Bioinformatics
Entry requirements
MSc: You must have a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above.
Some practical knowledge of one programming language would be a distinct advantage.
Mathematics to A-level or equivalent desirable, but GCSE/O-level considered.
MRes: The MRes is a challenging, interdisciplinary course. We recommend initial entry to the MSc Bioinformatics course until November (full-time) or February (part-time) so that your skills and knowledge can be thoroughly assessed. Occasionally, direct entry to the MRes is possible, when there is very strong prior evidence that the student will perform well on the course.
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.
Months of entry
January, October
Course content
This specialist, online postgraduate degree is ideal if you are from a scientific background and want to pursue research training in bioinformatics and systems biology, or if you are seeking a future career in both academia and industry. Bioinformatics and systems biology have grown dramatically in the last two decades and this course has been designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology industries for research and development.
It covers the core concepts and statistical fundamentals underpinning bioinformatics, most notably in the area of sequence analysis. You will learn how to program in Python and design and query databases using SQL, and gain experience in more advanced programming practices such as software testing and application development. You will also explore:
- core biological concepts such as genes and genomes, protein structure and function
- growth areas such as Next Generation Sequencing and systems modelling.
Our research areas include:
- computational structural bioinformatics, with a focus on the characterisation of macromolecular assemblies relevant to disease
- analysis of next-generation sequencing data, both genomic and transcriptomic
- immunoinformatics, in particular virus-host interactions and immune responses to protein therapeutics
- developing bioinformatics and chemoinformatics methods to analyse metabolic pathways
- structure-thermodynamic relationships, molecular simulation and inhibitor design
- developing new computational methods that exploit data produced using various experimental techniques (e.g. cryo-EM, mass spectrometry, NMR and tomography).
Highlights
- We are part of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint initiative with University College London and a major biology research hub in the heart of London.
- 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.
Graduates can pursue career paths in the biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as academia. Possible professions include:
- healthcare scientist (genetics)
- research scientist
- higher education lecturer
- science writer
- software developer.
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.
Information for international students
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 and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MRes
- part time24 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700