Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) MSc

1 year, starting in September 2021

Develop an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, and its applications in health, medicine or food biosecurity, preparing you for a career in research or industry.

Biosciences research has huge impact in helping people live longer and healthier lives. With the World Economic Forum identifying healthcare as one of the top 10 Global Challenges for 2030, there is a growing demand for specialists in this field. This course provides you with an understanding of the molecular basis of biological systems and focuses on applying this knowledge to improve human health and disease, food biosecurity and sustainable biotechnologies.

The unique course structure is designed in consultation with clinical and industrial partners to give you the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in molecular biosciences. You’ll gain extensive research experience by carrying out two research projects, working in dedicated postgraduate labs and with researchers from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry.

The course also includes a ‘Broadening horizons’ unit, giving you the opportunity to further strengthen your employability by doing a project addressing the challenges of global environment sustainability. You’ll apply your skills related to either entrepreneurship, teaching, media and communication, or public engagement.

You’ll graduate with the specialist knowledge and employability skills for a career in further research, such as a PhD, or roles in academic, clinical, industrial or commercial sectors anywhere in the world.

Specialise in bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an exciting and rapidly growing field in biology that offers career opportunities at the interface of biological and computational sciences. This interdisciplinary field applies computational approaches to analyse large biological datasets generated by the revolutionary technological advances in the field, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and omics-based technologies.

You’ll work with researchers from our new Milner Centre for Evolution, supported by teaching staff in the Department of Computer Science. You’ll learn to apply computational methods to answer biological questions ranging from bacterial epidemiology, healthy ageing and genomic medicine to evolution and conservation biology.

This course is for you if you’ve graduated from a bioscience, computer science, mathematics or technology background and you’re interested in a career within the field of bioinformatics.

Other specialist areas available on this course include Microbiology, Medical Biosciences and Biotechnology.

Find out more about studying at Bath:

2021/22 Academic Year

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, information about courses starting in September 2021 may be subject to change. We continue to improve your teaching and learning experience so you gain skills and understanding which are valuable to you and sought after by employers.

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

During the 2020/21 Academic Year, our courses are being delivered through a blended learning approach. The Bath Blend has been designed to be flexible in the face of possible changes in law or official government guidance, including measures on social distancing which may occur through the course of the next academic year and other changes to the operating environment for Universities which may be caused by the pandemic.

Information for students on our plans for the 2020-21 academic year.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2021 and ends in 2022. Welcome week starts on 27 September 2021.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

In addition to the compulsory and optional units studied during the course, you'll have access to online study materials two weeks before the start of semester 1, to help you prepare for study at Bath.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

All compulsory units

Optional course units

Learning and assessment

Learning

Assessment

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘The Bioinformatics stream combines classical microbiology with state of the art genomics.’

— Dr Nick Priest Evolution & Biodiversity research theme lead (2018)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

You should have a first or strong second-class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in any biological, computational or mathematical subject, such as biosciences, medical, biomedical, life sciences, nutritional veterinary, biotechnology, pharmacy, phamacology or computer science.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If you first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Bangladeshi qualifications

A Master's degree (following a 3 or 4 year Bachelor's degree) with a final overall grade of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (60% or B).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can't see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Chinese qualifications

A four year Bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 75% depending on the institution attended.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Egyptian qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree awarded by a university with an overall score of at least 75% (very good).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

French qualifications

A Licence, Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise with a final overall score of at least 11.5 out of 20.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Ghanaian qualifications

A Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least B (Good, 3.5 or 60%).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 5 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Greek qualifications

A University Bachelor degree (Ptychio) or Diploma with a final overall score of at least 6.5 to 7.5 out of 10 depending upon the institution attended.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Hong Kongese qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B or 2:1).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Indian qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a First Class.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Italian qualifications

A Laurea with a final overall score of at least 100 out of 110.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Mexican qualifications

A Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) de (subject area) with a final overall result of least 8 out of 10.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Nigerian qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 5 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Kenyan qualifications

A Bachelor Honours degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 5 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Malaysian qualifications

A Bachelor Honours degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Pakistani qualifications

A 4 year Bachelor’s degree from a high ranked (HEC) university with a final overall result of at least a First Class (Division 1).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Saudi Arabian qualifications

A four year Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least 75% (GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5.0 or 3.0 out of 4.0).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Spanish qualifications

A Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo de Ingeniero with a final overall score of at least 7.0 (notable).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Tanzanian qualifications

A Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least an Upper Second (very good or GPA 3.5).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

American qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 2.8 out of 4.0 (B).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Turkish qualifications

A Lisans Diplomasi with a final overall GPA of at least 2.8-3.0 depending on the institution you have attended.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) MSc

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

Course title

Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
Final award

MSc
Mode of study

Full-time
Course code

TSBB-AFM48
Department

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Location

University of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
Home application deadline

31 August 2021
We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.
Overseas application deadline

30 June 2021
We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.
Application eligibility

Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
Regulator

The Office for Students (OfS)

Course enquiries

Admissions

Apply for 2021 entry

Apply now