Training in biotechnology research with a strong emphasis on development of advanced practical skills and research methods.
The overall purpose of the course is to provide advanced education in biotechnology research. The main objective of the course is to improve the pool of knowledge and technological skills available to support biotechnology-based industry and research nationally and internationally. In the third semester, students have the opportunity to undertake their own independent full-time research project within one of the research groups in the internationally renowned Biomedical Sciences Research Institute (BMSRI) at Ulster University. The BMSRI research covers biomedicine from the molecular to the whole human including disease development, prevention, diagnosis and therapy- https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/biomedical-sciences/about
The course is primarily designed for those who wish to develop their career in biosciences with particular emphasis on biotechnology research; including either academia or bio-pharmaceutical and bio-industries.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The MSc in Biotechnology Research programme comprises three academic semesters in duration.
In Semesters 1 and 2, students will complete four 30-credit points modules, two in each semester.
in Semester 3, a full-time Research project with 60-credit points.
This programme is designed to provide up-to-date knowledge and understanding of core areas of biotechnology with particular emphasis on enhancing research skills. Within the programme, students will cover a range of diverse topics including: bioinformatics, diagnostics, genetic modification, stem cell technology and proteomics. Further study in research planning, scientific communication, and professional practice will provide opportunities for critical reflection and evaluation of current practice and policy, enabling lifelong learning and professional development in biotechnology.
Full-time on campus three semesters.
Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, group-work, module assignments, problem-based learning, and private study.
Assessment Methods: Coursework will assess outcomes and facilitate learning and the integration of knowledge. Structured coursework will include class test, case studies, literature-based assignments, a research project dissertation, supervisor’s report, plus other formative coursework as appropriate.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The module aims to give students an appreciation of the systems and concepts applied in Biotechnology research and provides relevance to the biomedical and biotechnology industries. Teaching is primarily through interactive lecture sessions, tutorials, and database mining.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module involves an in depth study of selected topics in biotechnology research which are the subject of considerable current interest. This module examines a diverse range of topics encompassing areas such as stem cell technology, genetic modification techniques, novel diagnostic technologies and innovations in biofuels and bioprotein. Case studies, augmented by laboratory practical work, are used to illustrate current applications of microbial diagnostics and future directions of diagnostics are discussed.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module consists of independent pieces of work designed to develop key skills in the areas of literature searching, poster and grant writing, presentation skills, and the critical analysis of disciplines relevant to biotechnology research.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to facilitate personal development and a deeper understanding of professional practice in the growing and evolving global bio-sector, further developing personal core concepts, skills, and attributes to enhance graduate employability.
Year: 1
Status: C
Students are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to a problem of a practical nature. They will carry out experiments with the object of solving the problem. They will present their material in oral and written formats.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Applicants must have gained:
(a) second class honours degree or better in Biology/Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Microbiology from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard;
or an equivalent standard (minimum 50%)
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);
(c) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
none
In this section
This course aims to prepare students for employment in specific bioscience sectors and to equip them for continuing personal, professional and intellectual development throughout their careers.
On completion of this course, students will have gained experience of advanced laboratory techniques, problem-solving and research design in a range of Biotechnology areas and be well prepared to work in research positions or to proceed on to do a research degree in a related area.
no placement possible, as this is one year full time postgraduate course taught on campus
2024/25 Fees
Our postgraduate fees are subject to annual increase and are currently under review. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
Ulster Alumni get 10% discount in fees.
Overseas-tuition Fee paying students will get £2000 discount.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
