Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc

Important application information

This course is still subject to full university approval and is due to start in September 2026. The information given below is intended for guidance purposes only and may change once the course is fully approved.

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when:

• the course gets full university approval
• more in-depth course information becomes available
• we can start accepting applications

Overview

Our Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc is a conversion programme that addresses an intersection between biological sciences and data analytics.

This programme prepares graduates to meet the growing demand for professionals who can operate across both domains. The course is designed for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

As bioscience industries embrace digital transformation, a skills gap has emerged in data handling, modelling, and interpretation. This programme is built to bridge that gap. Students progress from foundational skills in data curation to hypothesis-driven modelling. The course finishes with a dissertation project that mirrors industrial data science workflows.

This course is taught in collaboration with the Newcastle University Centre of Research Excellence (NUCoRE) in Industrial Biotechnology. The course integrates authentic, data-driven case studies and assessments. Each module draws on real-world datasets and scenarios from industry partners, ensuring workplace relevance and hands-on experience. 

You’ll also benefit from our direct partnership with the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). Aspects of this course delivered by expert data scientists from the NICD. You’ll immerse yourself in cutting-edge techniques, practical implementation, and ethical considerations of data science. At their purpose-built ‘bootcamp’, you’ll gain access to their data sets. You'll work as a team to provide a data-driven solution to a previously unseen organisational or business challenge.

In the programme's final phase, you'll complete a three-part capstone project:

• Part 1: Research Project Preparation
• Part 2: Individual Data Science Project
• Part 3: Group Hackathon

The project will give you the chance to reflect on the full research and innovation cycle. You'll apply what you've learned in authentic settings, producing a standout portfolio.

Who this course is for

This MSc is ideal for graduates looking to transition into data science but have an interest in biotechnology. Applicants should not have a degree in computer science or a course with significant computational content.

The programme is particularly suited to those interested in applying data science techniques in bioscience and industrial biotechnology contexts. This MSc offers a structured, supportive route into data-driven roles with real-world impact, whether you aim to work in:

• sustainable manufacturing
• digital health
• environmental analysis, or
• research and development

Important information

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

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

Your future

Your career

What sets this course apart is its strong links with industry. You'll work on live project briefs, take part in hackathons, and complete assessments that reflect real-world challenges. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio that demonstrates your skills and makes you stand out to employers.

Graduates are well-prepared to pursue a range of roles within the biotechnology sector, including:

• Bioinformatics Analyst
• Bioprocess Data Scientist
• Environmental Data Scientist
• Microbial Genomics Researcher
• Industrial R&D Data Consultant
• Synthetic Biology Analyst
• Biostatistician
• Data Engineer

You will be prepared to work in a variety of industries, including:

• industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing
• pharmaceutical and healthcare companies
• health and environment agencies
• data consultancy and scientific software development
• agritech and environmental sustainability firms
• academic and commercial research labs
• food and bioenergy production
• regulatory and quality assurance bodies

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