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Imperial’s BSc Biotechnology sits within the Biochemistry & Biotechnology stream in the Department of Life Sciences. The course is taught with a research-driven approach, putting a strong focus on lab skills, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. You’ll spend plenty of time in modern labs, gaining practical experience, while also developing the mindset and rigour expected of professional life scientists.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is shared with other Biochemistry & Biotechnology pathways, giving you a broad foundation. You’ll cover core subjects like biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and introductory biotechnology. Alongside this, hands-on practicals in state-of-the-art labs bring the theory to life and help you build essential lab skills early on.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll continue with the shared curriculum, diving deeper into biological systems through advanced modules in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Practical sessions are central—helping you sharpen your experimental design and lab techniques, and preparing you for more focused study.
Year 3
In your final year, the Biotechnology pathway branches off into specialist modules covering biotechnology applications, molecular methods, and industry-relevant topics. You’ll also complete a major research project or dissertation, applying everything you’ve learned while developing independence and confidence in scientific investigation and communication.
Focus Areas
This program combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on experimental design and practical lab skills. It’s designed to nurture your scientific thinking, data analysis, and ability to work confidently in the life sciences.
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll have solid training in lab methods, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of molecular biotechnology. You’ll be confident designing and running experiments, interpreting your findings, and communicating science clearly and independently.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Although this course isn’t formally accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, Imperial’s global reputation and the quality of training you receive mean your degree is highly respected across research, industry, and academia.
Reputation (Employability & Graduate Outcomes)
Imperial is one of the world’s top universities for science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Life Sciences graduates here do extremely well—94% are in work or further study and 83% step into highly skilled roles soon after graduating. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a world-class research environment, you’ll graduate with a degree that’s recognised and valued worldwide
The Biotechnology BSc at Imperial College London takes you deep into the science and technology of living systems. Across three years, you’ll study areas like genetic engineering, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing. The first two years follow a shared core with the Biochemistry/Biotechnology stream, giving you flexibility to shape your focus. Along the way, you’ll build a strong theoretical base while developing the scientific mindset needed for innovation in the life sciences.
Experiential Learning Highlights:
Intensive Laboratory Training: From your very first year, you’ll be in the lab—working on molecular biology, enzymology, cell biology, and more—building strong practical skills from the start.
Life Science Skills Programme: You’ll strengthen your skills in data analysis, programming, statistics, scientific writing, and presentations through structured modules designed to boost your confidence.
I-Explore Module: In Year 2, you’ll take a module outside your core degree—whether in the humanities, business, or another discipline—adding a creative and interdisciplinary dimension to your scientific training.
International Year (optional Year 3): Many students choose to study abroad at a partner university in Europe, gaining both academic credits and the experience of living in a new cultural setting.
Final-Year Research Project: In your last year, you’ll complete an independent research project—lab-based, computational, or even field-based—developing your ability to design experiments and analyse real data.
Why This Programme Stands Out:
Imperial’s Biotechnology BSc is unique for its focus on hands-on training, its enrichment through interdisciplinary I-Explore modules, and the chance to take your studies global with an international year. By graduation, you’ll have deep scientific knowledge plus transferable skills in analysis, communication, and independent research—preparing you for a career in biotechnology or further academic study.
Graduates excel in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and commercial literacy, priming them for roles in biopharmaceuticals, healthcare research, industrial biotech, regulatory affairs, and entrepreneurial ventures. Common roles include Biotechnologist, Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Bioinformatics Analyst, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
Further Academic Progression
This course comes with an optional year in industry or study abroad year. The fees for the year abroad and year in industry are 15% and 20% respectively of the fee for that year.A-Levels: Minimum entry requirement is AAA, including an A in Chemistry, A in Biology, Mathematics or Physics, A in a third subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.IB: Minimum entry requirement is 38 points. To include: 6 in Chemistry at higher level, 6 in Biology, Mathematics or Physics at higher level. Preferred Mathematics syllabus: The Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.CBSE: 90% overall, to include: 90% in Chemistry, 90% in Biology, Maths or Physics, 90% OtherAP: The minimum entry standard is 5, 5, 5 overall, from: 5 in Chemistry, 5 in Biology, Physics (1 or 2 or C) or Calculus (AB or BC), 5 in another subject (excluding Art, Music and languages other than English). If you are studying additional High School Qualifications alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both sets of qualifications.This department does not use a test as part of its selection process. Generally, the department does not hold interviews.IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all elements)TOEFL: Imperial College London considers TOEFL scores to be valid for 2 years. You must meet the entry requirement in one test from your scaled scores ('My Best Scores' reported by TOEFL will not be considered). 100 overall (minimum 22 in all elements)Applicants who are unsuccessful cannot be reconsidered for entry within the same cycle but may reapply the following year without prejudice with a new application.BiotechnologistBiomedical ScientistGenetic TechnologistPharmaceutical ScientistResearch ScientistClinical Research AssociateBioprocess EngineerAgricultural BiotechnologistEnvironmental BiotechnologistFurther Study Candidate
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Imperial College London
