BSc Molecular Biology

You’ll gain not just stunning theoretical depth but hands-on experience that ignites your scientific curiosity and builds essential lab skills. From state-of-the-art research facilities to interdisciplinary projects, everything in this degree is designed to get your skills real, relevant, and ready for the wider world:

• Independent Final-Year Research Project: As a third-year student, you’ll design and lead a substantial research project—whether lab-based, bioinformatics, e-learning, or enterprise-focused—under expert supervision, in cutting-edge facilities. 

• Ethical Grand Challenges & University Living Lab: You’ll take part in sustainability-driven, real-world initiatives that connect your scientific learning with policy, environment, and societal impact. 

• Option to Enrich Beyond Molecular Biology: The degree offers flexible options to include units in entrepreneurship, placements, or a modern language, letting you personalize your learning to match your future goals. 

• Access to Prestigious Research Institutes: You’ll learn alongside world-class collaborators in places like the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology—known for pioneering enzyme engineering and biomolecule innovation.

• Strength through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: You’ll join a vibrant research community in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, with active groups across molecular systems, biotechnology, structural biology, and more. 

Graduates from this degree often step into roles as research scientists, biomedical researchers, clinical lab technicians, or environmental biologists—thanks to their strong lab training and transferable analytical skills. Additionally, a significant number of graduates find success outside traditional lab roles in areas like science communication, education, or industry support roles:

• Career Support via Global Careers: You’ll access tailored resources—including CV reviews, mock interviews, placement advice, and opportunities to connect with bioscience employers—geared toward helping you define and launch your career path. 

• Strong Graduate Outcomes & Earnings: Around 70% of graduates secure highly skilled roles within 15 months of graduating. Median salaries for Molecular Biology, Biophysics & Biochemistry grads at Manchester are approximately £23,000 at 15 months, £28,500 at 3 years, and £35,500 at 5 years post-graduation.

• Industry and Research Alignment: Many alumni move into top-tier institutions—universities, pharmaceutical firms, and biotech companies—where they put their molecular biology expertise to work.

• Accreditation Benefit: The BSc (and affiliated integrated degrees) enjoy Advanced Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, enabling graduates to apply for Member (MRSB) status after just two years of professional experience, clotting your path to becoming a Chartered Biologist or Scientist. 

• Versatile Career Paths: Beyond traditional roles, alumni have thrived in science outreach, consultancy, conservation leadership, and marketing—highlighting the breadth of opportunities opened by this degree.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete your BSc, you’ll be well-positioned for postgraduate study—such as research-based MSc or PhD programmes in molecular biosciences, or applied tracks in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, or science communication and policy. The research experience you gain during your studies, along with your accreditation advantage, gives you both credibility and a clear path forward.