Online MSc Bioinformatics

Entry requirements

• 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science or another relevant quantitative subject
• One reference
• A statement of purpose
• For international students, standard English language requirements apply. You must have an IELTS 6.5 with no less that 6.0 in any band.

Months of entry

February, June, October

Course content

It is no surprise that the worldwide demand for bioinformaticians is on the rise. Between 2020 and 2027 the global bioinformatics market is set to increase by 13.4% annually as biological and clinical institutions and businesses seek to deliver more effective and efficient data-based services [1]. The University of Birmingham’s Online MSc Bioinformatics will help you to take advantage of these new opportunities by developing your understanding of complex data sets and how to interact with them.

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Drive bioscience innovation with data

Through the integrative analysis and sequencing of vast data sets, bioinformatics has revolutionised biological science. Over the last 20 years it has accelerated the application of genomics, and it continues to prove crucial in the understanding of diseases like COVID-19.

Bridging health informatics and systems biology, this 100% online programme connects biology, clinical services, mathematics, and computer science. This makes it ideal for health and life science professionals keen to expand their data science knowledge, as well as those from a computer science background looking to upskill in biology.

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Enhance your real-world experience

Working with an expert team of professors and lecturers at the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Computational Biology, you will understand how to teach, as well as learn with data. Combined with hands-on coding exercises, this ensures you’ll leave your studies with both the theory and the practical skills required for your chosen career. The Centre is also integrated with the University Hospitals Birmingham, which was a major contributor to the 100,000 Genomes Project, giving your studies both a real-world and career-centred character.

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Taught modules:

The Online MSc Bioinformatics is a 180 credit full masters programme which takes approximately two and a half years to complete. Students will take six 10 credit modules in their first year, followed by six 10 credit modules in their second year. Studies are completed with the submission of a 60 credit dissertation.

1. Introduction to biology and programming
2. Introduction to probabilities
3. Essentials of statistical modelling
4. Introduction to gemonics and next generation sequencing
5. Applied genomics and next generation sequencing
6. Statistical machine learning
7. Health data analytics
8. Scientific Communication
9. Concepts in metabolomics and advanced (omics) technologies
10. Applied metabolomics and advanced (omics) technologies
11. Essentials of complex systems
12. Computational biology for complex systems

[1] UNKNOWN (2019) Allied Market Research. Bioinformatics Market by Technology & Services [online] Available at: www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bioinformatics-market [Accessed 07.01.2021]

Fees and funding

The full cost of this programme in 2023/24 is £16,510. This can be paid in full or in instalments of £1,270 per module. Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year.