Biotechnology MSc

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 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.

• Become highly employable and meet the growing demand for biotechnology 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.

What you'll study

In the first semester, students will study four compulsory modules, covering Principles of Synthetic Biology, Industrial Biotechnology, Unix and Analysis of Large Genomic Datasets and Responsible Innovation and Commercialisation.

In semester two, students will take two compulsory modules covering Genome Editing in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology, and Proteins and Biocatalysts in Biotechnology.

Students will also undertake a Biotechnology Research Project, which will be supervised by academics who specialise in a wide range of disciplines, including structural biology and evolutionary genetics.

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Biomedical Sciences; Biochemistry or related subjects.