Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) MBiol, BSc

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

This integrated master’s degree combines biotechnology with enterprise, preparing students for leadership roles in research, industry, and business. It builds upon the foundation of the BSc program with an additional fourth year that emphasizes advanced research training, professional enterprise development, and career readiness.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin with a grounding in biotechnology, covering cell biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry, alongside introductory modules in enterprise and entrepreneurship. Practical laboratory training focuses on core experimental methods and data handling.

Year 2
The second year advances scientific understanding with subjects such as molecular biology, immunology, and microbial genetics. Enterprise modules explore entrepreneurship in practice, developing skills in innovation management and applied case studies linking science with business.

Year 3
Students undertake advanced biotechnology training and complete a major individual research project, either laboratory-based or computational. The enterprise component emphasizes business development, preparing students to translate biotech innovations into practical applications. Options for industrial placement, study abroad, or enterprise year are available.

Year 4 (Integrated Master’s)
The additional master’s year focuses on advanced research skills and enterprise leadership. Students undertake an extended independent research project, gaining professional-level laboratory and analytical experience. Enterprise training develops advanced innovation management, venture creation, and leadership in the biotechnology sector.

Focus Areas
The program combines molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology with entrepreneurial training. Particular emphasis is placed on innovation, commercialization of biotechnology, and leadership in science-based industries.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates gain a strong foundation in biotechnology research methods, alongside high-level enterprise and innovation skills. You will be equipped for senior roles in industry, biotechnology ventures, or further research through PhD programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the MBiol program provides additional recognition for advanced research and enterprise training. Graduates can achieve professional membership after two years of experience, reinforcing their career credibility.

Reputation (Employability & Graduate Outcomes)
The MBiol degree enhances employability through its combination of advanced research training and enterprise leadership. Graduates are well-positioned for biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers, innovation roles in start-ups, and doctoral research. The University of Leeds’ strong research reputation further supports graduate progression into highly competitive sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) programme at the University of Leeds integrate advanced biotechnology studies with entrepreneurial and business training. Students explore the molecular and cellular basis of biotechnology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and industrial bioprocessing while learning how to commercialise scientific discoveries. The MBiol option provides an integrated master’s degree with additional research training.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

  • Research-Intensive Learning: Hands-on laboratory work in molecular biology, microbiology, protein science, and genetic engineering.
  • Enterprise Modules: Business strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation training equip students with the skills to launch and manage biotech-related ventures.
  • Extended Research Project (MBiol): Final-year integrated master’s students undertake an advanced research project within world-class laboratories.
  • Industry-Relevant Training: Modules link scientific knowledge to industrial applications such as pharmaceuticals, food technology, and bioenergy.
  • Collaborative Learning: Group projects develop teamwork, leadership, and scientific communication skills.
  • Digital Tools and Data Analysis: Training in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.
  • Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students benefit from advanced laboratories, research centres, and entrepreneurial resources.
  • Professional Skills Development: Strong focus on critical thinking, communication, business management, and employability in both science and enterprise sectors.

Why This Programme Stands Out:
This programme uniquely combine world-class biological science education with enterprise and entrepreneurship training. Graduates are equipped not only for scientific research and industry roles but also for leadership in innovation, business development, and biotechnology start-ups.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the integrated MBiol program are equipped with advanced expertise in biotechnology research, molecular innovation, and scientific enterprise. They are prepared for leadership roles in biotech industries, pharmaceuticals, healthcare innovation, and academic or industrial research. Typical roles include Senior Research Scientist, Biotechnology Project Manager, Innovation Consultant, and Biotech Entrepreneur. Many also progress into PhD programs or advanced research careers.

  • University Services That Support Your Career
    • Specialist guidance from the Careers Centre on scientific and entrepreneurial pathways
    • Access to enterprise schemes, placements, and advanced research projects
    • Support from the Leeds Enterprise Centre for students aspiring to launch biotech start-ups
  • Employment Stats & Salary Figures
    • Over 90% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
    • Salaries typically range from £28,000–£38,000, with higher progression for research and enterprise roles
  • University–Industry Partnerships
    • Collaboration with AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, NHS, and biotech SMEs
    • Strong research links through the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
    • Industry-linked enterprise projects offering real-world applications
  • Accreditation & Long-Term Value
    • Russell Group university with a focus on research excellence and enterprise development
    • MBiol adds significant long-term value by combining advanced research training with enterprise skills
  • Graduation Outcomes
    • Alumni work in pharmaceuticals, biotech start-ups, consultancy, and academic research
    • Many graduates pursue PhDs or launch biotechnology enterprises

Further Academic Progression

  • MSc or MBiol in Biochemistry, or Molecular Medicine
  • PhD research in synthetic biology, biomedical sciences, or applied biotechnology
  • Postgraduate study in business management, healthcare innovation, or biotech enterprise

Program Key Stats

£32,750 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

AAA
N/A
31
60 - 85

N/A
N/A
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Biotechnologist – apply biology to create products and solutions in medicine agriculture and industry
  • Biomedical Scientist – conduct laboratory research and diagnostic testing
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist – support development and testing of medicines and vaccines
  • Clinical Research Associate – manage and monitor clinical trials
  • Genetic Technologist – work in molecular biology and genetic engineering
  • Industrial Microbiologist – develop microbial processes for food chemicals and biofuels
  • Enterprise Manager – integrate biotechnology with business innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Quality Assurance Scientist – maintain safety and compliance in biotech processes
  • Environmental Biotechnologist – use biological systems to address sustainability challenges
  • Further Study Candidate – progress to postgraduate or research degrees

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