Biological Sciences with Management BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Management blends life sciences and business studies, giving you a unique edge by teaching you how to apply biological knowledge in real-world management contexts. It's perfect for students who are curious about living systems and equally excited about leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.


 

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

You’ll begin with a broad introduction to biological sciences, supported by practical lab work, field trips, and group projects. Alongside this, you’ll take management courses in areas such as sustainability, innovation, and organisational roles, while choosing additional courses from across the University to broaden your academic experience.

Year 2

Core courses build your knowledge in DNA replication and repair, natural selection and the origin of species, cellular metabolism, and regulation of biological systems. You’ll also gain experience in programming for data analysis and data science techniques. Management options include modules in finance, marketing, international business, and human resource management, complemented by further biological sciences or University-wide electives.

Year 3

You’ll deepen your scientific expertise through a choice of advanced courses across areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, immunology, plant science, and related disciplines. At the same time, you’ll continue your management studies by selecting further courses from the Business School, School of Economics, or both, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your interests and career goals.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll undertake an individual research project in biological sciences, developing advanced scientific and analytical skills. Alongside this, you’ll study management through courses in the Business School and/or Economics, while also participating in research seminars, presentations, and debates to strengthen your communication and leadership abilities.

 

Focus Areas

“Biological research fundamentals, data analysis & coding, business strategy & sustainability, investigative thinking, and reflective communication.”


Learning Outcomes

“You’ll leave with the ability to design and interpret biological experiments, analyse data with computational tools, think strategically in business contexts, work collaboratively, and communicate solutions effectively.”


Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the program doesn’t list a specific professional accreditation, its interdisciplinary design—combining research-based science with management training—is respected across business, commercial, and scientific sectors.


Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 5 UK universities and top 25 globally for Biological Sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Imagine learning not just in lecture halls, but through immersive, real-world experiences that bring biology—and management—right to life. In this program, you’ll roll up your sleeves with hands-on field trips, collaborate on research-led projects, and sharpen your analytical thinking via dynamic seminars. Whether you're debating scientific papers, designing experiments, or preparing for real-world career pathways, you'll develop practical skills every step of the way.

Here’s how the experiential learning unfolds in this unique degree:

  • Field Trips and Outdoor Learning: Expect day or half-day expeditions to locations like the Royal Botanic Gardens, local woodlands, beaches, or Edinburgh Zoo, and even week-long trips to places such as the Scottish Highlands, southern Spain, or the University’s outdoor centre, Firbush.

  • Individual Research Project (Year 4): You’ll tackle your own independent research, applying advanced scientific methods and critical thinking, combined with business or economics coursework from the Business School and School of Economics. You’ll also take part in seminars and debates to strengthen your presentation and analytical skills.

  • Study Abroad Opportunities: In Year 3, there’s a chance to study at one of the University’s international partner institutions—broadening your horizons academically and culturally.

  • Holiday Work Experience and Internships: You’ll be supported by the University’s Careers Service to arrange work experience both in the UK and abroad during holiday periods—perfect preparation for a future career in science, business, or beyond.

  • Career Support and Workshops: The School’s Careers Service offers drop-in sessions, CV and interview prep, and workshops like "finding work experience" and "preparing for placement"—giving you professional confidence before you graduate.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Biological Sciences with Management step confidently into careers where analytical insight meets strategic understanding. You could find yourself in roles like lab technician, management consultant, science policy advisor, or bioindustry project manager.

Here’s how the university supports your future journey:

  • Dedicated Careers Support: The School’s Careers Consultant offers tailored drop-in sessions, CV/interview prep, and workshops like “finding work experience” and “preparing for placement” to get you job-ready.

  • Strong Graduate Earnings: Biosciences graduates report a median salary of around £25,000 at 15 months post-graduation, with typical long-term salaries rising to £31,000 by year three and £36,000+ by year five.

  • University–Industry Connections: Your degree opens doors to roles in diverse sectors—previous grads have joined organisations like the Scottish Government, NHS, WHO, Roslin Institute, and Charles River.

  • Employability Recognition: Edinburgh ranks in the top 10 UK universities for graduate employability (Times Higher Global Employability Ranking 2025) and is placed 24th globally by employers (QS 2025).

  • Accreditation & Real-World Value: This degree blends scientific rigor with business acumen—the interdisciplinary edge employers value—providing academic strength and real-world relevance.

Further Academic Progression:
You can expand your pathway with a master’s degree, postgraduate certificate/diploma, or PhD, either at Edinburgh or elsewhere. Other options include professional training like teaching (PGCE), medicine, veterinary medicine, journalism, or law.
 

Program Key Stats

£36,800 (Annual cost)
£ 28
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


10 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - ABB
3.3
32 - 37
80

N/A
N/A
6.5
92

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Budget Analyst
  • Administrative Services Manager
  • Management Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Biotechnology Project Manager
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Manager
  • Research and Development Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst

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