Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc

Overview

Biotechnology plays a vital role in everyday life. It drives innovation in everything from laundry detergents to biofuels, and even the food we eat.

With our Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc, you’ll:

• refine practical skills in molecular biology
• explore a wide range of applied biotechnological applications
• develop your independent research skills
• apply data-driven approaches to biotechnology research

Our MSc programme will enable you to understand how AI, synthetic and engineering biology are integrated with industrial processes to develop new technologies. This extends to the modelling and implementation of large-scale bioprocess engineering.

The United Nations identifies food security as a key global challenge. This programme explores how biotechnology can increase crop yields without expanding agricultural land.

You will examine how biological approaches can improve crop resilience and support the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

Whether your ambition is to launch a biotech start-up or shape the future of sustainable technologies, this course will give you the tools to make it happen.

You’ll learn:

• to navigate the interface between scientific discovery and industry impact
• scientific and technical skills
• advanced molecular biology techniques, including DNA/protein analysis and gene expression
• synthetic biology principles and the DBTL design cycle
• computational approaches for data analysis and systems modelling
• critical evaluation of emerging biotech research Commercial and professional insight
• innovation and problem-solving for real-world challenges
• an understanding of global biotech applications in sustainability, health and industry
• communication of research, including IP and stakeholder engagement

Modules

The module information on our course pages is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Problem Solving through Innovation PG	10
Research Dissertation Project	80
Global challenges: biotech solutions	20
Practical Techniques in Molecular Biology	20
Biotechnology: Advanced Topics	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Data Driven Analysis for Industrial Bioscience	20
Your Future - occupational awareness	10
Microbial Genomics	20
Biopharmaceuticals as Therapeutics	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including: 

• interactive lectures 
• small group workshops 
• hands-on lab sessions and problem-based learning 

Practical classes and project work form a core part of the course, allowing you to apply techniques in real-world contexts. Close academic support and feedback are built into the programme. Small group teaching fosters collaboration, critical thinking and confidence in both scientific and commercial settings.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Lab exercise
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• academic advisers and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your academic adviser throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

• Dr Martin Edwards (Degree Programme Director)
• Dr Matt Bawn
• Dr Agnieszka Bronowska
• Dr Catherine Douglas
• Dr Thomas Howard
• Dr Jem Stach
• Prof William Willats
• Dr Katie Wray

Your future

Where will this MSc take you? 

Further study 

This MSc provides a strong foundation for PhD‑level study. You will develop advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Many graduates progress to doctoral research or academic careers in biotechnology and related life science disciplines.

Careers 

If you plan to move into industry, this programme equips you with the skills and experience needed for biotechnology roles including research and development, product and process innovation, biomanufacturing, regulatory affairs, and biotech entrepreneurship.

During your studies, you will engage with professionals from research, business, and industry. You will also take part in the Molecular Life Sciences research group’s seminar series, giving you opportunities to connect with leading scientists, stay up-to-date with current developments, and build your professional network.

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Our research in biotechnology is supported by local access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities. These include:

• electron and cryo-electron microscopy
• DNA sequencing
• microarray analysis
• proteomics, confocal and TIRF microscopy
• flow cytometry with cell sorting
• X-ray crystallography
• HPLC, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy
• flow chemistry systems
• high-throughput liquid handling robotics
• containment level 3 laboratories
• high-performance computing
• controlled environment rooms for transgenic plants and quarantine invertebrates

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2027 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

How to apply

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