
- UCAS course code
- C202
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Plant Science with Industrial/Professional Experience
Year of entry: 2021
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA-ABB (including specific subjects)
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
36-33 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 5, 5 at higher level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.
- Number of places/applicants
650/4500 (Overall data for biological and biomedical sciences undergraduate courses at Manchester)
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- C202
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Spend the third year of your degree gaining valuable work experience to enhance your CV, choosing from placements all over the world.
- Go on a field course in Europe, Africa or Central America to see plants in their natural habitat.
- Apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after just two years of practice instead of three thanks to our Advanced Accreditation status.
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
We also operate campus tours where a student ambassador will tell you all about life at the University. You may also meet with admissions staff, subject to staff availability. These tours run on most days and are open to anybody thinking of applying for any of our courses in the biological and biomedical sciences.
To book, please contact the Admissions Office on tel +44 (0)161 275 5032 or email ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 5032
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 5456
- ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/biology
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
We require grades AAA-ABB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths (the Hard Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AB in at least two Hard Sciences and pass the practical assessments in these subjects.
If your grades are AAB or higher, we will accept a grade A in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE in place of one of the Hard Sciences. Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels, eg Further Maths is not considered alongside Maths and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the offer.
Your offer will be based on the above criteria as well as your predicted grades and past performance.
AS-level
Unit grade information
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry orTwo Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB
Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Welsh Baccalaureate
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: an award at 75%-80% or above overall, with a minimum of 7.5-8 in three written subjects including two science subjects.
In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% at Year 7 in English Language in the EB or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS 6.5 in each component.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
Legacy BTEC qualifications The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.
Legacy CTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The level 3 units must be made up of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction.
We will also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Maths.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, M1, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths (the Hard Sciences). You must have a D3 in one of the science subjects. We will accept D3 in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE in place of one of the Hard Sciences.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
- IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
- an acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry.
Applicants who have left education for more than three years would normally be recommended to take an Access course or exceptionally considered for the Foundation Year .
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
You should not usually apply for more than one of the biological and biomedical sciences courses offered by The University of Manchester. Please contact us for advice if you are planning to do so.
How your application is considered
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BSc Plant Science with Industrial/Professional Experience course will enable you to gain experience of the workplace on a year-long placement during your degree, making you more attractive to potential employers after graduation.
You will examine the growth, development and productivity of plants, learning how to apply concepts from a wide range of biological areas to plant science, including genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology.
We offer a rich combination of seminars and interactive events, including field studies .
These include the opportunity to go on a field course on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca in the Easter vacation of your first year, when the orchids are in bloom. A tropical or UK-based field course builds on this in your second year.
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to go on a placement with one of our `trusted partner' organisations in the UK or abroad. Alternatively, you can choose to arrange your own placement (subject to approval from the School of Biological Sciences).
Placements range from research project work to roles in education, the biotechnology industry and science communication.
Our course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology , which recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Special features
Study in the field
Travel to locations in the UK or countries such as Mallorca on a field course .
Foundation year available
You can prepare for the full degree course if you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Wide range of placements
Choose from placements with our partner organisations in the UK or overseas.
There are reduced tuition fees for the placement year.
Flexibility to transfer between courses
You can transfer between most of our biological sciences degree courses at the end of your first year or, in some cases, later.
Teaching and learning
You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit.
These range from lectures and tutorials to practicals and research projects, including the final year project .
Find out more about how you will learn and see a typical Year 1 timetable on our teaching and learning page.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study.
- Lecture units are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester in either January or May/June.
- Field courses are usually assessed via oral and written presentations, group work and/or projects.
- Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
- The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Year 1
Lecture units are usually assessed by e-learning activities during the unit and multiple choice exams at the end of the semester. Year 1 contributes 10% to your overall degree mark.
Year 2
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam.Year 2 contributes 30% to your overall degree mark.
Final year
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam. Students also take two 'honours' papers: degree programme-specific examinations comprising essays and data-handling problems.
A significant part of the year (accounting for one-quarter of the overall degree mark) is the project, which is assessed by literature review and a written report.
The final year contributes 60% to your overall degree mark.
Course unit details
This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units.
Most units are assigned 10 credits and you will take 120 credits each year.
Course content for year 1
You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:
- biochemistry
- genetics
- biodiversity
- microbiology
- molecular biology
You will attend a field course and you could choose to study plant adaptation on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 1 | BIOL10000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Biochemistry | BIOL10212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Molecular Biology | BIOL10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
From Molecules to Cells | BIOL10232 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Laboratory Science | BIOL10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Biodiversity | BIOL10511 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genes, Evolution and Development | BIOL10521 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microbes, Man and the Environment | BIOL10532 | 10 | Mandatory |
Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit) | BIOL10741 | 0 | Mandatory |
A History of Biology in 20 Objects | BIOL10381 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a dissertation.
In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 2 | BIOL20000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Organismal Biology EDM | BIOL21051 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dissertation | BIOL21090 | 10 | Mandatory |
Plants for the Future | BIOL21202 | 10 | Mandatory |
Ecology & Ecosystems | BIOL21211 | 10 | Mandatory |
Disease in Nature | BIOL21442 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genome Maintenance & Regulation | BIOL21101 | 10 | Optional |
Proteins | BIOL21111 | 10 | Optional |
The Dynamic Cell | BIOL21121 | 10 | Optional |
Cell Metabolism & Metabolic Control | BIOL21132 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
You will spend your third year on a placement with one of our partner organisations in the UK or overseas.
We have partner organisations including pharmaceutical companies, research institutes and hospitals. Our students have recently had placements with organisations such as the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Kew Gardens.
Our range of placements reflects both research career paths and the growing range of science careers outside of the laboratory in science enterprise, education and communication. We are unique in providing such a range of placements to our students.
Approximately 60% of placed students undertake paid placements or placements which are Erasmus+ funded.
Read more about our industrial/professional experience placements .
Course content for year 4
Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of bioscience endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.
You will undertake an independent in-depth research project that may involve supervised practical work in a laboratory, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics.
Please note the course units listed below are just a small selection and do not represent the number and breadth of course units available on this course.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 3 | BIOL30000 | 0 | Mandatory |
Projects | BIOL30030 | 30 | Mandatory |
Project Literature Review | BIOL30101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Green Biotechnology (E) | BIOL31501 | 10 | Mandatory |
Evolution of Genes, Genomes & Systems (E) | BIOL31391 | 10 | Optional |
Protein Sorting (L) | BIOL31411 | 10 | Optional |
Comparative Developmental Biol (L) | BIOL31451 | 10 | Optional |
Conservation Biology (E) | BIOL31482 | 10 | Optional |
Biotic Interactions (L) | BIOL31511 | 10 | Optional |
Bioethics: Contemporary Issues in Science & Biomedicine (E) | BIOL31522 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 14 course units for year 4 | |||
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Scholarships and bursaries
What our students say
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .
Facilities
Learning facilities
Our modern teaching labs are equipped for a range of biological and biomedical techniques. The following are just a few of the techniques you could undertake during your degree:
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
- DNA sequencing;
- gel electrophoresis;
- spectrophotometry;
- dissection and histology;
- electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG);
- immunofluorescence microscopy.
Our computing facilities include access to over 200 PCs in dedicated clusters and e-learning tools including online lecture notes, discussion boards, lecture podcasts and quizzes.
You will also have access to the University's other facilities for undergraduate students.
Research facilities
As a final year student, you have the opportunity to undertake a project in the labs of our world-class bioscience researchers.To support our research, we have extensive research facilities equipped with high-quality technology.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Plant science is an area with a recognised skills shortage. Well-qualified plant scientists are in high demand to undertake research related to areas such as food security and biofuel development.
The significant and relevant work experience gained during the year of industrial/professional experience makes graduates of this course especially attractive to employers.
Around one-third of graduates work in scientific research and development, which may require significant postgraduate study, usually a PhD.
The rest of our graduates go into a diverse range of careers, including teaching or communicating science, as well as careers unrelated to biological sciences including management, finance, marketing and the civil service.
Find out more about how we help our students prepare for the workplace and the careers our graduates go into within and outside the lab.
Accrediting organisations
This course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.
Advanced Accreditation recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, highlighting degrees that contain a significant research element and educate the future leaders of research and development.
The criteria require evidence that graduates meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.
In recognition of this, a graduate of an advanced accredited course can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after just two years of practice, rather than the usual three.
These graduates can attain the qualifications of Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist one year sooner than graduates from other courses.