Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) MBiol, BSc
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- C911
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAA (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- ABB
Full entry requirements - Accredited
- Yes
- Contact
- fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview

Take your scientific ideas from the lab bench to the marketplace with an innovative Biotechnology and Enterprise course. No prior knowledge of business or enterprise is needed as you study biotechnology alongside entrepreneurship, fully supported by our outstanding Business School.
You’ll develop in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of applied cellular and molecular life sciences, in addition to the business skills necessary to turn your ideas into a reality.
With this exciting degree you’ll be prepared to face global challenges such as food security, designing biofuels and development of new medicines, having a practical impact on the world.
This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.
Course highlights
- Weekly practical classes, with the option to experience working in a research lab in your final year.
- The University student enterprise community offers you opportunities to network with entrepreneurs.
- Start your own business with support from Spark.
- Final year modules will expose you to the latest techniques and cutting-edge research.
- The University of Leeds has been awarded with the Small Business Charter accreditation.
- One year of additional specialist training cumlinating in an extended research project.
Flexible degrees
Biotechnology with Enterprise is a specialist degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.
All our School of Molecular and Cellular Biology degree courses shares the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Wellbeing afternoons
Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.
These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.
Biological Sciences or Biology?
Unsure of the difference between Biological Sciences and Biology?
Accreditation
Accredited by The Royal Society of Biology
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) (Industrial); MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise); MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise)(Industrial); MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) (International).
Course details
Year 1
You will be introduced to core themes, including molecular and cellular biology, genetics, applied biology and microbiology and immunology. Alongside these modules, you will study entrepreneurship and business planning with optional modules allowing you to further develop your business awareness.
Additionally, you’ll develop laboratory techniques for studying microorganisms and cellular components such as proteins and DNA.
In tutorials, you’ll develop your ability to analyse interpret and present data, use scientific information to solve problems and create written and oral presentations.
At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable degree courses.
Year 2
You will study genetic engineering and genomics, gaining an understanding of the biology underpinning sustainable food production. You’ll also complete lab projects involving cloning and gene expression, drug discovery, and studying the effects of growth factors on cell division.
Tutorials with specialist tutors will help you develop a myriad of skills: experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, research ethics, and reviewing current research literature. You’ll also receive support in your career planning.
You will continue to develop your understanding of business practice and enterprise at both theoretical and practical levels, through core modules in entrepreneurship and new enterprise planning.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
You will undertake a practical project that introduces you to increasingly sophisticated techniques and provides the opportunity to become familiar with the cutting-edge research facilities available at Leeds, including bio-imaging and flow cytometry facility, protein production facility, biomolecular interaction facility, and nuclear magnetic resonance facility. You will also conduct a literature review of your proposed extended final-year research project, with the support of your supervisor. Alongside this, you will select the advanced topic BSc modules and study skill BSc modules aligned with your choice of theme.
Year 4
Spend approximately 6 months working on your extended research project in your supervisor’s laboratory. As you are fully integrated into a research group, you will contribute to internationally competitive research which can result in the first publication of your career. MBiol projects are varied: from molecular characterization of chancer associated signalling pathways and investigation of bacterial outer membrane protein folding, to identification and development of new biopharmaceuticals. You will gain experience in a range of advanced techniques such as CRISPR, advanced DNA/RNA sequencing techniques, structural biology, bioinformatics and many more, depending on the project. Alongside you will study a skills module designed to prepare you for a career as a professional scientist.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
The Molecules of Life | 10 |
Introductory Skills for Biotechnology | 40 |
Applied Biology and Agriculture | 10 |
Introduction to Genetics | 10 |
Starting Your Own Business | 10 |
Introduction to Microbiology | 10 |
Introduction to Immunology | 10 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship | 10 |
Understanding Social Enterprises | 10 |
Introduction to Management | 10 |
The Microbial World | 10 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Genes and Genomes | 20 |
Intermediate Skills for Biotechnology | 40 |
Sustainable Food Production | 10 |
Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice | 10 |
New Enterprise Planning | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling | 10 |
Human Diseases | 10 |
Chemotherapy | 10 |
Leading and Managing Small Businesses | 10 |
Managing Innovation in Business | 10 |
Medical Virology | 10 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Advanced Skills in the Biosciences | 20 |
Research Tools and Applications | 20 |
Extended Research Project Preparation | 20 |
Applied Genetics | 20 |
Enterprise Consultancy | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 2 | 20 |
Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 3 | 20 |
Year 4 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Extended Research Project | 90 |
Specialised Research Topics and Skills for Biotechnology | 15 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Global Perspectives on Enterprise | 15 |
Critical Entrepreneurship Studies | 15 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures, and lab practicals, and you will undertake private study, supported by online resources.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes four to eight hours of lectures, six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers comprehensive training. to help you make the most of them.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.
We accept the following:
Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
When an applicant is taking any of the following:
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)
Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)
AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate
It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
Alternative qualification
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc: D3/D3/M1 including D3 in biology or chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.
MBiol: D3/D3/D3 Including biology or chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.
When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).
International Baccalaureate
BSc: 6,6,5 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.
MBiol: 6,6,6 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc: H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
MBiol: H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
MBiol: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.
We accept the following:
Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
Access to Leeds: Pass
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £27,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions guidance
Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Application process
The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.
Interviews
Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Contact us
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.
Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.
Our graduates have, for many years, experienced high employment rates and a significant proportion quickly gain employment upon graduation. With the expansion of the biosciences comes the generation of new and varied career opportunities.
Typical Graduate Careers include:
- Academic research
- Biotechnologist
- Postgraduate study
- Graduate medicine/dentistry
- Science communication
- Teaching
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
- Research & Development Scientist
- Research Technician
- Junior Account Executive
- Corporate audit
- MSc Physician Associate studies
- PhD Regenerative medicine
- Medicine
Careers support
We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.
Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.
Combined study and working abroad
Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.
Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.
Student profile: Fridaos Abdulrauf
I set up my own business called SparTix, with a colleague of mine. We were awarded a scholarship of £2500 from SPARK. The app enables students to re-sell and purchase tickets to sold out events.Find out more about Fridaos Abdulrauf's time at Leeds