BSc Biological Sciences Cell and Molecular Biology

The Heriot-Watt University BSc Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) programme provides students with essential knowledge and skills in modern biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology. The course integrates ideas from related areas like physiology, microbiology, biotechnology, and genetics, helping students to think critically, reason analytically, and solve problems effectively. Students will gain practical experience through hands-on laboratory work using up-to-date facilities.

Beyond scientific understanding, the programme also helps students develop important communication and presentation skills. Graduates will learn about the crucial role of a biologist in fields such as research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and public health, preparing them for a wide range of jobs. The teaching is supported by academics who are active in research and have strong links with industry, focusing on both basic and applied research.

Heriot-Watt University is a respected public university with its main campus in Edinburgh. It is known for its strengths in subjects like business, science, technology, engineering, design, and textiles. The university ranks highly worldwide and is noted for its significant investment in facilities, also achieving high rates of graduate employment, showing that many students find jobs or continue their studies after finishing.

The university provides over 217 different courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate students across its campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Dubai, and Malaysia. With many students joining from outside the UK, Heriot-Watt creates an international learning environment. The university aims to offer a helpful educational setting where students can learn from top academics and connect with others who share their academic interests.

Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining why they want to study the course and provide other details about their academic background. A letter of recommendation from an academic or an employer is also needed. Students can also include their CV with their application to show any work experience they have.

Grade Requirements: 

• Applicants typically need grades from Highers (AABB), A-Levels (BBC-ABB), the International Baccalaureate, or a BTEC Extended Diploma. 
• Higher requirements apply for direct entry into Year 2 or Year 3, always including a science subject such as Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

English Proficiency: 

• If English is not your first language, you need to show you can use English well. This usually means an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no part lower than 5.5. 
• Other similar test scores, like PTE and TOEFL, are also accepted.

The tuition fee for international students for the BSc Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) at Heriot-Watt University is £25,008.

Heriot-Watt University provides many scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students, giving out over £6 million each year in financial aid. These include the International Merit Scholarship, which offers different amounts depending on the region for students starting in January & September 2025, and other regional awards based on merit. Some scholarships are also specific to certain countries. These scholarships usually reduce the amount of tuition fees students need to pay.

Graduates transition into roles as:

• Biomedical Scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Research Assistant
• Quality Assurance Specialist
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Laboratory Technician

Applications for this course are submitted through UCAS. Our counsellors are available to assist you.