Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-10-06 | - |
2024-01-15 | - |
Program Overview
How can biological processes and organisms be used in the development of new technologies? Biotechnology enables us to improve practices in diverse fields including genetics, agriculture, bioremediation, immunology, diagnostics, energy production, and age-assisted living. Our course provides you with knowledge, understanding and hands-on experience in modern biotechnology, and with practical insights into current commercial applications. It creates access to a broad range of career opportunities in this rapidly growing key technology. You will learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address the challenges facing our planet, including:
- The development of biofuels, pharmaceuticals and crops to support and feed the growing human population
- Industrial, plant and medical biotechnology
- Gene and protein technology
- Synthetic biology
- Bioinformatics
- Gain extensive employability skills to compete in the UK and international marketplace.
- Network with the technology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as other employers.
- Work with internationally recognised researchers who are at the cutting-edge of their fields.
Our expert staff
As one of the largest schools at our University, we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with research-led study and high quality teaching. You benefit from our academics’ wide range of expertise and research on important national and international problems using cutting-edge techniques. The University of Essex has a Women's Network to support female staff and students, and our School was awarded the Athena Swan Silver Award in October 2020, which reflects the work carried out by staff in our School to continue to improve equality, including a mentorship scheme, support for postdoctoral research staff, and financial help towards childcare costs for academics who wish to attend conferences.Specialist facilities
Recent investment has provided modern facilities for functional genomics, computational biology, and imaging biological systems. On our course you have the opportunity to:- Work in an open and friendly department, with shared staff-student social spaces
- Conduct your research alongside leading academics and PhD students in shared labs
- Learn to use state-of-the-art equipment
Your future
Our graduates are well placed to find a career in the ever-growing bio-based economy, and postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and to work in some public bodies or private companies. Many of our Masters students progress to study for their PhD, and we offer numerous studentships to support our students in their studies. We work with the University’s Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities. “I chose to study MSc Biotechnology at Essex because of its outstanding academic staff, modern facilities, worldwide community, and the environment of equality. It definitely helped me to improve both professionally and personally, and broadened my horizon. What I enjoyed most was working on the research project. Along with hard work and learning substantial skills, I made many friends. Microbial biotechnology is my passion and I dream to use the knowledge I acquired to contribute to the development of Peru, my home country.” Pamela Canales Mormontoy, MSc Biotechnology, 2016Program Outline
Course structure
All of the modules listed below provide an example of what is on offer from the current academic year. Our Programme Specification provides further details of the course structure for the current academic year. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course content is therefore reviewed on an annual basis to ensure our courses remain up-to-date so modules listed are subject to change. We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose. Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.Status | What this means |
Core | You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Core with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Compulsory | You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Compulsory with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Optional | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits. In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available. Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
---|---|---|---|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. | The module number. | The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
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Teaching
- We teach using a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, seminars, fieldwork, independent reading and research projects
Assessment
- Our modules are assessed by a combination of exams, essays, presentations and written reviews
Dissertation
- Undertake detailed research of the relevant scientific literature
- Carry out novel laboratory and/or bioinformatic research in one of our academic laboratories or (subject to approval) in an industrial or hospital setting
University of Essex
Overview:
The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.Student Support:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Careers and Employability:
The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.Essex Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.Faith:
The university provides support for students of all faiths.Cost of Living Support:
The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Excellent Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Excellent Student Support:
The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.Beautiful Campus:
The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.Academic Programs:
The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.Postgraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.Short Courses and CPD:
The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.Other:
The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.
UK entry requirements
A degree with an overall 2.1 or equivalent in a subject relevant to Molecular Medicine such as: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science(s), Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Medicine, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, IT Disciplines.
Your degree must contain at least three components/modules on the area of: Biochemistry, Calculus, Drug Design, Immunology, Maths, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular structure and bonding, Organic/Inorganic Chemistry, Physiology, Software packages (R, MatLab Gaussian, PyMol), Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics and Virology.
We may consider applicants with an unrelated degree but with relevant work experience in Biology, Medicine, Chemistry or Physics.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.
Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.