Bioscience Enterprise

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

A first degree in the life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, medicine or veterinary science is the usual prerequisite. Occasionally suitable applicants from other backgrounds, for example, economics, finance or law, are admitted providing they are able to demonstrate their strong interest in the core disciplines of the course.

At least two years of postgraduate experience prior to application in a related academic, industrial or business environment is highly recommended but not essential.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) programme is an intensive taught science and business course intended for those who have an interest in enterprise and the ambition to found technology companies or take up leadership, executive or consultancy roles in the life sciences sector.

The educational aims of the MBE are to:

enhance understanding of life sciences and related technological developments;

foster research and analytical skills and methodologies;

develop written and verbal communication skills;

provide knowledge of the ethical, legal and regulatory issues associated with bringing scientific advances to market; and

develop applied business skills, including those that enable students to:

identify potential business opportunities arising from research in life sciences and related areas;

exploit entrepreneurial opportunities; and

undertake senior executive roles within biotechnology companies and other commercial entities.

Learning includes real business examples, and lectures and case studies are frequently delivered by highly experienced professionals. MBE students have the opportunity to learn from leading scientists, entrepreneurs and academics at the University of Cambridge, and from professionals within the Cambridge Cluster and wider industry. The course is based in purpose-built, dedicated teaching facilities, providing an unparalleled educational experience.

Students completing this course usually start new technology ventures or continue their careers in the life sciences commercial sector, in specialist consulting firms, or in their existing professional sectors such as medicine or law. A number of graduates have successfully applied for PhD programmes in either science or business disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

Students gain an understanding of the following:

life sciences, including how contemporary biological and medical research leads to exploitable science and commercial products;

business, including commercial and analytical skills required in biotechnology and healthcare-related businesses;

elements of management, including (for example) research and development in a commercial environment, client skills and interaction, and financing;

technology transfer, from academia to industry and from industry to industry;

law and intellectual property frameworks, relating to companies and individuals;

social and ethical issues, including fundamental constraints when applying scientific research to the development of new bioscience products;

global biotechnology trends, which may include for example contrasts and comparisons between different markets.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 7.0

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.5

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 107

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).