Biotechnology

Entry requirements

Take a look at the latest entry requirement information on our website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/guide-to-applying-to-uob/before-you-apply/entry-requirements/

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

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.

Benefit from practical laboratory sessions and research-based projects, equipping you with both technical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Get involved in subject-relevant field trips to sites including Biogen, MSD-Merck, and Rothamstead Research.

Immerse yourself in interactive seminars and masterclasses from guests such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Pharmaron and GSK.

Take part in our annual STEM Careers Expo, which brings together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions

Develop your transferable skills, including sought-after competencies such as scientific communication, statistical analysis, problem solving, and effective leadership.

Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.

What will you study?

Studying our Biotechnology MSc course will equip you with the knowledge and skills around molecular and microbiological techniques, as well as computational biology. In core areas of study, you will learn about the applications of Molecular Biology techniques used to analyse and manipulate DNA, RNA and protein, and gain extensive knowledge in the field of Applied Microbiology that will equip you with the skills to modify microorganisms to meet industrial and pharmaceutical needs. As an essential skill in biotechnology, you will be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to incorporate Analytical Methods in your practice. This will allow you to learn strategies for the separation, detection and measurement of components in complex mixtures.

Furthermore, you will be introduced to the concepts and principles in the development and clinical application of Biomaterials used to treat human disease and injury. This unit will expose you to the health issues associated with the development of artificial organs, plastic surgery, implants and bone reconstructions. More importantly, you will examine the biological mechanisms and clinical problems involved in these processes with a focus on immunological rejection. To give you an insight into how biology and technology come together in practice, our unit in Computational and Systems Biology will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to incorporate computational biology practise into your research. Here, you will work with biological data using computer software packages made for bioinformatics and systems biology and learn to interpret and present this information in the form of a hypothesis backed by research evidence. Finally, you will complete a Biotechnology Research Project that will give you the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of personal research which you will then present professionally.

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.

Information for international students

Please see our website for the latest fee information.

Fees and funding

Please see our website for the latest fee information.