BSc Hons Biotechnology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology with Foundation Year at Edge Hill University is designed to help you build strong scientific confidence before progressing into advanced study of how biology is used to solve real-world problems. It’s an excellent choice for students interested in life sciences who want a supportive start, practical laboratory experience, and a clear pathway into modern biotechnology.

Curriculum structure:
This four-year programme begins with a foundation year to strengthen your core science knowledge, followed by three years of undergraduate study focused on applied biotechnology, laboratory practice, and independent research.

Foundation Year:
You’ll start by developing essential scientific understanding and academic skills needed for degree-level study. This year focuses on core biology and chemistry concepts, introductory laboratory skills, and scientific study skills, helping you gain confidence with practical work, data interpretation, and scientific thinking in a supportive learning environment.

Year 1:
In your first year of the honours degree, you’ll explore how biological systems work at a cellular and molecular level through modules such as Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Metabolism. You’ll also study Genetics and Evolution, building an understanding of how genetic information is controlled and applied within biological systems, alongside regular laboratory sessions to develop core experimental skills.

Year 2:
The second year moves into applied biotechnology. You’ll study Introduction to Biotechnology, where you explore genetic engineering, microbial processes, and industrial applications, alongside Molecular Genetics, which deepens your understanding of DNA, gene expression, and regulation. Practical learning becomes more advanced through laboratory-focused modules that strengthen experimental design and data analysis skills.

Final Year:
In your final year, you’ll bring your learning together through advanced study and an independent research project in biotechnology. Supported by Research Methods in Biology, you’ll design and carry out your own investigation, analyse results, and communicate findings — demonstrating graduate-level scientific and professional capability.

Focus areas:
Foundations of biological science, cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbial and industrial biotechnology, laboratory techniques, scientific research.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to conduct laboratory investigations, analyse biological data, apply biotechnology techniques to practical challenges, communicate scientific information clearly, and carry out independent research with confidence.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is designed around hands-on laboratory work and current biotechnology practices, ensuring your skills align with employer expectations across research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and industrial biotechnology.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edge Hill University is recognised for its supportive learning environment and strong emphasis on practical skills, with bioscience graduates valued for their laboratory experience, confidence, and readiness for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your foundation year through to your final project, this biotechnology degree is built around hands-on, practical learning. You’ll spend time in laboratories developing real scientific skills, learning how biotechnology is applied in research, healthcare, and industry. Teaching focuses on helping you understand not just what happens in the lab, but why it matters — so you graduate with confidence and practical experience.

Your experiential learning includes:

Regular laboratory sessions, where you develop core skills in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics using industry-relevant techniques.
A supportive foundation year, designed to ease you into laboratory work, data interpretation, and scientific thinking before progressing to more advanced study.
Practical assessments, including lab reports, data analysis tasks, and scientific presentations that reflect real professional practice.
Advanced laboratory modules in later years, helping you build confidence with experimental design, accuracy, and problem-solving.
An independent final-year research project, where you investigate a biotechnology-related topic, work with real data, and demonstrate graduate-level scientific capability.
Access to modern teaching laboratories and specialist equipment, supporting both experimental learning and independent research.
Teaching from research-active academic staff, ensuring your learning reflects current developments in biotechnology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology (with Foundation Year) are well prepared for a wide range of science-based careers, supported by strong laboratory experience and applied scientific knowledge. Typical career paths include biotechnology technician, laboratory scientist, research assistant, quality control analyst, biomedical science support roles, and positions within pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology:

Strong employability skills: Extensive laboratory work and practical assessments ensure you graduate with hands-on experience valued by employers.
Career development support: You’ll receive guidance on career planning, CV writing, interview preparation, and progression into science-related roles throughout your studies.
Industry relevance: The programme’s focus on applied biotechnology means you develop skills directly aligned with real laboratory and research environments.
Graduate readiness: By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to work confidently in laboratory teams, follow scientific protocols, analyse results, and communicate findings clearly.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, many graduates progress to postgraduate study, such as MSc programmes in Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related life science disciplines. Others move into research-led routes, including MRes or PhD study, particularly if they are interested in scientific research or academic careers.