programming tools to support breakthroughs in genomics and personalised medicine.
  • Study the science that’s changing lives: from tackling antibiotic resistance to advancing cancer therapies, explore how biotechnology is solving real-world health and environmental challenges, preparing you for a meaningful career at the forefront of innovation.
  • Opt for the master’s route: you may choose to extend your studies with the MSci route (subject to meeting progression requirements). Deepen your expertise with a final year focused on advanced research, which could give you an edge when applying for specialist roles.
  • Contemporary facilities: apply theory through lab sessions and projects, giving you real-world experience with techniques like PCR, gene editing (CRISPR) and cell culture which are vital in research and industry.4
  • Learn from research-active experts and global case studies: learn from academic staff with industry experience in biotech research (staff may be subject to change). Study real-world examples from around the world, helping you understand how innovation works in different regulatory, ethical and commercial environments.
  • The MSci course integrates two International Certificate of Digital Literacy (ICDL) modules: Data Analytics and Big Data. These will be taken within the Laboratory and Data Analysis Skills and the Theoretical Principles for Laboratory Scientists MSci modules, respectively. You will be awarded an ICDL certificate and electronic badge on successful completion of each ICDL module.

What you'll study

Explore the science behind DNA, cells and microbes in your first year, then dive into real-world biotechnology in years two and three of the BSc (Hons) course, covering areas like healthcare innovation, environmental sustainability and industrial bioproduction.

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

  • Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
  • Biotechnology BSc (Hons)
  • Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
  • Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Modules

Modules

A placement year2 provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

  • Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
  • Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
  • Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

You may choose to extend your knowledge further with an integrated MSci year (subject to meeting progression requirements), where you’ll specialise in areas such as molecular biology, industrial and environmental biotech, or vaccinology and immunotherapy.

In your MSci year, you will study the following two modules as well as the modules in one of three specialist areas: industrial and environmental biotechnology, molecular biology, or vaccinology and immunotherapy.

Availability of optional routes may vary depending on student demand.

Modules

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.


How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

  • lectures
  • case studies
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • presentations
  • group projects
  • workshops
  • practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • presentations
  • group projects
  • portfolios
  • laboratory reports
  • laboratory competencies
  • tests
  • portfolio of media products
  • independent research project.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A level BBB to include Biology. Excludes General Studies
GCSE GCSE maths, English and two sciences at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC DDM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in a Biological Science subject. Excludes Health and Social Care.
IB Diploma 32 points to include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be at Distinction in Biology units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year
Not available
International 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £19,200 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.


Facilities

Take a virtual tour

Alison Gingell Building on a sunny day

Alison Gingell Building

The Alison Gingell Building is home to microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic science laboratories, allowing you to work in a replicated professional environment from day one.

Laboratory with people wearing white coats taking samples

SuperLab

Our SuperLab has facilities for cell culture and equipment for microscopy, DNA, RNA and protein analysis, and forensic testing.

 

 

Blonde lady wearing a lab white suite looking into a dish

Analytical Chemistry Suite

This is where our students apply their practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios. We use a new generation chromatography technique, to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents, to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.

Facilities are subject to availability4. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

Graduates with a Biotechnology BSc (Hons)/MSci are well-positioned for roles in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, industrial and agricultural sectors as well as research and academia.

Potential career paths include:

  • research and development
  • process engineering
  • quality control
  • regulatory affairs
  • microbiologist
  • technical sales representative
  • bioremediation
  • environmental consulting
  • environmental policy
  • sustainable development
  • government agencies
  • non-profit organisations
  • medical writing
  • scientific consultancy
  • entrepreneur
  • post graduate studies
  • PhD
  • academia.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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