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.
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.
October - December (11 weeks) In the first term you will be taught core modules with an Introduction to Biotechnology: From Genes to Products, research techniques in molecular biotechnology and finding and communicating science.
January-April (11 weeks) In the second term, your taught modules will include diving into practical application of molecular biotechnology, functional genomics, reverse genetics and pharmaceuticals and therapeutic biologicals from bench to market.
May-September (11 weeks) – The summer research project will give you direct experience of doing a piece of independent research, providing first-hand experience of how scientific information is acquired and assimilated into the existing body of knowledge by designing and undertaking scientific experiments.
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.
in the UK for Biosciences
QS World University Rankings 2025
in the world for Biological Sciences
QS World Rankings 2025
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.
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
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutic Biologicals from Bench to Market | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Biosciences Postgraduate Masters Skills Programme | 0 | Full Term |
| Functional Genomics and Reverse Genetics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Funding and Communicating Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Biotechnology: from genes to products | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Project (MBT) | 60 | |
| Research Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Practical Applications of Molecular Biotechnology | 20 | Semester 2 |
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.
Here is the standard offer for the course and additional requirements for students applying from India.
in a Biosciences subject, ideally including some molecular biology (including gene cloning) and some genetics as part of their first degree.
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 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
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.
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.
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.
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.
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.
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. That's why we've made more than £10.5 million in scholarships available for international students coming to study at Birmingham.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
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.
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.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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