Studying molecular biology in the United Kingdom will give you a fundamental understanding in the study of biology whilst enabling you to decide which area of molecular biology or genetics best fits with your interests. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to explore various areas of biology. You can explore areas such as medical genetics, biotechnology or agriculture. This programme will provide you with a broad base of knowledge regarding molecular biology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels.

In this piece, I will walk you through the key admission requirements that are needed for studying molecular biology in the United Kingdom.

Requirements for Studying Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom

  1. A levels

    You need to have a minimum of two A-levels in at least two core sciences to study molecular biology in the United Kingdom. The required grades are ‘AAA-AAB’. You should have subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

  2. GCSE

    You need to have at least a grade 4 or C in your GCSE results. This should include subjects such as Mathematics and English. Additionally, it would be best if you also had science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Furthermore, you must demonstrate a broad general education.

  3. International Baccalaureate

    You must have obtained at least a grade 6 or 7 at Higher level. These should include subjects such as Biology and Chemistry. Generally, you need to have at least 35 – 36 in your overall points.

  4. European Baccalaureate

    You should have a minimum of 88% as your overall score. Additionally, you should have a minimum of 8.5 in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

  5. Admissions Test

    Some universities may require you to write tests as part of the admission requirement. You may be asked to write tests such as the Graduate Record Examination(GRE). However, the GRE is for those seeking admission to postgraduate courses. You need to verify from your choice of university if you need to write any test.

  6. English Language Proficiency

    International students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Test. Different universities have the preferred test that they use for screening. You can take tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 with a 6.0 minimum in each component while TOEFL Score is 92 overall with a minimum of 20 in all elements. However, you need to verify from your school of interest to know the test you can take.

  7. Have a Bachelor’s Degree

    If you are applying for a postgraduate degree, you need a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to biology. You can study a discipline in the field of biological science. Additionally, you should have a minimum of second-class upper honours.

  8. Submit Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your academic transcripts during your application. Your transcripts should contain all the courses you studied as well as the grades. Additionally, your transcript must be submitted in the English Language.

  9. Letters of Recommendation

    You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letter. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.

  10. Personal Statement

    You have to write a personal statement or essay stating why you wish to study molecular biology in the United Kingdom. This is important whether you are studying for an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree. This personal statement is a crucial requirement for admission. You should also discuss your career goals, research experiences and how your academic and personal background has prepared you to study biology.

  11. Resume/CV

    If you are applying for a postgraduate course in molecular biology, you need to submit a CV. This CV should contain your area of interest as well as your achievements. Additionally, it should contain your work experiences.

How to Apply

You need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Secondly, postgraduate courses will require you to apply through the university’s application portal.

Duration

The duration of studying molecular biology in the United Kingdom varies based on the program you want to apply for. Generally, the duration for obtaining a bachelor’s degree is between 3-4 years. Secondly, the duration for obtaining a master’s degree is one to two years.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying molecular biology in the United Kingdom varies based on the university you apply to. Additionally, International students pay higher tuition fees. The average tuition fee ranges between £9,000 to £58,000 per year.

Universities in the United Kingdom that offer Molecular Biology

  1. University of Southampton, Southampton, England
  2. University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Gloucester, England
  3. Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, England
  4. University of Exeter, Exeter, England
  5. University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, England
  6. Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
  7. University of Derby, Derby, England
  8. University of Kent, Canterbury, England
  9. Queen Mary University of London, London, England
  10. University of Chester, Chester, England
  11. University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England
  12. Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, England
  13. Durham University, Durham, England
  14. University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England
  15. Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales
  16. University of Bristol, Bristol, England
  17. Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, England
  18. Bangor University, Bangor, Wales
  19. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
  20. Lancaster University, Lancaster, England
  21. Keele University, Keele, England
  22. Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, London, England
  23. University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, England
  24. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
  25. Birmingham City University, Birmingham, England
  26. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
  27. University of Bradford, Bradford, England
  28. Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
  29. University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
  30. Brunel University London, Uxbridge, London, England
  31. University of Warwick, Coventry, England
  32. De Montfort University, Leicester, England
  33. University of Sussex, Brighton, England
  34. Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
  35. University of East London, London, England
  36. Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales
  37. University of Leicester, Leicester, England
  38. University of East Anglia UEA, Norwich, England
  39. The University of Hull, Hull, England
  40. Coventry University, Coventry, England

In Conclusion, studying molecular biology in the United Kingdom demands effective screening procedures for most universities. Therefore, you must make your plans ahead and prepare every necessary document that is required. Additionally, you must confirm via the school’s website before applying. You can reach out to us for further questions and assistance.

Good luck!

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