Ranking
14th
in UK for Biosciences
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Course overview
Aimed at those who want to improve the world through biotechnology, this course will equip you with the skills and specialised knowledge needed to embark on your career in this exciting and fast-moving area of bioscience. Make a global impact.
You'll gain transferable skills such as presentation, statistics, and business plan writing to set you up for success alongside subject-specific expertise in molecular biotechnology techniques and practical skills. Molecular biotechnology is a broad field that offers a variety of assignments and an overview of topics within biotechnology, so you are not committed to one specific area creating more opportunities for your future.
The Molecular Biotechnology MSc covers diverse aspects of biology, from genetics to modern R-programming, and helped me hone my academic writing and analytical thinking skills. This comprehensive learning experience deepened my understanding of biology and enabled me to secure UK government funding for my PhD pursuit, which I always dreamt of.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in full-time-mode with taught modules and ending with a research project. Here’s what you can expect to study each term.
Course highlights
Learn from individuals who are undertaking research in the topics they teach, creating a very active research-led teaching component to this MSc. Gain a thorough understanding to be able to analyse biotechnological problems and execute solutions.
- Undertake lab-based research projects
- Study at one of the UK's top Schools of Biosciences
- Research-led teaching from experts in the field
- 14th
in the UK for Biosciences
QS World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine
QS World Rankings 2024
- 127th
in the world for Biological Sciences
QS World Rankings 2024
Course delivery
Using a mixture of taught material and lab-based research, you will be provided with the skills and specialised knowledge needed for a career in biotechnology. Practical element will focus on fermentation, molecular biology, functional genetics and genomics, cell biology and protein chemistry. You will then go on to complete a major, supervised laboratory or computer-based research project.
- Lectures and workshops will be used to enhance the learning process
- Independent study hours will be allocated for individual and group work
- Laboratory practicals will provide you with the necessary skills needed in a Biotechnology career.
- Research and a lab-based project will allow you to be part of a real research group and carry out your own project.
Module information
Our Molecular Biotechnology MSc provides you with training in the skills and specialised knowledge needed to equip you for a career in molecular biotechnology in industry or academia. The course has been designed in consultation with experts in biotechnology industries.
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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutic Biologicals from Bench to Market | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Biosciences Postgraduate Masters Skills Programme | 0 | Full Term |
| LM Functional Genomics and Reverse Genetics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Funding and Communicating Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Introduction to Biotechnology: from genes to products | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Research Project (MBT) | 60 | |
| LM Research Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Practical Applications of Molecular Biotechnology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:2 Honours degree
in a Biosciences subject, ideally including some molecular biology (including gene cloning) and some genetics as part of their first degree.
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
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’ve 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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
You'll be prepared for dynamic careers in various science-based industries, particularly biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, which are experiencing global expansion. Our curriculum is developed with insights from a senior scientist in the pharmaceutical field, balances scientific knowledge with practical applications, including product development and business planning, to ensure you are equipped for the industry's current and future demands.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.