Biotechnology BSc
  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biotechnology

Learn to create vital links between biology and technology.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biotechnology with Research Abroad

Learn to create vital links between biology and technology.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biotechnology with a Year in Industry/Research

Learn to create vital links between biology and technology.

Explore the vital links between biology and technology and understand how bioprocesses can be applied to real-world situations

Gain hands on lab skills while learning about applications, industry and entrepreneurship

Enhance your understanding of biotechnology in various settings on an optional year abroad or year in industry/research

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2025 View 2024 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    3 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    J700

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to J700

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to J700

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Study option:

Course overview

Biotechnology creates a vital link between biology and technology.

All Biotechnology students follow the same core modules for the first two years. This gives you a solid grounding in the fundamental topics, and prepares you for advanced study.

You'll cover all aspects of the applied biochemistry and biotechnology industries, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. Your learning is enhanced with lectures and case studies from business leaders and academics.

Teaching is enriched by the Department's internationally leading research programme, so you'll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject.

You will also benefit from access to our outstanding facilities, including for genomic and cell biology studies, tissue culture suites and the most modern microscopes.

As you progress, you will have increased freedom to follow your own interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. You'll also complete a research project or dissertation involving a significant element of biotechnology.

Subject to university approval.

Biotechnology creates a vital link between biology and technology.

All Biotechnology students follow the same core modules for the first two years. This gives you a solid grounding in the fundamental topics, and prepares you for advanced study.

You'll cover all aspects of the applied biochemistry and biotechnology industries, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. Your learning is enhanced with lectures and case studies from business leaders and academics.

Teaching is enriched by the Department's internationally leading research programme, so you'll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject.

You will also benefit from access to our outstanding facilities, including for genomic and cell biology studies, tissue culture suites and the most modern microscopes.

During your third year, you'll study abroad at one of our leading partner universities in Europe, completing taught modules and conducting research. To prepare for the placement, Imperial offers free language classes in the language of your host country.

As you progress, you will have increased freedom to follow your own interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.

You'll also complete a research project or dissertation involving a significant element of biotechnology.

Subject to university approval.

Biotechnology creates a vital link between biology and technology.

All Biotechnology students follow the same core modules for the first two years. This gives you a solid grounding in the fundamental topics, and prepares you for advanced study.

You'll cover all aspects of the applied biochemistry and biotechnology industries, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. Your learning is enhanced with lectures and case studies from business leaders and academics.

Teaching is enriched by the Department's internationally leading research programme, so you'll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject.

You will also benefit from access to our outstanding facilities, including for genomic and cell biology studies, tissue culture suites and the most modern microscopes.

During your third year, you'll study abroad at one of our leading partner universities in Europe, completing taught modules and conducting research. To prepare for the placement, Imperial offers free language classes in the language of your host country.

As you progress, you will have increased freedom to follow your own interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.

You'll also complete a research project or dissertation involving a significant element of biotechnology.

Subject to university approval.

Study option:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You will study all core modules in your first year.

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology

You will study these core modules alongside a I-Explore module, allowing you to study an area beyond your core discipline.



Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
  • Tutored Dissertation 
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • I-Explore

You choose three optional modules in total, one each from Groups A, B and C.

You will also undertake a research project option from Group D.





 

Optional modules – Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing
  • Metabolic and Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology and Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • Structural Biology and Drug Design
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

Optional modules – Group B

  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology and Vector
  • Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection and Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology

Optional modules – Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in
  • Health and Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

Optional modules – Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
  • Science Communications plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You will study all core modules in your first year.

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology

You will study these core modules alongside a I-Explore module, allowing you to study an area beyond your core discipline.



Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
  • Tutored Dissertation 
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • I-Explore

The third year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, or Switzerland.





 

We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • University of Vienna, Austria
  • University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France
  • SupAgro, France
  • University of Paris, France
  • University of Paris Saclay, France
  • University of Strasbourg, France
  • University of Toulouse 3, France
  • University of Heidelberg, Germany
  • University of Padova, Italy
  • University of Leiden, Netherlands
  • Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
  • University of Valencia, Spain
  • Karolinska Institute, Sweden
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland

This is an integrated year abroad so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

You choose three optional modules in total, one each from Groups A, B and C.

You will also undertake a research project option from Group D.

 

Optional modules – Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing
  • Metabolic and Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology and Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • Structural Biology and Drug Design
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

Optional modules – Group B

  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology and Vector
  • Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection and Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology

Optional modules – Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in
  • Health and Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

Optional modules – Group D

  • Science Communications plus Dissertation
  • Research Project (Lab, Data, Field)

You will study all core modules in your first year.

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology

You will study these core modules alongside a I-Explore module, allowing you to study an area beyond your core discipline.



Core modules

  • Structural Biology
  • Genes and Genomics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming
  • Tutored Dissertation 
  • Protein Science
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Topics in Biotechnology
  • I-Explore

You will spend this year either working in industry or completing research.

 



 

You’ll complete an integrated, 12-month placement in industry or a research organisation.

This can be in a variety of areas, such as medical research, conservation biology, marine biology or the pharmaceutical industry.

Students from the Department have previously completed placements with:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Oxford University
  • Novartis
  • Institute of Cancer Research
  • Natural History Museum

The employer can often be in a location of your choice – including outside the UK – as long as you are successful in obtaining a position there and the placement is approved by the Department.

You choose three optional modules in total, one each from Groups A, B and C.

You will also undertake a research project option from Group D.

 

 

Optional modules – Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing
  • Metabolic and Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology and Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • Structural Biology and Drug Design
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression

Optional modules – Group B

  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology and Vector
  • Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection and Immunity 
  • Cancer
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology

Optional modules – Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in
  • Health and Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Medical Glycobiology

Optional modules – Group D

  • Science Communications plus Dissertation
  • Research Project (Lab, Data, Field)

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 3

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2024–25 was £9,250 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year abroad, the fee was £1,385 for that year

Year in industry

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year in industry, the fee was £1,850 for that year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2024–25 was £41,650 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year abroad, the fee was 15% of the fee for that year

Year in industry

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year in industry, the fee was 20% of the fee for that year

Your future career

Test tube with plant growing from it next to another test tube

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in biochemistry and biotechnology.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Cap and degree

Many Life Sciences graduates study at the Master's or PhD level before entering academia or industry.

Person holding a briefcase climbing steps

Others advance to roles in business, government and industrial research, or public health.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include management, pharmaceuticals, communications, and the biochemicals industry.

Course data

Compare this course

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications