Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of EdinburghIf you’re fascinated by how life begins, grows, and heals itself, this programme is designed for you. You’ll explore everything from the earliest stages of embryo development to the incredible potential of stem cells in treating disease, while building strong practical skills in the lab.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start with the building blocks of biology — courses like Molecules, Genes & Cells and Origin and Diversity of Life — giving you a solid grounding in how living systems work. Alongside lectures, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience in labs and workshops, plus the chance to broaden your knowledge through optional modules like Biology, Ecology & Environment or Medical Biology.
Year 2
In second year, you’ll move deeper into the science of development, taking courses such as Cells to Organisms which explain how a single cell becomes a complex organism. You’ll also have the flexibility to explore areas like genetics, ecology, or molecular biology, helping you shape the degree around your interests.
Year 3
This is where things get more specialised. Core modules such as Developmental Biology take you into the details of how tissues and organs form, while options like Molecular Genetics or Genomes & Genomics let you tailor your learning. Teaching becomes more research-focused, and you’ll start developing the skills needed for your final project.
Year 4
In your final year, you’ll take on an independent research project in development, regeneration, or stem cells — working alongside researchers who are leaders in their fields. You’ll also tackle advanced modules like Patterning in Development and Developmental and Cell Biology Synoptic Examination, bringing together everything you’ve learned and preparing you for life after university.
Focus areas
Embryo development; stem cell biology; gene expression and molecular control; tissue growth and repair; evolution of development
Learning outcomes
You’ll graduate with strong practical lab skills, an in-depth understanding of how cells and genes shape living organisms, the ability to analyse and interpret complex data, and the confidence to ask — and answer — big research questions.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The programme is research-led and closely aligned with the latest developments in biomedical science, giving you excellent preparation for postgraduate study, research careers, or roles in biotech and healthcare.
Reputation (employability rankings)
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities worldwide for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), giving your degree global recognition.
What really sets this programme apart is how much you’ll learn by doing. From day one, you’ll spend time in modern labs, working with the same tools and techniques researchers use. You’ll analyse real biological data, practise programming for life sciences, and see how discoveries in genetics, stem cells, and development are made. By your final year, you’ll be running your own independent research project in one of Edinburgh’s specialist labs, gaining the kind of experience that employers and postgraduate programmes value highly.
Here’s how that looks in practice:
Independent research project – in Year 4, you’ll join one of the university’s active research labs, focusing on areas like stem cell biology, regeneration, or developmental genetics.
Cutting-edge facilities – you’ll have access to advanced laboratories and specialist platforms, including the Edinburgh Genome Foundry for DNA design, flow cytometry, light microscopy, and genomics/proteomics suites.
Digital and data skills – courses build in training on computational tools and bioinformatics, so you can confidently handle and interpret complex biological data.
Fieldwork experiences – not all learning happens indoors; you’ll head out to places like the Royal Botanic Gardens, local beaches and woodlands, and even take a residential trip to the university’s outdoor centre at Firbush in your final year.
Communication and collaboration – regular seminars, paper discussions, and group workshops help you strengthen your presentation and teamwork skills while engaging with current research.
Inspiring locations – teaching takes place at the King’s Buildings campus, and specialist research is linked to world-class centres like the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the Institute for Stem Cell Research at Edinburgh BioQuarter.
This degree opens doors to some really exciting career paths. Many graduates step into roles in research, biotechnology, and healthcare, while others use their skills to move into genetics, data analysis, or medical innovation. Typical job titles include stem cell researcher, developmental biologist, biotech R&D scientist, and genomic diagnostics specialist — all roles where you’ll be making a genuine impact.
And the best part is that Edinburgh gives you more than just a degree:
Dedicated career support – the University’s Careers Service helps you find internships, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers in the life sciences sector.
Strong industry links – through collaborations with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, you’ll benefit from opportunities that combine academic and industry experience.
Solid graduate outcomes – most graduates go straight into highly skilled work or further study, with average starting salaries around £25,000 just 15 months after graduation.
Access to world-class research hubs – you’ll learn in the same environment as researchers leading advances in regenerative medicine and synthetic biology, which gives you a real edge when you enter the job market.
Respected qualification – the combination of practical lab training and scientific depth makes this degree widely recognised, whether you want to go into industry or continue in academia.
Further Academic Progression:
If you see yourself going further, many graduates continue with a Master’s or PhD in areas such as stem cell biology, developmental genetics, regenerative medicine, or synthetic biology. These advanced pathways can take you into high-level research or leadership roles in biotech and healthcare innovation.
UCAS Application, UCAS Personal Statement, UCAS Reference, A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade B or 6. Mathematics or Physics at Grade B or 6. Test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, PTEA-Levels: AAA–ABB with Biology and Chemistry at grade B, plus grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.IB Diploma: 37–32 points with HL Biology and Chemistry at 5, plus SL Maths or Physics at 6 and SL English at 5.GCSE/National 5: Mathematics or Physics at grade B/6 and English at grade C/4.English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 each component) or TOEFL iBT 92 (min 20 each section); Cambridge and Trinity equivalents accepted.Standardized tests (US applicants): Examples of competitive combinations accepted are ACT 27 + two APs at 4+, SAT 1290+ (650+ EBRW / 620+ Math) + two APs at 4+, or three APs at 4+ (note AP Research is not accepted to meet an AP requirement and APs are used for admission only, not for advanced credit).for USA : ACT score of 27 plus two AP scores at 4+ SAT score of 1290+ (650+ in Evidence based reading and Writing and 620+ in Math) plus two AP scores at 4+ 3 AP scores at 4+A minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, in your US High School Transcript. We will look for a rigorous academic curriculum with A and B grades in college-level classes, such as advanced and honours level classes, or equivalent, and no grades below a C in your Junior and Senior year.Where we require a specific subject at AP grade 4, we look for a B+ in honours classes, or equivalent, taken in that required subjectWhere we require a specific subject at AP grade 5, we look for an A in honours classes, or equivalent, taken in that required subject.Biological and Biomedical SciencesBiotechnology Lab TechnicianScience TechnologistBioinformatics SpecialistBotanistClinical Research AssociatePharmaceutical ScientistGenetic TechnologistEnvironmental BiotechnologistAcademic or Research Scientist
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