Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

Biotechnology, also known as biosciences, teaches students the skills they'll need to excel in the field of regulated modification of biological processes for the production of antibiotics, industrial chemicals, and genetically modified crops. In UK, biotechnology provides a strong base for pursuing a career in any aspect of science. Biotechnology colleges in UK are around 80 in number with 15 topping the QS Global Ranking 2022.

  • Molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, drug development, immunology, and other sciences will employ biotechnology graduates. Quality assurance, medicine, and food production are also viable options.
  • As per studyin UK, average starting salary of biotechnology graduate in UK is 21,000 euros.
  • Students willing to apply at biotechnology colleges in UK must have studied chemistry as well as one other science topic in addition to math. Chemistry and two other science subjects would be a good mix.

In depth details about requirements and eligibility of top biotechnology collegs in UK at bachelors and masters level is given in the article, so read further!

Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK

The UK welcomes around 500,000 international students every year. Top biotechnology colleges in the UK concentrate on researching and imparting advanced education to the students. Not only that, the top UK universities always dominate the global ranking list – as is evident from the list below.

University Programs Global Rankings 2022 (QS)
University of Oxford Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences; M.Biochem; DPhil in Biochemistry 2
University of Cambridge MPhil in Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology 3
University College London (UCL) BSc in Biotechnology; MSc in Biomedical sciences 8
Imperial College, London BSc in Biotechnology; BSc in Biochemistry; MSc in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 7
University of Edinburgh BSc in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology); BSc in Biochemistry; MSc and PgDip* in Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology 16
University of Manchester BSc in Biotechnology; MSc in Biotechnology and Enterprise; MPhil Biotechnology; Ph.D. Biotechnology 27
Kings’ College, London BSc in Biochemistry; BSc in Biomedical Science 35
University of Bristol BSc Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; MSc Bioinformatics; Ph.D. in Biological Sciences 62
University of Glasgow MSc in Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology 73
University of York BSc Honours – Biotechnology and Microbiology; MSc Industrial Biotechnology 151

*PgDip: A postgraduate diploma is a postgraduate qualification which states the candidate has been awarded a graduate diploma.

Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Specializations and Degree Offered

Biotechnology is the utilization of biological arrangement in an organism or living organisms to ensure elevation in the technological world and implement those technologies in the outer world.

  • Undergraduate: BSc in Biotechnology, Bachelor of biomedical sciences, BSc in Biochemistry, BSc in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology), BSc Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, BSc Honours – Biotechnology and Microbiology.
  • Postgraduate: M.Biochem, MSc in Biomedical Sciences, MSc in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology, MSc and PgDip* in Biotechnology, MSc in Biotechnology and Enterprise, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Industrial Biotechnology.
  • Doctoral: MPhil in Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, DPhil in Biochemistry, Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ph.D. Biotechnology, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Undergraduate Specialization Areas

The students pursuing an undergraduate degree have ample options to choose their specialization from.

Plant Science Genetics
Immunology Medical biochemistry
Microbiology Animal and Plant biology

Postgraduate Specialization Areas

 The biotechnology colleges in UK offer numerous postgraduate specializations which makes the students easier to choose their favorite from.

Genetics of human diseases Neurosciences
Biodiversity, evolution and conservation Economics and innovation in the biotechnology industry
Intelligent architecture Principles of industrial biotechnology
Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities Bio-business
Enzymology Vaccines and molecular therapies

Ph.D. Specialization Areas

Ph.D. being one of the highest degrees, the universities provide the students with a lot of research areas. The student can choose the feasible ones and proceed with it.

Cell and development biology Neuroscience, physiology and pharmacology
Genetics, evolution and environment Structural and molecular biology
Glycobiology Infection and immunity
Integrative systems biology Membrane biology
Synthetic biology Bacterial pathogenesis
Quantitative biology Bioremediation of terrestrial and aquatic environments

Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Undergraduate Programs

Applying to universities in UK also means getting caught in the eyes of the employers and industry giants – as UK is a dwelling to highest-ranked universities. Students are introduced to embellishing their skills, nourish their dexterity and that is all possible when one secures a chance in any of these underneath universities.

Programs University Fees (GBP) Duration (in years)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences University of Oxford 24,754 3
BSc in Biotechnology University College London, London 21,005.79 4
BSc in Biological Sciences (biotechnology) University of Edinburgh 24,072 4
BSc in Biochemistry; BSc in Biomedical Science; Kings’ College, London 23,330 3
BSc in Biotechnology The University of Manchester 20,970.84 3

Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Eligibility for Bachelors

  • Must have scored 80% or above in 12th standard
  • Must have studied biology, chemistry, physics, maths or a related field of study in 12th standard subjects
  • Submit scores of English language proficiency through

*For admissions to Biomedical programs, students might be required to appear for the BMAT Test.

Documents Required

Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Graduate Programs

The universities in the UK aim at developing skills, knowledge, and brainstorming at the graduate levels. It has been stated by UCAS that 68.7% of students after completion of their graduate studies were directed towards employment. 

Masters in Biotechnology in UK is offered by over 80 universities. The table below shows the universities offering MSc in Biotechnology in UK:

Programs University Fees (GBP)
MSc in Biotechnology and Enterprise University of Manchester 27,000
MSc in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology Imperial College, London 30,000
MSc in Biotechnology University of Edinburgh 32,500
University of Glasgow 23,500
University of Nottingham 25,695
MSc in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management University of Warwick 27,160

Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Eligibility of Masters 

  • Must hold an upper second class degree (60-69%) or first-class degree (70%) in a related field of study such as genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, etc. 
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency such as:
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL (iBT): 90

Documents Required

Top Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Doctoral Programs

Pursuing a Ph.D. in UK promotes the student’s research to be accredited all over the world by prominent companies and organizations. Ph.D. are gateways for students to actualize their knowledge. In fact, universities also work on sponsoring students with a Tier-4 student visa to UK.

Below mentioned are the top Ph.D. programs in Biotechnology in UK: 

Programs University Fees (GBP)
MPhil in Biotechnology University of Cambridge 30,222
Ph.D. in Biotechnology 30,813
MPhil Biotechnology University of Manchester 24,000
Ph.D. Biotechnology
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and biotechnology University of Glasgow 19,153.37

Biotechnology Colleges in UK: Eligibility for Ph.D. 

  •  At least 4 years bachelors degree along with a masters degree with an upper second class degree (60-69%) or first-class degree (70%),
  • Proof of English language proficiency such as:
    • IELTS: 7.0
    • TOEFL: 100
  •  Research proposal

Documents Required

  • Academic transcript and certificates
  • Statement of interest
  • Letters of references
  • Proof of test scores

Scholarships offered at Biotechnology Colleges in UK

To financially support for international students in UK, students can apply for various scholarships, fellowships, student loans, etc. This states that the universities aim at conveying productive education without any hindrance of students pursuing part-time work to pay their tuition fees. 

A few of the international scholarships to study in UK are listed below:

Scholarship Name University Offered To Awards (GBP)
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation PG or PhD
Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarship Oxford and Cambridge Society of India UG/PG/PhD 4,479
Rhodes Scholarship University of Oxford PG 15,900
IOE-ISH Centenary Taught Master's Scholarships University College London, London UG/PG Covers tuition fees and accommodation
The Global Study Awards UG/PG 10,000

Top Biotechnology Colleges in the UK: Scope and Jobs

After pursuing the necessary degrees from top biotechnology colleges in the UK, an efficient student can always find themselves working in any of the top companies of biotechnology.

  • A biotechnologist will be working in a pragmatic sphere were working with live organisms will be the task,
  • The works will be carried out in labs, or hospitals, or industrial lab units, or factories or universities – depending on the employee’s type of employment.
  • The average salary of a fresh biotechnology graduate lies between 15,728-20,970 GBP

One can look for jobs in UK for international student in various areas such as:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Food science
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Forensic Science
  • Food Technology
  • Healthcare science
  • Environment management and agricultural sciences
  • Marine science

Students can also opt for careers in independent labs, medical research, teaching, government positions, a scientific expert in media, etc. 

The following will give an idea of how the salaries are based on the degrees from biotechnology colleges in UK:

Designations Average Annual Salary (GBP) Designations Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Assistant pharmacist 106,000 Bioinformatics scientist 164,000
Bioinformatics technician 113,000 Biological scientist 171,000
Biomedical engineer 107,000 Biomedical Engineering Director 145,000
Biostatistician 126,000 Biotechnologist 124,000
Biotechnology lead data manager 108,000 Clinical pharmacist 133,000
Molecular and cellular biologist 138,000 Manufacturing engineer 114,000
Pharmaceutical researcher 170,000 Pharmaceutical research associate 144,000

The top recruiters of graduates from top biotechnology colleges in UK are:

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (REGN)
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXN) Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX)
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (JAZZ) Incyte Corp (INCY)
Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN) United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR)
Alkermes PLC (ALKS) Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IONS)

Pursuing a degree from the biotechnology colleges in UK nurtures the student to be efficient in studies and also be a proficient employee. A degree from UK allows 2 year-stay back for international students post their degrees. It tends the candidates to learn the necessary skills and also theoretical knowledge. Studying from a reputed university will automatically guide the student to work at a reputed place.

Sub Stream
Course
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language
Found 9 universities
Sort By
CD RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Imperial College London logo

Imperial College London, London

England, Uk18%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $45.5K/Yr (£35,000/Yr)Living$16.3K/Yr (£12,552/Yr)Admission M.Sc Bioinformatics and Theoreti...GRE314TOEFL92PTE62$45.5K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
10.0/10(19 Users)Ranked 23 by ARWU in 2022
#2University of Edinburgh logo

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Scotland, Uk10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $49.2K/Yr (£37,850/Yr)Living$15.4K/Yr (£11,808/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsGRE298IELTS6.0PTE56$53.2K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
1 More Program
6.7/10(27 Users)Ranked 51 by ARWU in 2022
#3University of Bristol logo

University of Bristol, Bristol

England, Uk67%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $35.4K/Yr (£27,200/Yr)Living$6.6K/Yr (£5,114/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsIELTS6.5PTE67$35.4K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
7.7/10(10 Users)Ranked 76 by ARWU in 2022
#4University of Glasgow logo

University of Glasgow, Glasgow

Scotland, Uk74.3%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $41.4K/Yr (£31,860/Yr)Living$12.5K/Yr (£9,623/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsGRE298TOEFL90PTE60$41.4K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
6.8/10(33 Users)Ranked 101 by ARWU in 2022
#5University of Birmingham logo

University of Birmingham, Birmingham

England, Uk13.54%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $38.1K/Yr (£29,340/Yr)Living$17K/Yr (£13,047/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsGRE298TOEFL80PTE60$38.1K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
8.8/10(6 Users)Ranked 101 by THE in 2024Ranked 80 by QS in 2025
#6Queen Mary, University of London logo

Queen Mary, University of London, London

England, Uk43%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $41.4K/Yr (£31,850/Yr)Living$8.7K/Yr (£6,692/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsTOEFL100PTE68$41.4K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
6.8/10(19 Users)Ranked 135 by THE in 2024Ranked 120 by QS in 2025
#7Newcastle University logo

Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne

England, Uk87%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $40.6K/Yr (£31,200/Yr)Living$200.2/Yr (£154/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsIELTS6.5PTE62$40.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
7.3/10(12 Users)Ranked 151 by ARWU in 2022
#8University of Leicester logo

University of Leicester, Leicester

England, Uk71.2%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $25.6K/Yr (£19,700/Yr)Living$8.7K/Yr (£6,700/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsGRE310IELTS6.5PTE59$25.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
8.2/10(2 Users)Ranked 201 by THE in 2024Ranked 285 by QS in 2025
#9University of Bradford logo

University of Bradford, Bradford

England, Uk52%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $33.6K/Yr (£25,839/Yr)Living$15.6K/Yr (£11,996/Yr)Admission M.Sc BioinformaticsIELTS6.0PTE62$33.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
Programs
3.5/10(1 User)Ranked 531 by QS in 2025Ranked 1214 by CWUR in 2022