MSc

Biotechnology

Join the battle against global issues in healthcare, medicine and immunology: develop specialist skills in molecular genetics and bioinformatics for innovative biotech research.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027 May 2026
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time

You can choose to start this course in September, January or May. Course durations may vary slightly and you can contact us for more information. Course content and modules remain the same.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027 May 2026
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
2 years with professional experience

You can choose to start this course in September, January or May. Course durations may vary slightly and you can contact us for more information. Course content and modules remain the same.

You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.

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You’ll advance your knowledge in medical applications, diagnostics, and treatments within a healthcare setting, and conduct your own biotechnology-focused research project.

You'll be able to design, execute and critically analyse biotechnological scientific research in the academic, clinical and industrial sectors.

You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or take advantage of our unique two-year full-time option, which includes professional experience modules in the second year. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-life industry setting and further enhance your employability.

Why ARU?
  • Work in a specialist Science Centre with advanced laboratories and technologies

  • Benefit from the expertise and professional connections of our biomedical science team

  • Gain specialist skills in multiple bioscience disciplines

  • Focus on medical diagnostics, drug development and innovative treatments

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Prepare for a wide range of careers by building specialist lab skills in molecular genetics, microbiology and bioinformatics; essential for research and innovation in both academic and industry settings.

You’ll develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, and presentation, all highly valued by employers.

Teaching and modules

You’ll gain a solid foundation in diagnostics, pharmacology, lab techniques, and research skills. You'll explore current diagnostic technologies, drug development, and translational medicine, while building hands-on experience in DNA/protein analysis, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

You'll also develop key professional skills, including scientific communication and ethical decision-making. As part of your preparation for your final research project, you’ll design a proposal, review literature, and ensure compliance with health and safety and ethics standards.

Your course culminates in a major independent research project, where you'll apply your skills to real-world bioscience challenges.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Contemporary Medical Diagnostics (30 credits)
  • Pharmacology and Translational Medicine (30 credits)
  • Laboratory Techniques in Applied Bioscience (30 credits)
  • Professional and Ethical Practice (15 credits)
  • Research Methods and Preparation (15 credits)
  • Masters Research Project (60 credits)
Module details

You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll complete your Postgraduate Major Project in Year 2.

Professional experience modules
  • Professional Experience Biosciences Project 1 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Experience Biosciences Project 2 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 1 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 2 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.

Our Science Centre features four floors of labs and teaching space, with facilities for specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories and a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.

You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Biotechnology

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