Bioinformatics MSc / PGDip / PGCert

Our course will place you at the forefront of the recent genomics and bioinformatics revolution as you’ll develop sought-after skills in statistics, computer programming and molecular biology. Help shape the future of one of the fastest-growing fields in industry and academia.

Course Structure

This programme can also be taken as a PGDip or PGCert which run for the following:

• PGDip FT - 8 months
• PGDip PT - 16 months
• PGCert FT - 4 months
• PGCert PT - 8 months

What makes this course different?

Biology is now driven be data and computational methods are essential for uniting, scrutinising, and comprehending both fresh and reused biological data. The approaches you'll learn will enable you to extract valuable insights and achieve scientific breakthroughs from the vast amount and variety of available data.

You’ll learn to analyse different types of omics data, including next generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, emerging single molecule techniques, genome engineering, imaging and integrative analysis toolsets.

You’ll also explore the frontiers of bioscience, from precision medicine to precision agriculture, and emerging fields such as molecular ecosystems biology, and topological data analysis.

• Gain a foundation in statistical machine learning essential for a career in the life sciences
• Benefit from projects developed in collaboration with our industrial partners in the West Midlands
• Develop the in-demand skills for one of the fastest-growing industrial and academic fields in the UK and beyond.

Help drive our understanding of human genome biology by working with health science experts in the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre. Along with University Hospital Birmingham, they are a major contributor to the pioneering 100,000 Genomes project.

This course consists of five taught modules, one group project, and one independent project.

• Taught modules - provide you with foundational knowledge and skills in statistics, computer programming, and molecular biology.
• Individual projects - are closely supervised and prepares you to tackle real-world research or industrial problems at scale.
• Group projects – will put you with other students from various backgrounds. You’ll use mathematical and/or computational approaches to address a real-world research question involving biological data.

The projects on this course are developed in collaboration with our world-leading academics and industrial partners in the West Midlands. This ensures that you are equally prepared for academic or industrial career paths.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Full-time

2027/28 Session

The following must be taken:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 honours degree or higher in a field related to quantitative knowledge from sciences, technology, engineering, or medical fields.

Common degrees include Biology, Biomedical Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Pharmacology. Other relevant subjects are Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Biostatistics, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Systems Biology, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, and Marine Biology.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Fees for September 2027

Home fees

MSc (full-time): £11,790

MSc (part-time): £5,895 (per year)

PG Diploma (full-time): £7,860

PG Diploma (part-time): £3,930 (per year)

PG Certificate (full-time): £3,930

PG Certificate (part-time): £3,930 (per year)

International fees

MSc (full-time): £34,830

MSc (part-time): £17,415 (per year)

PG Diploma (full-time): £23,220

PG Diploma (part-time): £11,610 (per year)

PG Certificate (full-time): £11,610

PG Certificate (part-time): £11,610 (per year)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Graduate Destinations

There are a variety of dynamic and diverse career opportunities in the field of bioinformatics, especially within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and data science sectors.

Graduate destinations range from roles in bioinformatics research and data analysis to more specific roles like Applied Computational Toxicology and Molecular Genetics. The increasing role of bioinformatics in healthcare and pharmaceutical research further demonstrates the value of this advanced degree in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

MSc Bioinformatics graduates have gone on to work with a range of employers, including Microsoft, American Hospital Dubai, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and Illumina.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.