Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ManchesterThis four-year BSc programme offers you a rigorous blend of molecular biology theory and hands-on laboratory experience, topped off with a year-long placement that boosts your readiness for real-world careers. It’s perfect for students passionate about DNA, RNA, proteins, and the molecular foundations of cell biology, looking to bridge academic learning with industry-level practice.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll dive into the foundations of biological science, mastering concepts like molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, while gaining essential data-handling and lab skills. You’ll engage in units such as Biochemistry (BIOL10212), Molecular Biology (BIOL10221), and Introduction to Laboratory Science (BIOL10401)—all designed to build your practical and theoretical base.
Year 2
Your learning deepens as you explore advanced topics like genome maintenance, protein function, and omics technologies. Modules like Genome Maintenance & Regulation (BIOL21101), Proteins (BIOL21111), and ‘Omic Technologies & Resources (BIOL21152) ensure you develop both specialist knowledge and cutting-edge practical skills.
Year 3 – Industrial/Professional Placement
This is the game-changing placement year, where you’ll gain real workplace experience—either through a trusted partner organisation or one you secure yourself. Your efforts culminate in a scientific placement report and viva voce upon return, both contributing to your degree score.
Final Year
You’ll consolidate your learning with intensive academic study and an independent research project. Expect to tackle honours papers—essays and data-handling exams—and complete a substantial research project, assessed via literature review and written report, making up a significant portion of your final grade.
Focus areas: “Molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, omics technologies, and real-world placement experience”
Learning outcomes: “Develop a strong theoretical foundation, advanced lab and data skills, real-world industry experience, and independent research capability”
Professional alignment (accreditation): “This course holds Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, enabling graduates to apply for Member (MRSB) status just two years into their careers and potentially qualify earlier for Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist status.”
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Manchester consistently appears in top-tier global and UK league tables—under the Guardian and QS rankings—particularly strong in biosciences and graduate employability, making your degree highly respected by employers. (Official reputation figures not listed on the course page—Manchester ranks within top tiers in sector-specific rankings.)
When you join this course, you’ll gain skills you can actually use—not just theory. You’ll wear a lab coat early on, stepping into real-world lab spaces and research hubs while learning how to apply molecular biology techniques confidently. Thanks to the inclusion of a full placement year, you’ll get a taste of how science happens outside the classroom, building your practical resilience and industry awareness:
Year-long professional placement —You'll spend Year 3 embedded in an industrial or professional environment, where you'll apply lab methods, work collaboratively on real-life projects, and produce a scientific placement report and viva that contribute to your degree.
Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure —Your studies are supported by world-class facilities, including those housed within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB)—home to advanced labs for enzyme engineering, structural and computational biology, and industrial biotechnology.
Interdisciplinary projects —Thanks to the MIB’s collaborative setup, you'll likely engage with integrated, multidisciplinary research approaches spanning areas like molecular bioengineering and systems biology.
Graduates emerge ready for fast-moving careers, often securing roles as Molecular Biologists, Research Associates, Laboratory Technicians, or Science Communication Specialists—all informed by a year of real-world work experience and dedicated university support:
University Services for Career Support
The Careers Service, including Faculty-specific offerings within the Biological Sciences, helps you polish applications, craft CVs, and prepare thoroughly for interviews and placements through CareerConnect, drop-in sessions, and employer events.
Employment Statistics & Salary Insights
Data shows that within 15 months of graduation, graduates in molecular biology-related fields at Manchester earn a median salary of £23,000, progressing to £28,500 after three years and £35,500 after five years—strong indicators for long-term career growth.
University–Industry Partnerships
Year 3 placements are available with “trusted partner organisations” like AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, encompassing research labs, biotechnology firms, education, and science communication settings—deepening your professional networks.
Long-term Accreditation Value
With Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, graduates qualify more quickly for professional recognition: eligible for MRSB (Member level) after just two years of practice, and potentially accelerated routes to Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist status.
Graduate Outcomes
Many alumni move into impactful careers in research, clinical lab work, biotech industries, or roles in science communication and beyond, thanks to the rich blend of scientific depth and practical experience embedded in this degree.
Further Academic Progression:
Should you decide to deepen your studies, this BSc sets a brilliant foundation for next steps:
You may progress to Master’s or PhD programmes, often supported by the university’s research strengths—like the North West Doctoral Programme in Biosciences
Higher Secondary School Certificates at the end of CBSE/ISC Standard XII with a minimum of 80-95% overall. International Baccalaureate (IB): Applicants usually need 35 to 36 points overall, with Higher Level grades of 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6, including Chemistry and another science subject (typically Biology)English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate proficiency via IELTS Academic with a minimum of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification .A-Level Requirements: A typical offer stands at AAA to AAB, inclusive of AA grades in Chemistry and another Core Science subject (Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)for USA : High School GPA Strong GPA—ideally 3.7-4.0 (on a 4.0 scale). You might still be considered with ~3.3+ if the rest of your profile is strong.for USA : Advanced / Honors Coursework You should take AP / IB / Honors in Biology & Chemistry (plus ideally Physics or Math). Achieving AP scores of 4-5 (or top grades in IB HL) in these sciences will be very helpful.Contextual offer Contextual offer: AAB-ABB (including specific subjects). Typical WP++ Contextual offer: ABB-ABC (including specific subjects).AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.Biology TeacherResearch SpecialistMolecular BiologistCellular BiologistLaboratory TechnicianBioinformatics ScientistClinical Research AssociatePharmaceutical ScientistGenetic TechnologistBiomedical Scientist
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