Molecular biotechnology involves the use of in vitro genetic manipulation and recombinant DNA methods to genetically alter plants, animals and microbes for commercial gain. Molecular biotechnologists aim to correct, modify, enhance or exploit specific genetic traits in their target organisms for a wide range of practical purposes. This includes improving food production, managing diseases, conservation and bioremediation. Biotechnology will play a pivotal role in the future of the medical, agricultural, veterinary and ecological sciences.

The Biotechnology programme is an interdepartmental programme aimed at empowering students to pursue their interest in biotechnology with particular emphasis on molecular biology. Undergraduate training includes exposure to aspects of biochemistry, genetics and microbiology, in addition to the other subjects of a student’s choice. Students are encouraged to decide on their postgraduate research direction during the course of their undergraduate studies and to choose their electives accordingly.

Graduates acquire skills in numeracy, analytical and critical thinking, as well as creativity in problem solving and data handling, all of which equips them for success in both scientific and non-scientific careers.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Graduates mostly find work as laboratory-based researchers or bio-entrepreneurs using medical, animal, plant or microbe-based technologies to develop products and services. If students combine biotechnology with additional qualifications such as law, they will be equipped for success in careers such as patent law, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, project management, computer programming (natural computation) and science journalism. Please note that the level of training and qualification plays an important role in determining the type of work a qualified biotechnologist can pursue.

• The closing date is an administrative admission guideline for non-selection programmes. Once a non-selection programme is full and has reached the institutional targets, then that programme will be closed for further admissions, irrespective of the closing date. However, if the institutional targets have not been met by the closing date, then that programme will remain open for admissions until the institutional targets are met.
• The following persons will be considered for admission: candidates who are in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate with university endorsement, candidates who are graduates from another tertiary institution or have been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution, and candidates who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
• Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation of the Admission Point Score (APS).
• Grade 11 results are used for the conditional admission of prospective students. Final admission is based on Grade 12 results.
• Please note that the Faculty does not accept GED and School of Tomorrow qualifications for entry into our programmes.

Transferring students

Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university

The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification examination and/or were previously registered at UP or another university, on grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.

Candidates previously registered at a FET college or a university of technology

The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers the application of these candidates on the grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.

Qualifications from countries other than South Africa

• Citizens from countries other than South Africa and South African citizens with foreign qualifications must comply with all the other admission requirements and the prerequisites for subjects/modules.
• In addition to meeting the admission requirements, admission is based on the performance in the TOEFL, IELTS or SAT, if required.
• Candidates must have completed the National Senior Certificate with admission to degree studies or a certificate of conditional exemption on the basis of a candidate’s foreign qualifications, the so-called “Immigrant” or “Foreign Conditional Exemption”. The only condition for the “Foreign Conditional Exemption” that is accepted is: ‘completion of the degree course’. The exemption certificate is obtainable from Universities South Africa (USAf). Detailed information is available on the website at click here.

University of Pretoria website: click here

*  Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

*  International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Biotechnolgy), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme -- Biological and Agricultural Sciences. The BSc – Extended programme takes a year longer than the normal programme to complete.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.

In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.