Biotechnology (Including Placement Year)

Training in biotechnology has never been more important, whether helping to prevent and cure diseases, feeding the growing human population or finding solutions for global crises such as climate change, pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

By taking our BSc Biotechnology course you will obtain a broad, research-led education in biotechnology, covering aspects of animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, with a strong foundation in molecular and cell biology. Therefore, you will be well placed to contribute to a field that is essential for human and planetary health and the delivery of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

You will gain a range of practical skills in our modern STEM Centre laboratory. This hands-on lab training throughout your first and second years will provide skills for your final-year research project. Opportunities to interact with future employers with site visits and guest lectures will prepare you for future employment and to contribute to this exciting field.

You can also spend your third year on a placement with an external organisation. This is usually focused around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company, or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

Organisations our students have recently been placed with include GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Aquaterra, Astrazeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermofisher, and Isogenica.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.