Bioinformatics (Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute) MSc

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, machine learning, use of AI in bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Help shape the future of one of the fastest-growing fields in industry and academia.

Course structure

This two-year MSc combines core training in mathematics, statistics, programming, machine learning, and molecular biosciences with advanced bioinformatics applications. Through taught modules, group work, and an independent project, you’ll learn to tackle complex questions using modern data driven approaches.

Join us on this two-year full-time programme comprising of taught modules during terms one, two and three followed by a dissertation. The taught modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and end of year examinations for taught modules.

You’ll develop the skills to analyse diverse omics datasets, including next generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, imaging, genome engineering, emerging single molecule techniques, and integrative multi-omics workflows. You’ll also explore exciting frontiers in bioscience, from precision medicine and precision agriculture to emerging areas such as molecular ecosystems biology and topological data analysis.

• Gain a foundation in statistical machine learning essential for a career in the life sciences.
• 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.
• Develop the in-demand skills for one of the fastest-growing industrial and academic fields in the UK and beyond.
• You will receive training in a wide range of bioinformatics data types and analytical approaches, from next generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, and imaging to statistics, machine learning, and integrative multi omics analysis.

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.

Assessment

The programme will be assessed using a variety of methods including unseen examinations, problem solving exercises, oral presentations, and independent projects.

Feedback will be provided on work submission for both formative and summative assessments, feedback may be shared, individual, written or oral.

We expect students to continue their learning outside of timetabled sessions, per 20 credit module we would anticipate students will need to undertake around 130-150 hours of self-study.

This programme is delivered by both University of Birmingham and Jinan University at the Joint Institute in Guangzhou, China.

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.

MSc Bioinformatics (J-BJI)

Year: 1
2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Year: 2
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.

The programme is taught entirely in English. 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 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 121 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 564 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

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

At the Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute we also have a dedicated Careers Skills and Development Officer, who works with you through group and one-to-one appointments (both online and in-person).

This role supports you to complete a CV, write personal statements, and plan professional development opportunities for your career or further study. They also work with the Director of Student Experience and Alumni to develop talks from external speakers and opportunities to visit the UK.

The vibrant Guangzhou campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and facilities will quickly make you feel at home. With exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.