Why choose the School of Life Sciences
Our students have won awards from both the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Biochemical Society.
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board features representatives from organisations such as Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
In the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ ranks UK 29th overall; it ranks in the top 10 for skills development and in the top 15 for teaching and learning, assessment and feedback, and sense of community.
About the course
In this Biotechnology MSc, you explore the latest technologies at the forefront of molecular, microbial and computational biology, gaining insight into their current commercial and scientific use while discovering how they can be applied on a global scale. With employment-focused skill development, hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for real-world research, you graduate ready to thrive across a range of roles within this rapidly progressing field.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Modern STEM building with purpose-built facilities and bespoke study spaces
- State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite
- Industry-standard equipment, including high-tech HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and specialised facilities for qPCR and protein analysis
Industry links
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works in close collaboration with industry-wide professionals such as Glaxo Smith Kline, Life Science Group, the NHS and GrowPura, providing you with invaluable opportunities for work experience and networking.
Student experience
Our faculty’s strong links to industry partners and active involvement in cutting-edge research and consultancy feeds directly into course delivery, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.Ìý
Benefit from practical laboratory sessions and research-based projects, equipping you with both technical knowledge and hands-on experience.Ìý
Get involved in subject-relevant field trips to sites including Biogen, MSD-Merck, and Rothamstead Research.Ìý
Immerse yourself in interactive seminars and masterclasses from guests such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Pharmaron and GSK.Ìý
Take part in our annual STEM Careers Expo, which brings together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions Â
Develop your transferable skills, including sought-after competencies such as scientific communication, statistical analysis, problem solving, and effective leadership.Ìý
Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.Ìý
Course Leader - Dr Noorjahan Jagalur Basheer
I joined the School of Life Sciences in October 2017. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Medical Centre from the lab of Professor Dies Meijer in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. My PhD research was focussed on deciphering the role of various transcription factors in Peripheral Nerve Myelination.
Course Leader - Dr Noorjahan Jagalur Basheer
I joined the School of Life Sciences in October 2017. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Medical Centre from the lab of Professor Dies Meijer in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. My PhD research was focussed on deciphering the role of various transcription factors in Peripheral Nerve Myelination.
Molecular biology – Explore how molecular biology is used in biotechnology, with a focus on DNA and proteins including synthesis, sequencing and manipulation.
Analytical methods – Develop skills in using different analytical methods and techniques such as optical, electrochemical, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Applied microbiology – Understand the potential and limits of using microorganisms in industry and biotechnology, including the role of genomics.
Biomaterials – ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ how biomaterials - like implants, artificial organs and bone reconstruction - are used to treat disease and injury.
Computational and systems biology – Apply computational methods to problems in biology using bioinformatics and systems biology software.
Laboratory-based research project – Formulate a research question of personal interest then plan, research and present your findings in a professional format.
For an at-a-glance list of modules for this course, download the course specification.
Throughout course delivery workshops and tutorials are used to support the development of academic skills alongside the learning and the assessment process. All in-course assessments are supported by timetabled interactive tutorial sessions with formative assessment tasks as appropriate. In addition assessments that are based around practical work will involve a briefing before and a session after the laboratory work to explain further the expectations of the assessment and support specific tasks such as data analysis. Examinations are supported by timetabled revision sessions and by workshop sessions covering examples of past examinations and the expectations of examination questions at each level.
To assist our learners assignment briefs a uniform set of information and a consistent set of assessment criteria across the course. At the start of each level students are given introductory session(s) that set out the expectations for each year. For entry points several sessions are used to provide guidance and support to students joining the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. These provide details of support for the development of academic skills and learning from the School the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Hub and initiatives such as peer-assisted learning (PASS scheme). For students progressing between levels introductory sessions are also provided to ensure the students are aware of the change in expectations of learning and assessment. This will flag areas such as expectations for increased selfdirected learning critical thinking and analysis that are expected as students go through the learning process.
A key aim for the school is the integration of transferable skills within learning and assessment to enhance employability. Our courses build awareness of business applications of knowledge with assessments that develop practical ideas and employability. This is supported by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s Careers and Employability service throughout the course. Students who commit academic offences due to a lack of clear understanding of academic integrity are further supported by being invited to attend academic practice guidance (APG) meetings with course staff to discuss the issues and to refer them to the university academic integrity resource (AIR) to encourage them to develop good academic skills.
Careers
This course will support you to seek a career in the biotechnology industries; pharmaceutical and food companies; academic institutions; health-related industries including the NHS; and other public-sector organisations.
Entry Requirements
2.2 honours degree or equivalent in related area
Entry Requirements
2.2 honours degree or equivalent in related area
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
