Skip to main content

Synthetic Biology MSc

This course provides you with a balance of molecular biology, engineering, computing and modelling skills necessary for a career in synthetic biology.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2023

Important application information

Please see the How to apply section below for important information relating to course closures for 2023 entry.

Overview

As the field of synthetic biology grows, computational design of biological systems is important. It allows the construction of complex and large biological systems.

This Synthetic Biology master's specialises in computational design. Laboratory approaches to engineering biological systems are also a major focus. The course provides you with essential computing and engineering skills. You'll learn to develop software to program biological systems.

 

We've designed this Synthetic Biology master's for students from both biological and computational backgrounds. Prior experience with computers or computer programming is not required. Students with mathematical, engineering or other scientific backgrounds are also welcome to apply. It is ideal if you are aiming for careers in industry or academia.

We provide a unique, multidisciplinary experience that is essential for understanding synthetic biology. The programme draws together the highly-rated teaching and research expertise from:

  • Computing Science
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Biology
  • the Medical Faculty
  • the Institute of Human Genetics

Research is a large component of this course. The emphasis is on delivering the research training you will need in the future to meet the demands of industry and academia. Newcastle's research in life sciences, computing and mathematics is internationally recognised.

READ MORE

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you'll learn

You'll take compulsory modules (70 credits) and optional modules (20 credits). This is followed by a six-month individual project that may be taken within the University or with a bioinformatics or pharmaceutical company (90 credits).

Optional modules enable you to tailor your degree to either a computational/numerical theme or a more biologically oriented theme.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

 

Your future

Placements

Students have a unique opportunity to complete a work placement with one of our industrial partners as part of their projects.

Previous students have found placements with organisations including:

  • NHS Business Services Authority
  • Waterstons
  • Metropolitan Police
  • Accenture
  • IBM
  • Network Rail
  • Nissan
  • GSK

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

The School of Computing is based in the £58million Urban Sciences Building, a flagship development located on the £350m Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

  • academia
  • the public sector
  • communities
  • business and industry

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

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:

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


Apply Online  

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk

Online

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Chat to a student