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MSc in Biotechnology in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility 2025

SA
Shaurya • 8 Mins read • 3 Aug 25
MSc in Biotechnology in UKMSc in Biotechnology in UK

MSc in Biotechnology in UK is a professional course for students who want to complete masters in Biotech. Over 50,000 and even more students visit the UK each year to complete their master’s degree. For MSc Biotechnology admission in UK, applicants need to have a score of 60% in the bachelor's degree. Entrance examination for MSc Biotech in UK are IELTS/TOEFL. An IELTS score with an average score of 6.5 is required for admission in majority best universities. The top universities for MSc in Biotechnology in the UK are University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Cambridge University and many others. Job roles after MSc in Biotechnology in UK are Research Scientist, Product Development Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Research Technician and many others.

The MSc in Biotechnology fees in UK for the top universities is between £30,000 - £55,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹34,87,500 - ₹63,94,000. Various scholarships for Indian students in UK like Manchester Masters Bursary, Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship, International PGT Merit Scholarship and many others.

Average salary in UK after completing the MSc in Biotechnology in the UK given is £20,000 - £30,000 which is ₹23,25,000 - ₹34,87,500.  Top recruiters in UK for MSc Biotechnology  are Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Heptare and many other recruiters.


MSc in Biotechnology in UK - Course Highlights 

This section provides important information related to MSc in Biotechnology in UK. Facts like average salary, the total duration, top placement companies that hire from the course, the requirements for admission and other things are mentioned in the highlights table.

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Masters in Science in Biotechnology

Course Level

Postgraduation

Course Duration

1 year

Eligibility

60% score in the bachelor's program.

Application mode

Online

Required examinations

IELTS/TOEFL

Course Fee

£30,000 - £55,000 / ₹34,74,000 - ₹63,69,000

Average salary 

£20,000 - £30,000 / ₹23,16,000 - ₹34,74,000

Top universities

  • University of Oxford
  • Imperial College London
  • Cambridge University
  • University College London
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Nottingham
  • Newcastle University

Top recruiters

  • Pfizer
  • Novartis
  • AstraZeneca
  • Heptare
  • GlaxoSmithKline


MSc in Biotechnology in UK - Important Dates and Events 

For students who want admission in any Biotechnology university in UK, IELTS is a compulsory test. It is conducted throughout each year in various months. The deadline for the test is given in the table below.

Events

Dates

IELTS 2025 Exam

August 2025 - December 2025


Top Universities - Application Start & End Dates

Application deadlines for admission in MSc Biotechnology in UK for is given as follows. Most universities open their application window around July-August. In some cases the application window is closed, so look for the 2026 deadlines.

University Name

Application deadlines

University of Oxford

15 October 2025

Imperial College London

1 August 2025

Cambridge University

September 2025

University College London

29 August 2025

University of Nottingham

4 August 2025

Newcastle University

24 August 2025


Why choose MSc in Biotechnology in UK?

Reasons for choosing MSc Biotechnology in UK are that the UK provides a 2 year work permit after the completion of degree, UK has the world’s top ranked universities, a big biotechnology industry and various other reasons.

  • Various companies like GSK, AstraZeneca are based in UK, hence they provide good packages for Biotech students in UK. 
  • Scholarships ranging from 50% to up to 100% fee waiver are available. This reduces the financial burden.
  • UK has a vast industry in the field of biotechnology. In 2023, the Biotechnology industry of the UK saw a big growth of around $500-600 Million in the market, making it a good scope for biotech students.


MSc in Biotechnology in UK: Fees

Fees for MSc Biotechnology in UK for the top universities range between between £30,000 - £55,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹34,87,500 - ₹63,94,000. The total fees in pounds (UK Currency) has been converted to the Indian Currency (₹). Candidates must first check the total fees to get an idea of the expenses before applying for admission.

University Name

Annual fees in £

Annual fees in ₹

University of Oxford

£31,500

₹36,62,000

Imperial College London

£37,000

₹43,01,300

Cambridge University

£53,800

₹62,54,400

University College London

£34,000

₹39,52,600

University of Nottingham

£30,000

₹34,87,500

Manchester University

£37,000

₹43,01,300

Newcastle University

£30,600

₹35,57,300

Edinburgh University

£38,500

₹44,75,700



MSc in Biotechnology in UK: Cost of Living

Students planning to study in the UK must know that the total average cost of living in UK is around £14,100/ ₹16,39,000 each month. The accommodation cost itself is £7200 for 1 month.  An expense breakdown with other expenses is given in the table below. 

Expense

Monthly cost in £

Monthly costs in ₹

Accomodation

£7,200

₹8,37,000

Food

£2,400

₹2,77,000

Transportation

£800

₹93,000

Other costs

£3700

₹4,20,800

Total

£14,100

₹16,32,810


MSc in Biotechnology in UK : University Wise Admission Requirements

MSc Biotechnology in UK requirements for admission are given below in the table. The majority of universities require 60% marks in a bachelor’s degree along with a score of  IELTS/TOEFL. The criteria have been mentioned university-wise. Applicants should first check if they are eligible to apply or not. Then apply to a suitable university accordingly.

University Name

Academic requirement

IELTS score

University of Oxford

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry/biology with GPA 3.4 - 4.0

6.5 or more

Imperial College London

A bachelor’s degree of 4 years with a minimum score of 60%/ 8.0 - 10 GPA

Minimum 7.0

Cambridge University

A bachelor’s degree of 4 years with a score of 65% / a 3-year bachelor’s degree with a 70% score; GPA: 3.5 - 4.0 

7.0 or more

University College London

Bachelor’s degree with 55% - 65% marks

Minimum 6.5

University of Nottingham

Bachelor’s degree with 55% - 65% marks

Minimum 6.0

Manchester University

Bachelor’s degree with 55% - 60% marks

Minimum 6.5

Newcastle University

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Minimum 6.5

Edinburgh University

A bachelor’s degree of 4 years with a minimum score of 60% - 65%

6.5

MSc in Biotechnology in UK : Application Process

Application process for MSc Biotechnology in UK starts with filling out the examination form for examinations like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. 

Step number 1: Fill out the application form and appear for the required examination.

Step number 2: Once the result is out, apply according to your score. The cutoff is displayed on the official site.

Step number 3: After applying, wait for the allotment list. Meanwhile, prepare the documents.

Step number 4: Once a seat is allotted, pay the required fee and then report to your university.


MSc in Biotechnology in UK : Documents Required

The MSc Biotechnology document for admission in UK are as follows. Kindly prepare the documents before applying for admission as you need to go to the university and verify in the offline mode.

  • Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation
  • Resume of the candidate
  • Bachelors scorecard
  • Entrance Test Scorecard
  • Work experience proof (if required)
  • Student visa for residency
  • Passport of the candidate
  • Proof of Income (might be required at the time of scholarship application as well).


Scholarships for MSc in Biotechnology in UK

A variety of scholarships for Indian students in UK are available, like Manchester Masters Bursary, Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship, International PGT Merit Scholarship and various others. These scholarships provide full financial support as well, and some cover the total tuition fees. The eligibility and benefits of various scholarships are given below in the table:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Manchester Masters Bursary

As per the shortlisted students with excellent academics

£4000

Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship

Merit based

£28,000

Postgraduate Masters Loan from the UK government 

Merit based 

£12,400

International PGT Merit Scholarship

Merit based

£3000 - £5000


Best universities for MSc Biotechnology in the UK

This section contains the rankings of the MSc Biotechnology top universities in the UK. The universities have been ranked according to the QS university Ranking. Students are advised to check the latest rankings before selecting any university.

University Name

QS World Ranking 2025

Imperial College London

2

University of Oxford

4

Cambridge University

6

University College London

9

Edinburgh University

34

Manchester University

35

University of Nottingham

97

Newcastle University

137


MSc in Biotechnology in UK VS USA : Comparison

Now let’s compare various factors for MSc Biotechnology in USA and UK. USA has more higher ranking universities and better placements. Let’s see a comparison in the table provided. Candidates can have a look at various factors and then choose the country to study abroad.

Factor

MSc in Biotechnology in UK

MSc in Biotechnology in the USA

Global Recognition

Moderate ranked universities

Higher ranking

Top universities

University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Cambridge University

MIT, Stanford, Harvard, UC, Johns Hopkins

Tuition fees

£30,000 - £55,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹34,87,500 - ₹63,94,000

$35,000 - $88,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹30,58,600 - ₹76,90,200

Entrance

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT

Average starting salary

£20,000 - £30,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹23,25,000 - ₹34,87,500

$82,000 - $2,00,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹71,65,900 - ₹1,74,77,700

ROI

Moderate to high

High


Future career opportunities: MSc Biotechnology in UK

Once a student completes the masters degree, MSc in Biotechnology jobs  in UK are quite good. The average starting salary in UK after completing the degree ranges around £20,000 - £30,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹23,25,000 - ₹34,87,500. The most common job roles provided are Research Scientist, Product Development Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Research Technician and many others.

Profession

Average annual salary in £

Average annual salary in ₹

Research Scientist

£30,000

₹34,87,500

Product Development Scientist

£25,000

₹29,06,300

Senior Research Scientist

£32,000

₹37,20,000

Research Technician 

£21,000

₹24,41,300

Bioinformatician

£25,000

₹29,06,300

Laboratory Assistant

£21,000

₹24,41,300


Frequently Asked Questions


QUES 1: What are the exams required for admission in MSc in Biotechnology in UK?

ANS 1 : For fulfilling the eligibility criteria for admission in MSc Biotechnology top universities in UK, applicants need to present the score obtained in TOEFL or IELTS. In UK, most universities require IELTS.


QUES 2: Is GMAT required for admission in all the universities for MSc in Biotechnology in UK?

ANS 2: No, the majority of universities only ask for IELTS scores in the United Kingdom. GMAT is not compulsory.


QUES 3: What is the average fees for most of the universities for MSc in Biotechnology in UK?

ANS 3 : The average tuition fees for MSc in Biotechnology ranges between £30,000 - £55,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹34,87,500 - ₹63,94,000.


QUES 4: What is the average starting salary after completing MSc in Biotechnology degree in UK?

ANS 4: After completing MSc in Biotechnology in the UK,  the average starting salary ranges between £20,000 - £30,000 which in Indian rupees is ₹23,25,000 - ₹34,87,500


QUES 5 : What is the total course duration for completing MSc in Biotechnology in UK?

ANS 5: The overall course duration of MSc in Biotechnology is 1 year. It might extend depending upon the university and course type; full time or part time course.