Course summary
The MSc in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics will provide students with in-depth training in key life sciences, including bioinformatics, that are central to modern biotechnology and the genomics revolution and will prepare graduates for employment in this growing sector. The growth in the industrial biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors has led to exciting career opportunities for experienced graduates. Our MSc in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics is a unique opportunity to gain training in advanced biotechnology and bioinformatics. There is also an option to select training in bio-business and the commercialisation of scientific ideas. The University of Aberdeen has an impressive reputation for producing successful spin-out companies in the broad area of biotechnology and pharmacology. This MSc has harnessed these skills to provide you with an understanding of the key scientific skills, including advanced biotechnology, centrally important for employment in this sector. This MSc is ideal for graduates in life science, pharmacy and medical biosciences who want to improve their career prospects, widen their knowledge base linked to biotechnology and their own scientific interests, and are fascinated by the application of advanced bioinformatic techniques.
Modules
The teaching of our MSc Biotechnology and Bioinformatics programme is lecture based with self-directed learning, practical classes and tutorials to support the lecture material. In the second semester students have a unique opportunity to individually sequence and analyse the entire genome of a microorganism isolated and characterised by themselves. External experts are also regularly invited to provide specialist expertise. Many lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required. The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.
Assessment method
By practical work, by written essays and by oral presentations, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The project or placement will be assessed on the basis of performance, written thesis or report, and oral presentation (project only) or reflective analysis (placement only). Candidates must pass all courses at an appropriate standard for the award of the MSc degree.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Applicants will usually require an upper second-class Honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a biological or biomedical science subject or a related degree.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
| England | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12200 | Year 1 |
| International | £27000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX