Program Overview

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Biotechnology MSc

The Biotechnology MSc is a postgraduate degree designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills needed for a career in biotechnology within companies and research organizations. This course is driven by the latest commercial and research advances in the field, offering students the opportunity to learn from experienced academic researchers and undertake a research project in industry.

About this Course

This exciting biotechnology postgraduate degree is ideal for:

• Recently qualified undergraduates looking for professional skills to obtain a job in a biotechnology company
• Those working in an organization and wanting a master's-level qualification for a competitive edge
• Individuals requiring skills and experience for further research degree study
• International students wishing to study abroad
• Those seeking a course delivered by experienced research academics with the possibility of completing a research project in industry
• Students wanting to use cutting-edge facilities to develop their learning and research

Placement Opportunities

If you choose the Sandwich route, you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement to develop your professional experience.

World-Leading Research

99% of NTU's Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

A University Campus Experience

The course is set within one of Europe's top 25 student cities, home to over 75,000 learners.

What You'll Study

You will explore the core principles and advanced applications of biotechnology through modules in molecular biology, cell culture, and antibody technology, and specialist topics such as microbial diagnostics and macromolecular analysis. The course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, culminating in a substantial research project that develops your ability to design, execute, and communicate original scientific investigations.

Module Information

Core Modules

• Molecular Biology: Consolidate knowledge of molecular biology, illustrating how genomes are mutated, analyzed, and manipulated in the study and therapy of disease. (20 credits)
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology: Explore the scientific basis of cell culture and antibody technologies and assess how they are used to solve problems in biotechnology, molecular biosciences, and biomedical sciences. (20 credits)
• Special Topics in Biotechnology: Introduces the principles and applications of mammalian vectors in genetic engineering, highlighting their role in recombinant protein production and biotechnology research. (20 credits)
• Business and Enterprise: Approach ideas generation in a creative manner to understand the role of new business concepts and their development in the biosciences industry. (20 credits)
• Research Methods and Bioethics: Gain a solid foundation in literature review, research design and planning, data analysis, and presentation, focusing on a related ethical issue. (20 credits)
• Research Project: Choose from a range of research projects offered by academic staff, applying your knowledge and skills to an in-depth investigation in a specialist area of biosciences. (60 credits)
• Microbial Diagnostics: Provide an understanding of the rationale and process of designing modern microbial diagnostic assays, exploring techniques such as culture-based diagnosis, serology, PCR, microarrays, and sequencing for infectious disease diagnostics. (20 credits)

How You're Taught

You will be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops, alongside independent study.

Research-Informed Teaching

By daring to think differently, our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research, ensuring your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field.

How You're Assessed

Modules are assessed by a variety of different types of coursework, including written assignments, oral presentations, and poster presentations, and examinations. The Research Project will involve the design, implementation, and reporting of a major research task.

Contact Hours

For each 20-credit module, you will spend about 200 hours learning overall, with around 40 of those hours taught in labs, lectures, or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Who Will Teach You?

• Samantha McLean: Associate Professor of Infection Prevention and Control in the department of Biosciences.
• Luigi De Girolamo: Deputy Head of Department.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• Academic Entry Requirements: 2.2 honors degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry, Biology, or Microbiology.
• Additional Requirements: There are no additional requirements for this course.
• Other Qualifications and Experience: We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience.

International Students

• Academic Entry Requirements: 2.2 honors degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry, Biology, or Microbiology.
• English Language Requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
• Additional International Requirements: There are no additional requirements for this course.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• Full-time: £10,300
• Full-time with Placement Year: £10,300 + £1,905 for placement year
• Part-time: £5,150

International Students

• Full-time: £20,750
• Full-time with Placement Year: £20,750 + £1,905 for placement year

Careers and Employability

This Biotechnology Masters degree provides students with the professional skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers within the field of biotechnology, alongside valuable transferable skills. Students would also be well-placed to study for a PhD.

Placements

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities, offering a work experience opportunity with all of our courses. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programs and events.

Graduate Employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organizations such as the NHS, AstraZeneca, Wellcome Trust Institute, and Canning Chemists Ltd.

Our Graduates Are

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as Research Assistant, Technical Specialist, Data Analyst, QC Analyst, Associate Scientist, and Quality Officer.

Campus and Facilities

You will mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and the Rosalind Franklin Building, with access to facilities including our extensive SuperLab. Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures, with amenities such as the Pavilion's barista café and Refectory, chic and stylish study spaces, and The Point, home of our Students' Union.