MSc Bioinformatics
- MSc
Overview
This MSc Bioinformatics programme equips students with a diverse range of computational and analytical skills needed to address real-world challenges in modern biology. The programme is designed for students from a variety of academic backgrounds related to the life sciences (biology, biochemistry, genetics, medicine, and other biosciences). Students will learn and work together with world-leading experts to gain hands on experience with tools used in academia, healthcare, and industry.
In the age of big data, conservation biology, biodiversity, precision medicine, genetics, and evolutionary biology involve the study of large amounts of data that increase in volume and variety at a high speed.
The use of computational tools is essential to analyse such large datasets, which have shaken the foundations of many scientific disciplines. The advent of these technologies is also central to many companies and the public sector, and has driven the emergence of innovative start-ups. The job market for graduates proficient in bioinformatics is expanding rapidly and is expected to keep growing.
You will learn about topics including programming, machine learning, genomics, protein structure, evolutionary biology, as well as professional and entrepreneurial skills. You will undertake a scientific research project supervised by the experts of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and will leave with highly transferable skills that will help to boost your future career and employability. Moreover, you will learn how to capitalise on your innovative ideas in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment.
Programme structure
The programme consists of two main components:
- Taught units from September to April, where you will develop core skills in programming, data analysis, and bioinformatics, alongside specialist topics such as genomics and machine learning,
- A research project from May to September, during which you will undertake an independent research project, applying your skills to a real scientific question under academic supervision.
This structure enables you to build a strong foundation before applying your knowledge in a research or industry-relevant context.
Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a degrees related to life sciences such as: biological sciences, biochemistry, zoology, ecology, bioinformatics, or any degree title with Biology or Biological Sciences included.
OR
If your degree subject is not listed above, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a STEM subject, and you will also need: one module at 60% or above (or international equivalent) in Genetics, Genomics, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £16,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £32,800 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Bioinformatic skills are essential for future life scientists, not only to molecular sciences, but also in fields such as healthcare, climate change, biodiversity, metagenomics, or conservation. Outside academia, many sectors are also reliant on Big Data, social media analytics, and other computer-based methodologies such as artificial intelligence or deep learning.
Opportunities exist in sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental science, as well as public initiatives such as Genomics England (Department of Health and Social Care), and the Darwin Tree of Life (Wellcome Trust). Consequently, the job market for graduates proficient in bioinformatics is expanding rapidly and is expected to keep growing. The combination of computational and biological expertise also provides a strong foundation for PhD study.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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