MSci Biology

When you join the MSci Biology at Manchester, you won’t just study biology—you’ll live it. From the buzz of discovery in the lab to the thrill of fieldwork in some of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems, every year gives you hands-on opportunities to put theory into action. Guided by leading scientists and supported by cutting-edge facilities, you’ll build skills that are both practical and future-ready:

Here’s how your learning takes shape through real-world experience:

• Practical laboratory training – Gain confidence with essential techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, histology, and immunofluorescent microscopy. You’ll even explore applied tools such as EEG and ECG within Manchester’s modern teaching labs.

• Digital learning tools – Access online lecture notes, podcasts, quizzes, and discussion forums through the University’s virtual learning environment, so you can deepen your knowledge and revisit tricky concepts whenever you need.

• Specialist research facilities – For your MSci research project in the final year, you’ll step into one of Manchester’s 200+ world-class bioscience labs, working alongside expert researchers on live scientific questions.

• Field courses at home and abroad – Whether it’s Mediterranean biodiversity, African savannahs, or Central American ecosystems, you’ll take part in unforgettable fieldwork that shows biology in its natural context.

• Ethical and sustainability engagement – Through initiatives like the Ethical Grand Challenges and the University Living Lab, you’ll tackle pressing global issues in partnership with local communities and industry leaders.

• Interdisciplinary and research-led teaching – Learn directly from academics driving the latest breakthroughs—from molecular biology to global ecology—so your education always reflects the cutting edge of science.

Graduating with an MSci in Biology places you right at the centre of scientific progress. Whether you see yourself as a biomedical researcher, environmental consultant, science communicator, or policy advisor, you’ll finish with not just knowledge, but the investigative, analytical, and project management skills that employers and research institutes are looking for:

• Career Support That Really Helps — From day one, Manchester’s Careers Service is there to guide you, with CV and interview coaching, help finding placements and internships, and access to tools like CareerConnect, job fairs, and workshops. Even better, the support continues for up to two years after graduation.

• Pathways to PhD and Beyond — Your final-year MSci research project isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a launchpad. It gives you the practical experience and confidence you’ll need to apply for PhDs or to step directly into industry and research roles.

• Elite Accreditation Advantage — With Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, you’ll fast-track to professional recognition. You can gain MRSB membership after only two years and work toward Chartered Biologist/Scientist status earlier than most graduates.

• Outstanding Employability & Industry Reach — Manchester is one of the UK’s most targeted universities by graduate employers. That reputation, paired with the University’s strong research and industry connections, helps open doors across biotechnology, healthcare, conservation, education, and the public sector.

Further Academic Progression:
Your degree also sets you up perfectly for postgraduate study—whether that’s a Master’s, a PhD, or professional training in fields like medicine, veterinary science, science policy, or environmental consultancy.