MSc Bioinformatics
Entry requirements
You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in a health-related subject including:
- healthcare science
- forensic science
- biology
- physics
- chemistry
- pharmacology
- statistics
- computing
- medicine
- nursing
- podiatry
- physiotherapy
- psychology
- pathology.
You will be required to attend an interview. You will need to provide evidence of your achievements, for example:
- a relevant professional qualification at a suitable level, and/or
- several years' relevant post-qualifying professional experience.
If you do not meet the entry criteria to study this course but you have relevant experience, you are still welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
We look for students who show enthusiasm and a passion for the subject through previous study or professional experience. If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Our Bioinformatics Masters bridges the interfaces between genomics, computing and healthcare and aims to equip you with the skills to analyse, interpret and use biological data to inform and improve healthcare and health outcomes.
You will consider biological data generated by technologies such as genome and next-generation sequencing and microarray expression technology.
We welcome students and professionals from a range of academic and work backgrounds, including:
- biomedical sciences
- forensic science
- nursing
- public health
- psychology
- healthcare science
- pharmaceutical.
The course covers core principles, as well as statistical, computing and knowledge management skills.
In addition, it will equip you with the technical ability you need to analyse genetics and genomics data and the underlying health associations between gene variants, disease susceptibility and drug response.
In the Bioinformatics and Advanced Bioinformatics modules you will work in interdisciplinary teams as much as possible. Together, and individually, you will:
- undertake core practice in sequence and structure analysis techniques and provide you with a strong foundation in omics and NGS analysis. R, Python, Linux, and the user-friendly Chipster software provided by ELIXIR-Finland at CSC are used in the NGS exercises
- problem-solve in real healthcare or industry scenarios using bioinformatics and computational analysis
- learn research design and methodologies in bioinformatics
- apply your understanding of genetic variation to disease modelling
- develop an analysis strategy for a new service that builds on your knowledge of genomics, bioinformatics and programming
- apply the relevant statistical and analytical methods to generate new information.
You will learn from experts in computing, healthcare, mathematics and statistics, whose current practice and research will enhance your postgraduate experience.
Additionally, you will also learn how the results of analysis can be applied to improve health outcomes.
Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to reflect on the ethical, legal and social implications of using genomics data.
Information for international students
You need to meet our English language requirement of 6.5 overall score for IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements. Find out more about our English Language courses.
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Fees and funding
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Course Information
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 8231 2468