Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Entry requirements

A 2:1 undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or related subject.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Introduction

A recent agreement between the UK and US to develop a new partnership on science and technology has led to an increasing demand for professionals in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology, also known as engineering biology.

In this programme, students will learn to approach biotechnology and synthetic biology as engineers. Specific skills taught in the programme include DNA assembly, next-generation sequencing technologies, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, cell-free synthetic biology, directed evolution, bioinformatics and coding.

Programme highlights

• Become highly employable and meet the growing demand for biotechnology and synthetic biology professionals.
• Students will learn multi-disciplinary skills, including DNA assembly, bioinformatics, coding and more, helping them to stand out in the job market.
• The six-month research project will give students the opportunity to interact with academics who specialise in a wide range of disciplines, including structural biology and evolutionary genetics.
• Learn how to engineer synthetic cells and cell-free systems for useful purposes in biotechnology and synthetic biology.

Career outcomes

Students who successfully complete the programme will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to go into a variety of established and emerging biotechnology and synthetic biology start-ups and incubators, in addition to larger biotechnology companies employing graduates in this field. The UK is also home to the largest number of biotech start-ups in Europe (McKinsey), with job opportunities both inside and outside of London.

Information for international students

Please visit our website to learn more about Visas and English Language requirements.

Fees and funding

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

• Scholarships and bursaries
• Postgraduate loans (UK students)
• Country-specific scholarships for international students

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

• Advice for UK and EU students
• Advice for international students

Assessment