Anushka Shenvekar
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , MSc
Introduction
The MSc in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics will provide students with in-depth training in key life sciences, including bioinformatics, that are central to modern biotechnology and the genomics revolution and will prepare graduates for employment in this growing sector.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The growth in the industrial biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors has led to exciting career opportunities for experienced graduates. Our MSc in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics is a unique opportunity to gain training in advanced biotechnology and bioinformatics. There is also an option to select training in bio-business and the commercialisation of scientific ideas.
The University of Aberdeen has an impressive reputation for producing successful spin-out companies in the broad area of biotechnology and pharmacology. This MSc has harnessed these skills to provide you with an understanding of the key scientific skills, including advanced biotechnology, centrally important for employment in this sector.
This MSc is ideal for graduates in life science, pharmacy and medical biosciences who want to improve their career prospects, widen their knowledge base linked to biotechnology and their own scientific interests, and are fascinated by the application of advanced bioinformatic techniques.
What You'll Study
The programme of taught courses will comprise lectures, tutorials, practical classes and small group demonstrations in laboratories.
Students have the option of undertaking a research project or a laboratory research project as part of the MSc programme.
The curriculum will be selected by the student in consultation with the programme co-ordinator with courses chosen from any of the current taught MSc courses offered by the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
Compulsory Courses
- MT5010 Basic Skills Induction (0 credit points)
- Bioinformatics (MB5021)
- Biotechnology (BT5014)
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
Optional Courses
Students choose two electives from the following list:
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| UK | £12,200 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - 20% discount for University of Aberdeen alumni
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The teaching of our MSc Biotechnology and Bioinformatics programme is lecture based with self-directed learning, practical classes and tutorials to support the lecture material.
In the second semester students have a unique opportunity to individually assemble and analyse the entire genome of a microorganism isolated and characterised by students at the University of Aberdeen. External experts are also regularly invited to provide specialist expertise.
Many lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required. The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and industry experts
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders
- Insight into real-life situations and examples
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged.
Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Professional Placements
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By practical work, by written essays and by oral presentations, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course.
The research project will be assessed on the basis of performance, written thesis or report, and oral presentation.
Candidates must pass all courses at an appropriate standard for the award of the MSc degree.
Why Study Biotechnology and Bioinformatics ?
- You will be taught by world leading researchers in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
- You will have the option of undertaking a Laboratory Research Project, most likely based in one of the labs in the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), or a Research Project, most likely based in one of the research groups in the Institute of Applied Health Sciences or the IMS.
- Optional courses on Biobusiness can be taken as part of this Masters, helping you acquire your biotechnology business development skills.
- The programme helps meet the skills gap in this area which has been identified by the Scottish and UK governments.
- You will have access to business entrepreneurs and world-leading researchers on-site.
- You will have an opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research during your project.
- Courses in Biotechnology and Advanced Bioinformatics and Genome Sequencing give you the opportunity to carry out whole genome sequencing from a bacterial species you have isolated from the environment, and analyse that genome for novel properties.
- Advanced Biotechnology will give you an introduction to the latest biotechnology approaches to protein expression, including synthetic biology and modelling of biological systems.
- Aberdeen is recognised as Scotland’s commercial centre for drug discovery, with University of Aberdeen spin-outs in the vanguard of this; our courses in Bio-business give you direct access to this expertise via invited lecturers from the biotech spin-out community.
- Embedded within an active and dynamic research culture, you will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to enhance your employability and further your career. There will also be opportunities to build a network of contacts within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical field.
- You will benefit from having access to teachers and researchers who are key opinion leaders in their field.
- We strongly believe in inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning, which is reflected in the collaborations we organise with other universities, research institutions and governments within the UK, Europe, America and more than 12 developing countries.
- We have a huge range of online learning materials so you can re-listen to lectures and access revision materials whenever you need to. We aim to make your learning as interactive as possible to improve your understanding of clinical scenarios and critical thinking.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will usually require a second-class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in a biological or biomedical science subject or a related degree.
Please check our International student pages for country or territory-specific requirements.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Ian Stansfield
- Other Experts
- Professor Iain Gibson
- Dr Elaina Collie-Duguid
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Science Teaching Hub
Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX