Heriot-Watt University

MBiol Biology

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

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.

Entry requirements

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.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

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

Cost of study

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

Admission

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

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