MBiol Biology

The Heriot-Watt University MBiol Biology programme is a five-year integrated Master's degree designed to provide students with a deep understanding of living organisms and the critical challenges of the modern world. 

The programme adopts a teaching approach that combines concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics, helping students develop a complete understanding of biological systems. Students will enhance their critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and fieldwork, allowing for close interaction with teaching staff. The degree includes a significant research project in the final year, along with courses that introduce entrepreneurship and prepare students for advanced research. 

This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped with enhanced knowledge and practical skills for a variety of scientific and professional careers.

Heriot-Watt University is well known as a specialist in areas such as business, science, technology, engineering, design, and textiles. The university is highly ranked globally, placing 287th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and is notably first in Scotland and third in the UK for investment in facilities according to The Complete University Guide 2026. 

The university strongly focuses on graduate employment, with a high percentage of graduates securing jobs or pursuing further study shortly after completing their degrees. The university offers more than 217 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including biological sciences, at its campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Dubai, and Malaysia. 

With approximately one-third of its students coming from outside the UK, Heriot-Watt creates an international learning environment. It is dedicated to providing a supportive educational environment where students learn from leading academics and engage with peers who share their passion for their chosen fields.

Applicants are required to submit a personal statement, and a relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Applicants also have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

• For Year 1 entry, applicants need Highers (AABB), A-Levels (BBC-ABB), including one science subject, International Baccalaureate (27 points), BTEC Extended Diploma, or an equivalent international qualification. 
• Higher requirements apply for direct entry into Year 2 or Year 3 from various qualifications.

English Proficiency: 

• If English is not your first language, you need to provide evidence of English language ability by having an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. 
• Other equivalent test scores, like TOEFL iBT and PTE, are also accepted.

The tuition fee for international students taking the MBiol Biology at Heriot-Watt University is £25,008 per year.

Heriot-Watt University provides several scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students, distributing over £6 million annually in financial support. These opportunities include specific scholarships such as the ICAS Foundation Programme, Sports Scholarships, and the Mary Burton fund for female students in STEM subjects. Additionally, the university offers a Discretionary Hardship Fund and support from the Sutherland Page Trust for students facing financial difficulties.

Graduates of the MBiol Biology programme are well-equipped for a variety of careers in science and other sectors, benefiting from enhanced research skills and specialist knowledge. Graduates work as:

• Academic Researcher
• Biotechnologist
• Marine Biologist
• Microbiologist
• Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
• Scientific Laboratory Technician

Applicants can submit their applications through UCAS. AHZ counsellors are available to help you through this process.