Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology (code BSBTC1) prepares students with the knowledge, practical skills and values to apply biological systems and living organisms or their derivatives to make or modify products and processes for the biotechnology workplace, while contributing to environmental sustainability. It draws on biochemistry, microbiology, bioprocess engineering, genetics, molecular biology and mathematics. Graduates may apply to register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certified Natural Scientists.

Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences | Department: Department of Biotechnology and Food Science | Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics in the first year, with Bacteriology, Biochemistry and Mycology; then Food Microbiology, Microbial Biochemistry, Virology and Immunology, Fermentation Science and Technology, Analytical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; and in third year Industrial, Recombinant DNA, Plant and Medical Biotechnology, Food Biotechnology, Bioremediation, Industry Management and a two-part Research Project.

Career pathways

Industrial and research laboratories including drug and pharmaceutical research, publicly funded laboratories, chemicals, environmental control, water and waste management, energy, food processing and bioprocessing industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC with degree entry and at least 28 points (excluding Life Orientation): English 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Science 4, Life Sciences 4, plus one further recognised 20-credit subject at 4. Senior Certificate with matric exemption or equivalent: English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology D (HG) or B (SG), with at least 30 points considered. NCV Level 4: English 50%, Mathematics 50%, Physical Science 60%, Life Science or Biology 60%. Mature-age route (DUT rule G7): applicants without the standard school-leaving qualification may be admitted if they turn 23 in the first year of registration and have at least three years' appropriate work experience and/or demonstrate capacity through a Senate-approved assessment (SATAP, Academic Literacies and English for Academic Purposes and/or a department-set written assessment); applications on this basis are due at least four months before the academic year starts.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

Explore more study programmes

STEM