The University of Edinburgh
Biological Sciences (Biotechnology)
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom · UCAS J700
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Central area campus
Intl. Tuition
£38,900 (Fee 2026-27 · 2027-28 not yet published)
Intake
September 2027
UCAS code
J700
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Course Overview
Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) at The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science. Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
Student life (indicative)
Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep. Compact, walkable and vibrant.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
39,015
Staff Ratio
13.0:1
International
42.0%
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£38,710
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Biological Sciences (Biotechnology)
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Biological Sciences (Biotechnology)
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
Biotechnology
Source: UCAS course listing, 2027 entry (retrieved September 2026). Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
39,015
Total students
Staff Ratio
13:1
Students per staff
International Students
42%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool maritime
Safety Index (indicative)
7.8/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Global / diverse | Coastal lifestyle | Academic / intellectual
Student Life & City (indicative)
Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep. Compact, walkable and vibrant.
- Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep.
- Compact, walkable and vibrant.
What Students Love
- Rich arts & cultural scene
- Historic city & heritage
- Active pub & club scene
- Outdoor & nature activities
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£38,710
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science. Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
- Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science.
- Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Finance
- Technology
- Media
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $1,730/month (housing $1,010, food $355, transport $125). Edinburgh costs more than most Scottish cities but delivers one of Europe's finest student experiences.
- In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $1,730/month (housing $1,010, food $355, transport $125).
- Edinburgh costs more than most Scottish cities but delivers one of Europe's finest student experiences.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.