Program Overview

Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc

The Aston Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc is a new programme launched in 2025. Genomics is transforming the way we understand diseases, develop treatments, and deliver personalised healthcare. This has created an urgent need for professionals who can connect biological science with data-driven insights. Bioinformatics combines biology with computational and statistical methods to analyse complex datasets, while genomic medicine applies genetic discoveries to improve healthcare and create targeted therapies.

Course Overview

The MSc provides the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive at the forefront of this medical transformation. This programme is designed for graduates and professionals from biology, medicine, or data science. You will develop expertise in data analysis, disease mechanisms, and translational genomics, while building advanced skills in computational biology, statistical modelling, and emerging genomic technologies.

Why Study Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine at Aston University?

• World-Class Research and Teaching Excellence: Learn from research-active academics with specialist expertise in bioinformatics, genomics, and precision medicine.
• Internationally recognised research: 100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading.
• Hands-on Research Experience: Gain practical, real-world expertise through an independent research project, where you will apply cutting-edge techniques to address real biomedical challenges.

Course Description

The Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc at Aston University equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to excel in genomics, data analysis, and precision medicine - fields transforming the future of healthcare.

What We Will Provide

• First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you.
• Fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience.
• Years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What You Will Provide

• It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself.
• You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What Skills We Teach

• You will learn the skills to work as a competent specialist in the area of bioinformatics and genomic medicine, gaining an understanding of how biology merges with data science when analysing complex data, and how genomic medical genetic data can improve healthcare delivery and treatment.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be well prepared for careers across the health and life sciences sector. Opportunities include roles within the NHS as data scientists, or positions in the private sector delivering analytical insights to support healthcare research, innovation, and treatment.

How You Will Learn

Our teaching approach is modern, innovative, dynamic, and hands-on, ensuring that you gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, this programme is designed to equip you with the expertise needed for success in academia, industry, and healthcare.

• Lectures providing core theoretical foundations.
• Practical sessions for hands-on experience in data analysis and bioinformatics tools.
• Tutorials and seminars fostering discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Independent research project allowing you to apply your learning to a real-world genomics challenge.

Course Objectives

1. Deliver advanced, state-of-the-art education in bioinformatics and genomic medicine, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to address challenges in health and disease.
2. Prepare graduates for future careers in academia, healthcare (e.g., NHS), or the life sciences industry, or for further academic training such as PhD studies.
3. Provide comprehensive training in programming languages and computational tools essential for bioinformatics analyses, enabling students to work across genomics and other omics disciplines.
4. Explore the role of bioinformatics in genomic medicine, with a focus on the transformative potential of personalized medicine for improving patient outcomes.
5. Develop expertise in pharmacogenomics, cancer genomics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, enabling students to apply these technologies to analyse healthcare data, identify drug targets, and advance precision medicine.
6. Foster independent research skills through hands-on experience in genomic analysis, culminating in a 60-credit research-intensive project that integrates ethical research practices, critical analysis, and effective communication.

Modules

Taught Stage Modules

In your taught stage, you will study the following core modules:

• Fundamentals of Genomics in Medicine: Explore the core principles of genomics and their applications in understanding human health and disease.
• Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools and Programming Languages: Gain hands-on experience with bioinformatics software, algorithms, and programming techniques for genomic data analysis.
• Advanced Genomics and Omics Techniques: Dive into cutting-edge multi-omics approaches, covering diverse biological data types to enhance integrative biomedical research.
• Computational Biology and Health Genomics: Develop computational skills to analyse and interpret large-scale genomic datasets for clinical and research applications.
• Machine Learning and AI in Healthcare: Learn how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming medical genomics, from disease prediction to personalised medicine.
• Genomics in Disease Mechanisms and Applications: Understand the genetic basis of diseases and explore how genomics is applied in diagnostics and targeted therapies.
• Genomics, Epigenomics, and Bioinformatics of Cancer: Investigate the genomic and epigenetic alterations driving cancer progression and how bioinformatics aids in precision oncology.
• Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine: Discover how genetic variation influences drug response, paving the way for personalised treatment strategies.

Dissertation Stage Modules

In your dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

• Dissertation: Conduct an independent research project, applying bioinformatics and genomic medicine techniques to address real-world scientific challenges.

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2.2 degree in a subject aligned to health, biosciences, mathematics/data sciences.

Fees and Scholarships

Course Fees

• UK students (2026/27): Ł11,200
• International students (2026/27): Ł24,800

Scholarships

At Aston University, we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out through a combination of project work, written assignments, and collaborative group tasks, ensuring you develop both individual expertise and teamwork skills valued in research and industry.

Career Prospects

The global demand for bioinformatics and genomic medicine professionals is rapidly growing as genomic data continues to reshape healthcare and medical practices. Whether you aim to work in research, clinical settings, or the biotechnology industry, this programme opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities such as:

• Bioinformatics analyst
• Genomics data scientist
• Clinical bioinformatician
• Genomic medicine specialist
• Research scientist in genetics or biomedical informatics

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work in environments such as hospitals, private practice, specialist clinics, education, rehabilitation centres, or private sector business.