Program Overview

MSc Bioinformatics

Overview

The MSc Bioinformatics covers a diverse range of areas in bioinformatics and is suitable for students from a variety of academic backgrounds related to the life sciences (biology, biochemistry, genetics, medicine, and other biosciences). Students will learn and work together with world-leading experts.

In the age of big data, conservation biology, biodiversity, genetics, and evolutionary biology involve the study of large amounts of data that increase in volume and variety at a high speed. The use of computational tools is essential to analyse such large datasets, which have shaken the foundations of many scientific disciplines. The advent of these technologies is also central to many companies and the public sector and has driven the emergence of innovative start-ups. The job market for graduates proficient in bioinformatics is expanding rapidly and will keep growing.

You will learn about topics including programming, machine learning, genomics, protein structure, evolutionary biology, as well as professional and entrepreneurial skills. You will undertake a scientific research project supervised by the experts of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and will leave with highly transferable skills that will help to boost your future career and employability. Moreover, you will learn how to capitalise on your innovative ideas in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme comprises two main components: taught units that cover core bioinformatics skills and applications across two terms, and a research project from May to September.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education)
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent

Entry Requirements

• You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a degree related to Life Sciences, such as Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biological Science, Ecology, or Zoology
• OR
• If your degree subject is not listed above, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics subject
• You will also need to have scored 60% or above (or an international equivalent) in a genetics, genomics, biochemistry, or molecular biology module unit

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £14,500 per year
• Overseas: full-time £28,200 per year
• Fees are subject to an annual review
• Bench fees: £540
• Alumni discount: University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study

Career Prospects

Bioinformatic skills are essential for future life scientists, not only to molecular sciences, but also in fields such as climate change, biodiversity, metagenomics, or conservation. Outside academia, many sectors are also reliant on Big Data, social media analytics, and other computer-based methodologies such as artificial intelligence or deep learning.