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Course Information

UCAS Code

C150

Level of Study

Undergraduate

Mode of Study

3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School

Geography and Natural Sciences

Location

City Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2027

Fees

Fee Information

Modules

Module Information

Overview

Please note: this course is subject to validation - meaning some details are awaiting confirmation. First year of entry for this course is September 2027. Register your interest to be informed when applications open.

 

From engineering microbes that clean industrial waste to redesigning cancer diagnostics, biotechnology sits at the intersection of life science and the solutions the world urgently needs. BSc (Hons) Biotechnology at Northumbria places you at the heart of that work - training you to think critically across molecular biology, bioinformatics, and industrial application in a course built for the post-genomics age.

Practical laboratory training runs throughout, building the experimental confidence and technical rigour that employers in this field look for. You can extend your studies with an optional placement year or a year abroad, and a final year independent research project gives you the chance to contribute something original to your field.

Based in Newcastle, you'll study in a city with a growing science and technology community, well-placed to connect with the sector as you develop your expertise.

 

International students: because this course is subject to validation, we are not able to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for it yet. If you require a Student Visa to study in the UK, please register your interest - we'll be in touch as soon as the course is fully validated and applications open.

Please note: this course is subject to validation - meaning some details are awaiting confirmation. First year of entry for this course is September 2027. Register your interest to be informed when applications open.

 

From engineering microbes that clean industrial waste to redesigning cancer diagnostics, biotechnology sits at the intersection of life science and the solutions the world urgently needs. BSc (Hons) Biotechnology at Northumbria places you at the heart of that work - training you to think critically across molecular biology, bioinformatics, and industrial application in a course built for the post-genomics age.

Practical laboratory training runs throughout, building the experimental confidence and technical rigour that employers in this field look for. You can extend your studies with an optional placement year or a year abroad, and a final year independent research project gives you the chance to contribute something original to your field.

Based in Newcastle, you'll study in a city with a growing science and technology community, well-placed to connect with the sector as you develop your expertise.

 

International students: because this course is subject to validation, we are not able to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for it yet. If you require a Student Visa to study in the UK, please register your interest - we'll be in touch as soon as the course is fully validated and applications open.

Course Information

UCAS Code

C150

Level of Study

Undergraduate

Mode of Study

3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School

Geography and Natural Sciences

Location

City Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2027

Fees

Fee Information

Modules

Module Information

Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships

Entry Requirements 2027/28

Standard Entry

Standard Offer 112 UCAS Tariff Points 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Contextual Admissions 96 UCAS Tariff points 

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach and assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.

To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

Applicants will need Grade B in A Level Biology, or recognised equivalent.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths, Statistics, or Physics and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or equivalents.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2027/28 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £10,050

The University may increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). If the University intends to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, notification will be communicated with all students affected by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right. Student fee loans have risen in line with the level of uplift decided by the UK Government.

Extended Degrees: Students will pay the applicable Foundation Year fee in Year 0.  Tuition fees will follow the Year 1 (Level 4) cap in the first year of Undergraduate study, with tuition fees in subsequent years increasing as per the above information.

International Fee in Year 1: £21,500

Fees are charged for each year of study and may be subject to an inflationary or other uplift in the second and subsequent years of study as decided by the University. Students will be notified of any changes by the end of June each academic year.

 
Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options available for UK and International applicants for 27/28 entry.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

Modules Overview 2027/28

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three Year four

Year one

AP0404 -

Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the diversity of life and the unifying cell theory including, DNA as the universal information store and the central dogma of molecular biology as the unifying mechanism in all life. You will learn the structure and function of cells and the organelles they contain along with their life cycle, division, self-replication and eventual death.

You will learn the basic principles of heredity, including molecular, classical , human and microbial genetics. You will learn the structure, function, regulation of genes and genomes. You will also learn the fundamentals of applied genetics including an introduction to clinical genetics and the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes.

Underpinning these theoretical concepts and principles covered in the lecture course you will be trained in basic techniques of handling DNA in the laboratory.

More information

AP0406 -

Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.

More information

AP0407 -

Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)

This module will provide you with an important and invaluable introduction to the structure and function of the principal molecular components of living systems, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, you will learn about the actions and properties of enzymes. The first part of the module will provide you with a foundation for this by explaining relevant chemical concepts which underpin chemistry in biological systems, including atomic structure, chemical bonding and the nature of molecular interactions. Then we will consider several carbon containing compounds that are present in biological systems and their chemical and physical properties. Following this, an investigation will be conducted into the structure, nomenclature, functions and significance of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The role of proteins as enzymes will also be investigated to provide a foundation for the study of biochemistry in successive years.

More information

AP0408 -

Anatomy and Physiology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn and understand the basics of Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body. You will also be introduced to the pathophysiology of some common diseases. You will learn about the general organisation of the human body and some of the body systems including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems. This module will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge required for the understanding of more advanced biomedical courses. The content of this module also fulfils the necessary requisites (i.e. core competencies) for course accreditation purposes with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for students following the Human Nutrition degree pathway.

More information

AP0412 -

Animal and Plant Biology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit the Earth and the principles of taxonomy and systematics which provide the basis for the classification of living organisms into hierarchical groupings. The relationships between form and function will be explored in a selection of representative animals and plants, through the study of the anatomy and physiology of the major plant and animal groups. You will gain experience of appropriate practical skills for laboratory and field-based investigations and techniques and software used to monitor animal and plant diversity and community composition. Examples of interactions between plants and animals will be used to illustrate the key concepts in the evolutionary theory and you will learn about current areas of research in animal and plant biology, in the context of challenges to global biodiversity and conservation initiatives.

More information

AP0413 -

Introduction to the Microbial World (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the range of micro-organisms which will include; bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms that inhabit the earth. You will learn about the importance of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses with respect to biotechnology and the bioinformatic approaches that are used to investigate the diverse habitats they inhabit. You will also learn about the principles of taxonomy and systematics which provide the basis for the classification bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms into hierarchical groupings.
Underpinning theoretical concepts and principles will be covered in a lecture course that will be informed, illustrated and applied through a strong practical element. You will be trained in basic techniques of bacteriology and virology involving the selective isolation and identification.

More information

JE5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

There is currently no summary for this module.

Year two

AP0508 -

Biology of Disease (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the causes and consequences of damage to cells, including those caused by the generation of free radicals. You will increase your understanding of the pathological bases of cancer, such as characteristics of cancer cells, malignant and benign tumours, tumour suppressor genes, invasion and metastases. The introduction of the inflammatory processes in the human body underpins taught material in immune diseases later in the module. You will explore causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of many organ disorders: cardiovascular disorders will provide information on areas such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Information on diabetes and disorders of the reproductive hormones will be included in the endocrine section. Chronic obstructive and restrictive diseases will be taught within the respiratory disorders. Information on reproductive disorders will be taught within the section on infertility in men and women.

More information

AP0511 -

Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.

More information

AP0514 -

Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)

In ‘Human Metabolism’ you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy and how it converts these molecules into the other various essential components required to function normally. You will learn about the disorders that can arise and the resulting consequences, with a food and nutritional sciences approach. Consequences such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes and obesity will be discussed. You will learn about these various aspects in a system/organ-specific manner which will include the liver, the kidneys, heart and digestive tract, allowing you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function.

More information

AP0517 -

Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn information technology and computing sufficient to comprehend the theoretical basis of bioinformatics; the principles and basic applications of various bioinformatics tools in the analysis of biological data; and practical competence in the use of bioinformatics at a basic level to analyse biological data and understand the limitations of these techniques. You will also learn how to perform molecular biology experiments in a competent and safe manner; be able to carry out work independently; be able to write in a concise and coherent fashion; and be able to demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and political implications of the topics covered in the module.

More information

AP0518 -

Investigative Biotechnology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn how to conduct a scientific investigation, including how to formulate a scientific hypothesis and then initially write an investigative proposal on how the actual laboratory work will be carried out. You will learn specific methods that will enable you to safely grow, identify and count various food spoilage micro-organisms. The effects of these organisms on various beverage products will be investigated by using various scientific methodologies such as Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) and the abundance of certain microbes will be investigated using Next Generation Sequencing.

More information

AP0553 -

Bioscience Research & Analysis (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.

More information

Year three

AP0536 -

Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)

This study abroad module is designed for standard full-time undergraduate programmes to provide you with the option to take an additional one year study abroad within your programme.

Study abroad provides an opportunity to develop personal skills in a different learning environment with a partner university. The module does not affect the classification of your degree, but if successfully passed the study abroad year is recognised in your transcript and degree certificate. There is a competitive selection process for placements and places cannot be guaranteed.

More information

AP0552 -

Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Industrial Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a Industrial Placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of Industrial Placement at an approved placement partner. This broadens your overall experience of learning by embedding your current and future learning of your discipline within a regimented and target-oriented work environment. The course of Industrial Placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your Industrial Placement year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Industrial Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Industrial Placement Year)”.

More information

Year four

AP0606 -

Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)

You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.

More information

AP0607 -

Molecular Cell Interactions (Core,20 Credits)

In the early part of the module you will learn about mammalian cell signalling processes correlated with their role in disease pathogenesis and cellular responses to toxic compounds. These lectures will provide a sound theoretical understanding of concepts that will be further explored in material designed to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning carcinogenesis. To augment this approach you will then also learn about the molecular basis of bacterial signalling and bacterial pathogenesis. As the module further develops you will then learn about therapeutic strategies designed to alleviate disease/pathogenesis. The content of this material will include the molecular basis of therapeutic design including drug action, chemotherapy and gene therapy. These lectures will serve to provide a molecular therapeutic complement to the pathogenesis lectures. Finally through case studies and essay writing you should learn to effectively, and critically, evaluate modern molecular based research.

More information

AP0609 -

Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.

More information

AP0612 -

The Impact of Science on Society (Core,20 Credits)

The world around us is continually being shaped by science, and by society's relationship to it. Increasingly people need to be informed users and consumers of scientific knowledge, but are unlikely ever to be producers of new scientific knowledge, thereby highlighting the importance of effective science communication, its impact on public engagement with science and the subsequent public understanding of science.
In this module you will review a range of contemporary bioscience and technology topics in terms of [i] the underpinning research/evidence base, [ii] the associated ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI), [iii] how science is communicated to the public and [iv] subsequent impact(s) on modern society. Subjects for review will include modern (bio) medical practice such as genetic screening, the allocation of scarce life saving resources, the use of animals as experimental research subjects, and biodiversity conservation. A case study based approach will be used for delivery of topics. Transferable skills in reading, research, writing, analysis and presentation will also be covered in the context of effective science communication to enable application of critical thinking skills when reading, writing and talking about science. An assessment seminar will be form part of the module schedule.
This module will give you the opportunity to explore the changing ethical, legal and social implications of research within the biosciences, with an overall aim of developing graduates who are ready to talk about science, interpret its influences in modern society and analyse contemporary science and technology based issues, so that they are able to communicate their understanding to others and contribute informed views to ongoing debates.

More information

AP0614 -

Applied Bioinformatics and Post Genomics (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the fundamental importance of bioinformatics to 21st century biology and how it can be applied to the investigation of human disease, and how it shapes research in a post-genomics era. Topics include:
• The human genome
• Microarray and next-generation sequencing
• Analysis of genome-wide disease datasets
• Identification of differentially expressed genes
• Construction of classifiers
• CRISPR-Cas and its biotechnological applications
• Post-genomic approaches to research

More information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

 

Page last reviewed: 3 October 2026

Next review due: 3 October 2027

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

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