University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash

University degree

Biological Sciences

University of Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Qualification

Degree

Length

4 yrs

UK fees / yr

£9,535

Study

full-time

Robin · your guide

Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.

About this course

Biological sciences with a specialisation in biotechnology gives you the scientific depth of a broad biological education combined with a focused engagement with one of the most dynamic and consequential applied areas in modern biology. Biotechnology takes a solutions-oriented approach to the challenges of medicine, food production, environmental management, and industrial processing, asking how the fundamental knowledge derived from biological science can be applied to create new products and technologies that are useful to society. This includes pharmaceutical development, genetic engineering, fermentation processes, diagnostics, and a growing range of applications in energy, agriculture, and environmental remediation.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year full-time programme carries a typical entry tariff of 200 points and includes a year abroad, reflecting both the demanding academic standards of one of the world's great research universities and the importance of international scientific experience. You will study the full breadth of the biological sciences, from molecular and cell biology through to genetics, physiology, and ecology, alongside the specific biotechnological applications and research methods that distinguish this specialisation. Edinburgh's position at the heart of Scotland's life sciences sector, and its internationally outstanding research reputation in genetics, systems biology, and biomedical science, gives the programme exceptional scientific depth and professional relevance.

Graduates of biological sciences with biotechnology programmes work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the food and agricultural industries, environmental consultancy, clinical research, government scientific services, and academic research. Many pursue postgraduate study, including PhD research, which is the standard route into research careers in this field. The combination of broad biological education and biotechnological specialism makes Edinburgh graduates genuinely competitive in a sector with strong global demand.

Could you get in?

The grades students arrived with

<48 pts2%

96-111 pts1%

112-127 pts1%

128-143 pts3%

144-159 pts12%

160-175 pts12%

176-191 pts11%

192-207 pts10%

208-223 pts10%

224-239 pts8%

240+ pts23%

How they qualified

79% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:

A-levels79%

the IB13%

other higher education3%

Other3%

an Access course1%

Could I get in? Try your grades

120 UCAS pts

Pay & prospects

80%

In work or further study after

96%

Continue past first year

83%

Student satisfaction

What graduates earn over time

£26,000

3 years on

£34,500

5 years on

What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers

Natural and social science professionalsHighly skilled15%

Elementary occupations10%

Secretarial and related occupations5%

Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled10%

Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled10%

Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%

Sports and fitness occupationsHighly skilled5%

Media ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%

What students say National Student Survey

83%

of students are satisfied with the course overall

Teaching87%

Assessment & feedback67%

Academic support65%

Well organised81%

Learning resources84%

Student community83%

In students' own words

★★★★★

Exceeded expectations

I was sceptical before starting — now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, would like to see more industry guest speakers in later years. On the city — local cost of livi…

Third year · Full-time

★★★★★

A great decision

This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: the course strikes a good balance between theory and practical application. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city — local cost of living is manageab…

Postgraduate · Part-time

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