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Analytical Bioscience at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This analytical bioscience course provides you with up-to-date knowledge and extensive practical experience in modern methods used in the molecular biosciences, biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. Why choose this course?

  • It focuses on practical applications, so you will gain hands-on training that is highly valued by employers in advanced laboratory skills, data analysis and computational methods.
  • It benefits from being embedded in a research-active environment in which you will be taught by experts in the field.
  • You will join a unique student cohort made up of students from a variety of science-based disciplines, academic and professional backgrounds, and from all age groups.
What you will learn You will learn in detail about the molecular basis of all life. You will also learn how to work with and analyse DNA, genes, proteins and small biomolecules using a variety of modern laboratory-based techniques and computational tools. How you will learn On this course each module is delivered through a mixture of theory and practical classes, based either in the laboratory or a workstation room. If you choose to study the MSc, you will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and new skills to an area of current biochemical research by completing an independent research project. If you choose to study the Postgraduate Diploma, you will study fewer modules and you do not complete a dissertation. This course follows both a daytime and evening timetable. Highlights
  • Birkbeck offers you state-of-the-art instrumental and computing facilities.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
  • We carry out extensive work with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint initiative with University College London.
  • Birkbeck's natural science research plays a valuable role in identifying fundamental biological and physical structures and fighting disease.
Careers and employability On graduating successfully from this analytical bioscience course you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • working safely, efficiently and independently in a biomolecular laboratory setting, using a range of equipment and instrumentation
  • analytical skills, including a sound understanding of commonly used statistical methods
  • independent problem solving
  • scientific reporting, both oral and written
  • time organisation and completing projects to deadlines.
Studying this course will prepare you for further study at PhD level and also for a career path in a range of fields and professions including:
  • research scientist in a university or industry life sciences setting
  • quality control analyst
  • scientific sales
  • science writer or working in scientific communication
  • healthcare or education sector.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at various organisations including GSK, the NHS and Syngenta. We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Taught modules are assessed by coursework and unseen written papers. The project is assessed entirely by coursework, including a written report, and oral and poster presentations.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a scientific subject or with appropriate work experience. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £4150 Year 1
Northern Ireland £4150 Year 1
Scotland £4150 Year 1
Wales £4150 Year 1
International £6780 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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Analytical Bioscience at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS