Program Overview

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MSc Industrial Biotechnology | Part-time

About this course

LJMU's MSc in Industrial Biotechnology develops the skills and knowledge required for a career in this rapidly expanding field.

• Unique in the North West, this course prepares you to work in biotechnology (one of the world's top five growth industries) and other related areas
• Study on a course developed and delivered by leading researchers and industry experts
• Enhance your theoretical knowledge and gain hands-on laboratory experience
• Benefit from strong links with industry and the potential to complete an industrial-based research project
• Available to study full time or part time

Developed to plug a skills gap identified by the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership and associated multi-national businesses, this programme balances theoretical learning and practical skills.

At the beginning of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide you with pastoral and academic support.

Further academic support is provided via embedded tutorials in the Research Methods module. During your independent research project, you will be appointed a LJMU-based Supervisor as well as an industrial supervisor if you are carrying out your project externally.

Course modules

Core modules

• Advanced Biotechniques (20 credits)
  • This module provides you with an understanding of some of the cutting-edge techniques and their applications currently used in biotechnology and the biomedical sciences.
• Cell Technology (20 credits)
  • This module provides an insight into the principles and practical techniques involved in the commercial exploitation of animal cell processes. It aims to provide an understanding of cell culture as a technological component of biological research and commercial exploitation.
• Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology (20 credits)
  • The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of microbiology and biochemistry principles in industrial biotechnology applications. It shows how fundamental principles can be applied to industrial processes and examines the wide range of microbial processes and products.
• Biomolecular Research Skills and Data Analysis (20 credits)
  • The aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively search for information, critically appraise and analyse data, report scientific data and communicate research findings.
• Principles and Applications of Synthetic Biology (20 credits)
  • This module provides in-depth knowledge of current concepts and applications of synthetic biology and bioengineering in tackling specific industrial, biomedical and environmental challenges.
• Advanced Topics in Biotechnology (20 credits)
  • This module will generate a strong awareness of novel developments in the field of biotechnology and how these concepts could lead to real-world applications. It will also equip you with the necessary skills to identify new research areas that will impact the field.

Optional modules

• Research Project in Biotechnology (60 credits)
  • This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner over a 12-week period.
• Placement Project (60 credits)
  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

Teaching hours

In semesters 1 and 2, most of the teaching will take place Monday to Thursday. The Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology and Principles and Applications of Synthetic Biology modules each include a mini project these are essentially week-long laboratory-based research projects, with one running in each semester. You will be required to attend the classes for the mini projects Monday to Friday. The aim of the mini projects is to help prepare you for your independent research project and is a key component of the employability curriculum of the university. For the Research Project in Biotechnology module (May to August), you will be expected to attend full time between 9.00am-5.00pm.

Teaching methods

The stimulating and challenging curriculum of this Masters course is supported by a structured lecture programme, tutorials, workshops, seminars, laboratory work and a 12-week research project with expert supervision. The programme is delivered by research-active lecturers with strong industrial links.

Applied learning

This stimulating course includes a 12-week, full-time research project.

During your independent research project, you will be appointed a LJMU-based Supervisor as well as an Industrial Supervisor if you are carrying out your project externally.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real-world context.

By increasing your skills and knowledge, this Master's programme prepares you for work in the fast-growing biotechnology sector.

You may go on to work and study in fields such as the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries, recombinant DNA and microbial-related research laboratories. There will also be the option to work in research and development, study for a PhD or even take up a teaching post.

Tuition fees and funding

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Part-time per credit:

• £70

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on-campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

You will need:

Home International

Qualification requirements

Undergraduate degree

• a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Biological Sciences
• or
• alternative qualifications, coupled with a significant period of relevant work experience

Further information

• Extra Requirements
• RPL
  • RPL is accepted on this course

International requirements

Show all sections

IELTS

• IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)

Other international requirements

• If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance

Further information

• Extra Requirements
• RPL
  • RPL is accepted on this course

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your university life

From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

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Accommodation

Postgrad life at LJMU

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Sports, societies and lifestyle

Accommodation

Postgrad life at LJMU

Living in Liverpool

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Go Abroad

Sports, societies and lifestyle

Talk to our students

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See what our students are saying

At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:

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Browse through the latest news and stories from the university

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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.

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