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Biotechnology

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22 September 2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Sutton Bonington Campus

Course summary

This course enables you to study microbial, animal and plant biotechnology. You'll learn the latest techniques and how these can be used to help improve lives. You might be interested in how you can apply science to global issues such as:

  • developing new life-saving medicines

  • feeding growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuels

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to succeed when you graduate.

You will learn in specialist laboratories, using our facilities to build your practical knowledge. Our lab sessions will give you experience in DNA sequencing and genetic engineering.

Experts in synthetic biology will lecture on the latest applications and technology. You'll join thought-provoking debates covering ethical, commercial and environmental concerns.

Throughout your degree you will have the opportunity to choose from a range of additional options. You can apply to do these when you get here:

  • Industry placement - you can add a year in industry between years two and three

  • Study abroad - options include our Malaysia campus, Australia, Canada, or Europe

  • Computer Science year - use algorithms to analyse complex data and apply this to your course

Modules

You'll build your knowledge in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, microbial physiology and animal biology.

In the second year, core modules focus on molecular biology, genetic engineering and epigenetics. You can then choose from optional modules to specialise in the areas that interest you.

The final year research project enables you to use your skills to work on a piece of original research. Supervised by our academic researchers, you will design the study, use techniques, collect data and prepare a report. You could carry out a project with a research institute or industrial partner. Some previous research projects were granted patents and developed into commercial products.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

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:
J700
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Campus Code:
S

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff Not accepted

A level BBB - BBC

BBB including Biology, or BBB including 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Alternatively, BBC including Biology or BBC including 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics or Further Mathematics plus an A in the EPQ. Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science and Society and Leisure Studies are not accepted.

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

Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied.

Access to HE Diploma D: 21 credits M: 18 credits P: 6 credits

This qualification will be considered where appropriate science content is being studied. 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. Either 15 graded Level 3 credits must be achieved at minimum grade Merit from biology units , or 30 graded Level 3 credits achieved at minimum grade Merit from chemistry, physics and mathematics units.

Scottish Higher BBBBB

This qualification is only accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at BB in two science subjects.

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

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

Scottish Advanced Higher BB

BB including Biology, or BB from 2 of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. This qualification is only accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 28 points

including Higher Level 5 in Biology or Higher Level 5 in 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics Applications and Interpretations or Mathematics Analysis and Approaches. Alternatively, 555 in 3 Higher Level certificates including Biology or Higher Level 5 in 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics Applications and Interpretations or Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) B

This qualification - or the WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate - is accepted alongside two A levels (either BB including Biology, or BB from 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics or Further Mathematics)

Extended Project A

Considered alongside 3 A levels or equivalent including Biology or 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Mathematics or Further Mathematics

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) A

This qualification is considered alongside 3 A-levels (or equivalent). Level 3 Core Maths qualifications from other awarding bodies are also acceptable: - Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in Context - OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI) - OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI)

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Minimum 5.5 in each element.
TOEFL (iBT)80Minimum 17 in Writing and Listening; 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
PTE Academic65Minimum 59 in each element.

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

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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

* 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/202526/undergraduate.aspx

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