Course summary
Overview Turn your ambition into the postgraduate qualification you need and open doors to an exciting career in biotechnology. With the UK being Europe’s leading biotech hub and Portsmouth ranked third of all modern post-92 universities in the UK for research power, there’s no better time to study our Master’s in Biotechnology. You’ll develop your understanding of molecular tools that are used to solve global issues, including the exploration of genetic engineering, bioinformatics, online biological databases, and tailor your studies and experiments to the areas of biotechnology that match your interests. When you graduate, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed in many fields from industry and academia to research and development – with the opportunity to specialise later in your career. What you'll experience On this course, you'll:
- Prepare to work in industry, or academic environments, choosing subjects that match your aspirations
- Unpack a practical and a theoretical understanding of the molecular techniques used in the biotechnology sector
- Develop your practical skills using professional research equipment in the University's complex of over 30 laboratories
- Benefit from our world-renowned Centre for Enzyme Innovation where we're researching solutions to some of the most pressing global environmental problems
- Study modules in entrepreneurship, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering
- Access opportunities to build your business ideas through our Student start-up and Entrepreneurs in Residence
- Research scientist
- Business associate
- Sales representative
- Forensic interpretations team leader
- Molecular pathologist
- Bone densitometry technician
- Bone densitometry technician
- data analyst
- Clinical trials assistant
- Account executive
- Cellmark Ltd
- Portsmouth Trust NHS
- Publicis Health
- Eli Lilly
Modules
Full-time Modules studied On this MSc Biotechnology course you'll study three core modules and two optional modules. Core Bioinformatics and Omics - 30 credits Biotechnology Research Skills and Project - 60 credits Molecular Biotechnology - 30 credits Optional Biotechnology Enterprise - 30 credits Engineering Animals - 30 credits Environmental Microbiology - 30 credits Molecular Medicine - 30 credits Part-time Year 1 In the first year of this part-time MSc Biotechnology course you'll study three optional modules. Optional Bioinformatics and Omics - 30 credits Biotechnology Enterprise - 30 credits Engineering Animals - 30 credits Molecular Biotechnology - 30 credits Year 2 In the second year of this part-time MSc Biotechnology course you'll study one core module and one optional module. Core Biotechnology Research Skills and Project - 60 credits Optional Bioinformatics and Omics - 30 credits Biotechnology Enterprise - 30 credits Engineering Animals - 30 credits Environmental Microbiology - 30 credits Molecular Medicine - 30 credits Changes to course content We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies. Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment method
The course is delivered to enable you to develop both the theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. Teaching is typically in small groups with a mixture of lectures, seminar, workshops and practical work. The course is delivered by a team of expert scientists who are all publishing regularly in international journals. Assessment will cover all aspects of what is required to be a professional scientist, so will assess via a variety of methods, including: written exams practical work problem solving presentations essay project work
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. | |
| PTE Academic | An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 54 in each skill. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £6000 | Year 1 |
| England | £6000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £6000 | Year 1 |
| International | £9600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation.
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP