Study MSc Bioinformatics with Extended Professional Practice

Course Highlights

Intended for graduates in biological sciences or computer science interested in applying computation to biology. This MSc Bioinformatics course offers an opportunity to explore the application of computer science to problems in biology and medicine, providing a powerful skill set for tackling real-world challenges. You will learn how to generate and process biological sequence data, as well as use innovative tools and techniques that make sense of complex biological data. The course will develop your skills through lectures, workshops and practical classes, covering computational as well as laboratory practicals. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration with biologists, medical professionals, and computer scientists, preparing you to excel in diverse and dynamic teams in the workplace.

Course Modules

Learning Structure

The full-time MSc course spans one year, divided into three semesters. In the first semester, you will learn the basics of computer science or bioscience, depending on your background, and how to utilize bioinformatics databases and tools.

The second semester introduces more advanced topics, such as Machine Learning and Statistics, and offers the option to specialise in either Clinical Bioinformatics or Bioinformatics of Plant Disease. This allows you to tailor your studies to areas of particular interest in the bioinformatics field.

The third semester is dedicated to the Research Project, where you will conduct 7-8 weeks of independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. This is a key opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world context and enhance your research skills.

You can expect around 18 hours of on-campus contact per week during term time, including lectures, workshops, and practical work. In addition to these contact hours, you will need to allocate time for independent study, assignments and preparation for practicals, making this a full-time commitment.

Assessment methods include practical reports, data analysis, program code writing, seminar presentations, group projects, oral exams and a research project thesis. These diverse assessment types ensure that you develop a broad range of skills and knowledge throughout the course.

The MSc with extended professional practice involves full-time study during the first two semesters of the first year, followed by a work placement, with the research project at end of the second year. Finding a work placement is your responsibility; if you are unable to secure one, you can continue with the full-time course or opt for the Advanced Research pathway, subject to availability.

Entry Requirements

• A 4-year Honours degree (or equivalent) in a Bioscience or Computer Science discipline with CGPA 2.50 or 50% of marks (or above) and evidence of having completed a research project or a professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above from recognised institution.
• Or, a 4-year Honours degree (or equivalent) in a veterinary science, medicine discipline with CGPA 2.75 or 55% of marks (or above) from recognised institution.
• Or, a 4-year Honours degree (or equivalent) in a maths, physics or astronomy discipline with a significant computational component and CGPA 2.75 or 55% of marks (or above) from recognised institution.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic

Overall 7.0

With minimum 6.5 in each components

TOEFL iBT

Overall 95

Minimum in Listening: 18, Reading: 18, Speaking: 20, Writing: 18

PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic

Overall 66

With minimum 66 in each components

LanguageCert Academic

Overall 75

With minimum 70 in each bands

OIETC (Oxford International English Test Centre)

Overall C1 (Advanced)

With minimum B2 in each bands

Duolingo

Overall 105

With minimum 96 in each bands

Study Gaps

For applicants with an academic or professional gap of up to 5 years, admission is generally considered acceptable. If the gap exceeds this period, applications may still be successful but will typically be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To strengthen your profile, it is important to:

• Provide a clear explanation of how you spent the gap period (e.g., employment, further learning, personal responsibilities).
• Emphasize the skills and experiences you developed during this time that are relevant to the program.
• Demonstrate that your academic qualifications continue to meet the course entry requirements.