Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise), MBiol

The MBiol Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) program at the University of Leeds offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of biological sciences, combined with specialized training in biotechnology and entrepreneurial skills. This integrated degree is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the fundamental mechanisms of life, as well as applying this knowledge to real-world contexts such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad spectrum of topics including molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and systems biology, gaining the scientific expertise necessary for a career in biotechnology or related fields.

The program emphasizes practical experience, providing opportunities for laboratory work, research projects, and industry placements that prepare students for employment in biotech companies, research institutions, or entrepreneurial ventures. The enterprise component of the course develops students’ understanding of commercial innovation, business planning, and management, enabling them to translate scientific ideas into viable business propositions. Students also benefit from the university’s extensive links with industry partners, facilitating networking, internships, and collaborations that enhance learning and employability.

By integrating scientific rigor with entrepreneurial skills, the MBiol Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) program aims to produce adaptable graduates capable of contributing to technological advances and economic growth. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical, technical, and business competencies needed to drive innovation within the biotechnology sector and beyond. The program combines academic excellence with a practical focus, encouraging students to think creatively and critically about the application of biological sciences in solving global challenges. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, laboratory skills, and entrepreneurial training, students are prepared to undertake postgraduate research, enter industry, or launch their own ventures. The University of Leeds’s supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that students receive an outstanding education that lays the foundation for a successful career in biological sciences and biotechnology.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Apply as soon as possible, and no later than 15 January 2015 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 17500 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits 360

MBiol Year Four - 125 credits

Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) is designed to produce graduates who meet employers' needs and are able to take full advantage of the rapidly changing and expanding arena of biotechnology and commerce. This degree offers you choice, time to decide upon a preferred subject area, and the opportunity to take “ownership” of your course.

BSc Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introductory Skills for Biotechnology
• Introductory Microbiology
• Enterprise in Action
• The Molecules of Life
• Introduction to Genetic
• Introduction to Immunology
• Tissues, Organs and Processes of the Human Body
• Applied Biology and Agriculture

Optional modules

• Innovation and Creativity in Business
• Understanding Social Enterprises
• Introduction to Management 1

Total credits:120

BSc Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Intermediate Skills for Biotechnology
• New Enterprise Planning
• Genetic Engineering
• Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice
• The Power of Bacterial Genomics
• Sustainable Food Production

Optional modules

• Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling
• Human Diseases
• Chemotherapy
• Introduction to Toxicology
• Medical Virology
• Managing Innovation in Business
• Innovating Social Enterprises

Total credits:120

BSc Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Skills in the Biosciences
• Enterprise Development Project
• Social Networking for Enterprise
• Research Tools and Applications
• Applied Genetics

Optional modules

• Advanced Topics in the Biosciences 2*
• Advanced Topics in the Biosciences 3*

*Students undertaking this programme will follow a Biotechnology pathway of selected Advanced Topics.

Total credits:120

Course changes may occur given the fast-moving nature of the field and above is an indicative list only.

BSc Year One

In year one you will begin with the core themes of biotechnology alongside an introduction to strategic business planning and management. Themes including cell biology and genetics will be delivered together with a skills development module involving weekly tutorials and laboratory sessions.

BSc Year Two

Year two will see you build on your skills and knowledge from year one, continuing to study biological processes at molecular and cellular levels. Business modules including ‘Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice’ and ‘New Business Planning’ will complement modules in genetic engineering and human diseases to ensure that you develop a broad knowledge and skillset.

BSc Year Three

Year three is your chance to integrate both your knowledge of Biotechnology and your understanding of commerce and enterprise, with a year-long project that is supported by tutors from the Business School as well as the Faculty of Biological Sciences. You will study advanced level topics that represent the cutting-edge of research within the area of biotechnology, and the skills you have developed throughout your previous years will continue to be honed to an even more advanced level.

MBiol Year Four

In year four you will study Masters level modules, as well as using your preparation from the previous years to undertake an extended research-project.

MBiol Year four

Compulsory modules

• Extended Research Project (Biotechnology)

• Specialised Research Topics and Skills

Optional modules

• Drugs, Processes, Products and People

• Molecular Diagnostics, Drug Delivery and Therapies

• Tissue Engineering

• Plant Biotechnology

• Global Perspectives on Enterprise

• Enterprise & Society

Total credits = 125

Please note that year one and two are the same as the BSc for the MBiol.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher, including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

International Baccalaureate: 35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in higher level Biology and another science at higher level.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own.

Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.

Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.

Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Science- related subjects: PE, Geography, Use of Maths, Psychology, Statistics, Geology and Computing.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Leeds.

The MBiol Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) program at the University of Leeds is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of biological sciences, with a specialized focus on biotechnology and commercial enterprise. This integrated four-year undergraduate course combines rigorous scientific training with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge necessary for a career in the biotech industry or related fields. Students explore a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and systems biology, alongside modules that emphasize innovation, business development, and enterprise management. The program aims to foster scientific proficiency while developing entrepreneurial skills, enabling graduates to translate scientific discoveries into commercial applications.

Throughout the course, students benefit from practical laboratory work, research projects, and industry placements, which provide valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. The inclusion of enterprise modules enhances understanding of how scientific research is transformed into commercial products and services, preparing students to navigate the challenges of the biotechnology industry, start their own ventures, or pursue further research degrees. The program's structure emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills vital for working within multidisciplinary and international teams.

The University of Leeds boasts state-of-the-art facilities and strong links with industry partners, offering students access to cutting-edge laboratories and real-world business environments. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, or to undertake doctoral research. The course aims to produce graduates who are not only scientifically competent but also entrepreneurial and innovative, ready to contribute to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management through scientific and commercial expertise. The duration of the program is typically four years, with opportunities for international exchanges or placements included to broaden students' global perspective and employability.