Biotechnology

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.

The programme was designed primarily for those who have a background in physical sciences or technology (e.g. engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer sciences). Candidates with other backgrounds who have strong analytical and numerical skills will also be considered.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MPhil in Biotechnology is a unique programme that draws on world-leading academics and industry champions to deliver a multidisciplinary curriculum at the interface of biology with the physical sciences and technology. Providing state-of-the-art education and research training in cutting-edge areas, the programme was designed to respond to major talent needs and skills gaps in the biotech sector.

In the programme, students acquire foundational and advanced knowledge in biotechnology, and gain practical and research skills for wet-lab and computer-based work. The programme also promotes the development of transferable skills and business competences that are relevant to biotechnology research and industry practice.

Overall, the programme aims to produce graduates who have the fundamental understanding of biotechnology and skills all the way from the lab bench to the market place, who will go on to become leaders in the fast-growing biotech sector and its satellite fields.

The programme offers students the possibility of tailoring their studies to their interests, educational needs and career goals.

Learning Outcomes

The MPhil in Biotechnology equips students with the knowledge and the skills that are necessary to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, agritech, or bioenergy sectors, or in other areas where bioprocesses are important, either in academic or industry settings.

At the end of the programme, students will demonstrate foundational and advanced knowledge of biotechnology. They will have received a technical grounding in core topics, explored current trends and looked at the latest technologies in biotechnology. Upon conclusion of the programme, students will also show proficiency at practical work in biotechnology, and be aware of modern bioanalytical techniques and their limitations.

With a strong research component, the programme will prepare students to undertake a research project that requires understanding of a wide range of techniques and published literature, originality in the application of knowledge, and self-direction.

The programme promotes the development of diverse transferable skills. In particular, graduating students will be able to communicate by formal reports and oral presentations at a high standard, effectively manage tasks and work to deadlines, and collaborate as part of a team. Additionally, they will be aware of the best practices in research data management and understand the scientific publishing process as well as the need to be able to communicate science in outreach contexts. The successful students will also demonstrate a degree of business awareness that is important for roles in the biotechnology sector, allowing them to effectively communicate and interact with a range of stakeholders. In particular, they will understand the process of transforming new technologies and ideas into marketable products, have an idea of the main issues in translational research, and be acquainted with intellectual property and bioethics key concepts.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 6.5

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 100

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).