Applied Bioinformatics

Program Overview

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Postgraduate Taught

Study

Applied Bioinformatics MSc

Key information

• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time
• Duration: One year full-time
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): 180
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Key benefits

• King's is ranked 6th in Europe for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University 2024) and 5th in the UK for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
• Complete projects alongside our bioinformatic experts, with direct access to King’s clinicians and our cutting-edge research
• Contribute to research projects with the Centre for Translational Informatics, South-East Genomics Service, MRC eMEd Lab, Guy’s Cancer Centre, and Francis Crick Institute
• Access our new Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (HAB), which offers seminars, data clubs and training workshops, giving you excellent networking opportunities
• Get hands on with modern techniques and technologies in our state-of-the-art facilities

Course essentials

Our MSc in Applied Bioinformatics starts with an Introductory module that is tailored to the needs and academic background of our students. Students can select either 'Fundamentals of Programming for Biologists' OR 'Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists'. This Introductory module is followed by four modules covering advanced programming and cloud computing, fundamentals of statistics, omics techniques, data management and stewardship. Students will also take one optional module, choosing from AI and Machine Learning or System Biology. Finally, students will apply their skills in an extended research project (6 months). They will be able to select their topic from a broad catalogue, reflecting the breadth of bioinformatics expertise within King’s. Aims of the course are:

• Develop the skills you need to analyse, interpret, and integrate biological data
• Explore how to apply methods from information technology, maths, computer science and statistics to solve problems in biological science
• Understand how data and bioinformatic skills can be applied in both industry and academic settings – including gene therapy, cancer studies and drug discovery
• Gain transferable core skills such as data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming that can be applied to careers in data science across many different sectors

Base campuses

• Guy’s Campus: The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
• Waterloo Campus: Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Regulating bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Biological or Computational disciplines with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

• English language band: D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Selection process

• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• We aim to process all applications within eight weeks. Therefore, early applications are recommended to maximise your chances of selection. You are encouraged to attend our open days which usually take place in December and June.

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: Yes, a personal statement is required, answering the two questions detailed on the application form: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? How does your educational background or professional experience make you a suitable candidate for the programme? What challenges do you anticipate with this programme?
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: Yes, one academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Optional, you may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Self-Study

This practically oriented program will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. The course also requires a significant element of self-study.

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams
• Group projects

Performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework, group projects and written examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include presentations, short-answer questions, practical write-ups and written examinations. Most 15-credit modules are assessed by coursework only or examination only. For the remaining modules coursework typically contributes 40% and examinations approximately 60% of the final mark.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Required modules

• Applied Bioinformatics and Cloud Computing (30 credits)
• Introduction to Applied Statistical Method (15 credits)
• Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits)
• Data cleaning and data management (30 credits)
• Research project in Applied Bioinformatics (60 credits)

Optional modules

• You must take enough modules to bring your total for the year to 180, from a range of optional modules, which will typically include:
  • At the outset of the course, one of:
    • Fundamentals of Programming for Biologist (15 Credits) *
    • Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists (15 Credits)*
  • Later on, one of:
    • System Biology (15 Credits)
    • AI and Machine Learning (15 Credits)

Careers

Employability

Designed for graduates of life sciences and physical sciences, our course is perfect if you have a background in science, medicine, computer science or maths. And as the content applies to careers across the world, students join us from various countries including the UK, China and India.

With plenty of practical sessions, workshops, research projects and networking opportunities, you’ll have developed a wide variety of core transferrable skills. Data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming are just a few of the new skills you’ll have learnt that can apply to careers across many sectors.

The career possibilities are endless with such rapid growth in this field. You could step into positions in data science, biotechnology, and bioinformatics engineering. Or how about making a difference in drug design and development, bio-analytics, proteomics, and pharmacogenetics? You could also progress your knowledge further by studying for a PhD and pursuing a career in academia or clinical research.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
• International: Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • Library fees and fines
  • Personal photocopies
  • Printing course handouts
  • Stationery
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • Graduation costs
  • Accommodation fees

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

King's College London's MSc in Applied Bioinformatics is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to analyze, interpret, and integrate biological data. The program combines information technology, mathematics, computer science, and statistics to solve problems in the field of biological science.

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Objectives:

• Develop skills in analyzing, interpreting, and integrating biological data.
• Apply methods from information technology, mathematics, computer science, and statistics to solve problems in biological science.
• Understand the application of data and bioinformatic skills in both industry and academic settings, including areas such as gene therapy, cancer studies, and drug discovery.
• Acquire transferable core skills in data management, data wrangling, data visualization, and programming, applicable to careers in data science across various sectors.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Advanced programming and cloud computing
• Fundamentals of statistics
• Omics techniques
• Data management and stewardship
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning (optional)
• System biology (optional)
• Following the introductory module, four modules cover advanced programming and cloud computing, fundamental statistics, omics techniques, data management and stewardship.
• One optional module can be chosen from AI and Machine Learning or System Biology.
• Finally, students apply their skills in a 6-month research project, selecting a topic from a broad catalogue reflecting King's expertise in bioinformatics.

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Course schedule:

• The program spans one full year, starting in September.
• Modules are typically 15 credits each, with one credit equating to approximately 10 hours of work.

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Module descriptions:

• Applied Bioinformatics and Cloud Computing (30 credits): Introduces advanced tools and techniques for analyzing and managing biological data in cloud computing environments.
• Introduction to Applied Statistical Method (15 credits): Provides foundational knowledge of statistical methods used in bioinformatics analysis.
• Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits): Explores various omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and their applications in genomic medicine.
• Research project in Applied Bioinformatics (60 credits): Students independently conduct a research project under the supervision of experienced researchers, applying their acquired knowledge and skills to a specific area of bioinformatics.

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Assessment:

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Methods:

Assessment methods can vary depending on the module but typically include:

• Coursework assignments
• Group projects
• Written examinations
• Presentations
• Practical write-ups

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Criteria:

Performance is evaluated through a combination of coursework, group projects, and written examinations. Coursework typically contributes 40% and examinations 60% of the final mark.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

The program utilizes a combination of:

• Lectures: Introduce key concepts and theoretical frameworks.
• Workshops: Facilitate hands-on learning and development of practical skills.

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Faculty:

The program is delivered by experts in bioinformatics and clinicians, leveraging King's position as the largest provider of healthcare education in Europe. Students benefit from exposure to the latest research and advancements in the field.

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Unique approaches:

• King's Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (HAB): Offers seminars, data clubs, and training workshops, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Provide access to modern technologies and equipment, enhancing the learning experience.

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Careers:

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Data science: Analyzing and interpreting data in various sectors using data management and visualization skills.
• Biotechnology: Applying bioinformatics knowledge to research and development in the biotechnology industry.
• Bioinformatics engineering: Designing and developing tools and software for bioinformatics analysis.
• Drug design and development: Utilizing bioinformatics for drug target identification and lead optimization.
• Bio-analytics, proteomics, pharmacogenetics: Applying bioinformatics expertise in specialized areas of biological research.

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Other:

• The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including science, medicine, computer science, and mathematics.
• The content is globally relevant, attracting students from various countries.
• The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, valuable in numerous career paths.

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UK:Full time: £15,840 per year (2024/25) International:Full time: £33,258 per year (2024/25) These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions. Deposit Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.