BSc Molecular & Cellular Biology

From your very first day, you’ll be learning by doing. This programme focuses on hands-on laboratory experience and modern molecular techniques, giving life to the concepts you study in lectures. Through research-led teaching, you’ll develop critical thinking, experimental skills, and scientific communication, supported by projects, internships, and access to world-class research facilities.

Here’s how your learning comes alive:

• Practical Molecular Biology Techniques from Year 1: Lab sessions are fully integrated with your lectures, giving you real experimental experience and the chance to analyse and interpret data as you learn.

• Summer Internships: The university encourages students to apply for summer internships, providing valuable professional experience both on campus and in industry.

• Access to Hunterian Museum Collections: Explore anatomical and zoological specimens at the Hunterian Museum or Collections Study Centre, connecting molecular biology with organismal science.

• Annual Field Courses: Take part in global field-learning opportunities that broaden your understanding of biology beyond the laboratory setting.

• MSci Placement Year: If you continue onto the MSci, you’ll spend a full year in a research lab or industry setting in the UK or internationally, gaining practical experience before your final honours year.

• Cutting-Edge Research Facilities: Through the School of Molecular Biosciences, you’ll have access to top-tier facilities, including:

  • BioImaging: Super-resolution and multiphoton microscopes.

  • Integrated Protein Analysis Facility & Glasgow Polyomics: Advanced proteomics and multi-omics analysis.

  • Specialist Centres: Systems Biology, Cellular Microenvironment, and Mitochondrial Biology for training in cellular structure, signalling, and metabolism.

  • Research Computing Infrastructure: Supporting data-rich exploration and advanced analysis.

These experiences ensure you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical, professional, and research-ready skills that prepare you for careers in biotechnology, genetics, and molecular biology research.

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of exciting careers, including research scientists, biotech analysts, genetics technicians, or pharmaceutical development officers, demonstrating the versatility and practical readiness of this degree. Glasgow’s strong support and industry reputation ensure you’re well-prepared to step confidently into your chosen path:

• Careers Service Support: The Careers, Employability & Opportunity team offers personalised career coaching, peer mentoring, and access to internships, career fairs, and alumni networks, giving you the tools and connections to launch your career successfully.

• Employment Outcomes & Earnings: Around 85% of bioscience graduates—including those in molecular & cellular biology—are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation, with median salaries around £26,000. Many move straight into highly skilled roles.

• Royal Society of Biology Accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, boosting your professional credentials and giving access to development and networking opportunities.

• Diverse Graduate Destinations: Alumni work in academic or industrial research labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or branch into areas like bioengineering, immunology, genetics, synthetic biology, as well as broader fields such as science communication, policy, teaching, and even finance.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BSc, you have a wealth of options:

• Continue into an MSci, including an optional placement year in research or industry.

• Pursue a PhD in advanced research areas such as genetics, cancer biology, or molecular biosciences.

• Undertake postgraduate training in specialisations like bioengineering, immunology, or cancer research, opening doors to cutting-edge scientific careers.

This degree equips you not only with practical and theoretical expertise but also with the confidence and flexibility to make an impact in science, industry, or further study.