BSc (hons) biotechnology (optional sandwich year)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The BSc (hons) biotechnology (optional sandwich year) at Edge Hill University is designed to help you confidently step into a biotechnology degree, even if you need extra preparation in science. You’ll start by strengthening your core scientific skills before progressing into a hands-on biotechnology programme that explores how biology is used to solve real-world challenges in health, industry and the environment.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

Your foundation year focuses on building confidence, study skills and essential scientific knowledge. You’ll develop academic and critical thinking skills through modules such as Academic Writing and Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education, while strengthening your understanding of science through Introduction to Biology and Fundamentals of Chemistry. This year ensures you’re fully prepared for degree-level study in biotechnology.

Year 1

In your first year of the degree, you’ll begin exploring the core principles of biotechnology and modern biology. Modules like Biology in Practice, Genetics and Evolution and Introduction to Cell Biology introduce you to how biological systems work, while developing practical laboratory skills and scientific reasoning that form the foundation of your future studies.

Year 2

Your second year takes you deeper into the techniques and applications that define biotechnology today. You’ll study subjects such as Introduction to Biotechnology, Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry and Metabolism, combining theory with hands-on lab work to understand how genetic information and biochemical processes are used in real-world biotechnology settings.

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through advanced study and independent research. You’ll typically complete a substantial laboratory or research project while choosing specialist modules aligned with current developments in biotechnology. This year focuses on refining your analytical skills, research confidence and professional readiness for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Biotechnology applications, molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, laboratory techniques, research methods, scientific analysis.

Learning Outcomes

By graduating, you’ll be able to apply biological and biochemical principles in laboratory environments, critically evaluate scientific data, communicate complex ideas clearly, and carry out independent research with confidence and professionalism.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the Foundation Year itself does not lead to a standalone award, it provides a structured pathway into the full BSc (Hons) Biotechnology degree. The programme equips you with practical laboratory experience and scientific expertise relevant to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, environmental science and research.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)

Edge Hill University is recognised for the quality of its teaching and student support, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and graduate outcomes. Completing this integrated programme means you graduate with a respected honours degree and the skills employers value across science-based industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start, this programme places a strong emphasis on learning by doing. As a biotechnology student at Edge Hill University, you’ll gain hands-on experience in laboratory environments that mirror real scientific and industrial settings, allowing you to build confidence with equipment, techniques and scientific processes used by professionals.

As you progress through the Foundation Year and into the degree, your learning moves beyond theory into practical application, helping you develop the skills employers and postgraduate institutions expect:

Purpose-built science laboratories, where you carry out experiments in biology, chemistry and biotechnology using modern lab equipment
Practical laboratory sessions embedded across modules, developing skills such as sample preparation, data collection, analysis and scientific reporting
Biotechnology-focused techniques, including work related to molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry as you advance through the degree
Group laboratory work and collaborative projects, reflecting how scientific teams operate in research and industry
Independent research experience, particularly through a final-year laboratory or research project where you investigate a topic in depth
Access to specialist learning resources, including scientific databases, digital research tools and academic support for scientific writing and data handling
Academic mentoring and laboratory supervision, ensuring you receive guidance, feedback and support as you build technical and research confidence

This strong practical foundation means you don’t just graduate with theoretical knowledge — you leave with real laboratory experience, research capability and professional awareness that translate directly into the workplace or further study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (hons) biotechnology (optional sandwich year) leave Edge Hill University with a strong blend of scientific knowledge, laboratory experience and analytical skills that open doors across fast-growing science sectors. The programme prepares you for both immediate employment and further study in biotechnology-driven industries where innovation and research are central.

Typical career paths include roles such as Biotechnology Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Research Assistant, or Biomedical Science Associate, working in areas like pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food science, environmental monitoring and life-science research. As your experience grows, these roles can progress into specialist or supervisory positions within research and development teams.

Your employability is strengthened through the following support and outcomes:

Dedicated careers support at Edge Hill, including one-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, interview preparation and employer engagement activities tailored to science students
Strong practical laboratory training, giving you hands-on experience with techniques used in real scientific and industrial settings
Research-focused learning, particularly through final-year projects that demonstrate your ability to plan, conduct and analyse scientific investigations
Transferable skills development, such as data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and scientific communication, which are highly valued by employers
Clear graduate outcomes, with many students progressing into laboratory-based roles, research environments, or specialist postgraduate study

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you’ll be well placed to continue your studies at postgraduate level. Many graduates choose to progress into Master’s degrees in Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related life-science disciplines, while others move into research-focused programmes that can lead toward a PhD. This pathway is ideal if you’re aiming for advanced scientific roles, academic research, or leadership positions within the biotech sector.