University of Portsmouth
Biotechnology MSc
University of Portsmouth

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22481 £20177 £23660
25-75 percentile range £20119 - £25653 £15142 - £24804 £17699 - £30158

Course Description

Overview

Turn your ambition into the postgraduate qualification you need and open doors to an exciting career in biotechnology.

With the UK being Europe’s leading biotech hub and Portsmouth ranked third of all modern post-92 universities in the UK for research power, there’s no better time to study our Master’s in Biotechnology.

You’ll develop your understanding of molecular tools that are used to solve global issues, including the exploration of genetic engineering, bioinformatics, online biological databases, and tailor your studies and experiments to the areas of biotechnology that match your interests.

When you graduate, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed in many fields from industry and academia to research and development – with the opportunity to specialise later in your career.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

  • Prepare to work in industry, or academic environments, choosing subjects that match your aspirations
  • Unpack a practical and a theoretical understanding of the molecular techniques used in the biotechnology sector
  • Develop your practical skills using professional research equipment in the University's complex of over 30 laboratories
  • Benefit from our world-renowned Centre for Enzyme Innovation where we're researching solutions to some of the most pressing global environmental problems
  • Study modules in entrepreneurship, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering
  • Access opportunities to build your business ideas through our Student start-up and Entrepreneurs in Residence

Careers and opportunities

This Master’s degree will help you to specialise in biotechnology and build your career in a variety of companies, including innovative start-ups and global corporations. You could also decide to start your own business, which we can support you with.

Once you graduate from this MSc Biotechnology degree, you’ll have a broad understanding of the ongoing development of life-improving technologies, strategies and products used in the biotechnology sector. You'll have the practical skills to operate successfully in this pioneering field, or you could proceed to a research degree.

What jobs can you do with a Biotechnology degree?

Career opportunities include:

  • Research scientist
  • Business associate
  • Sales representative
  • Forensic interpretations team leader
  • Molecular pathologist
  • Bone densitometry technician
  • Bone densitometry technician
  • data analyst
  • Clinical trials assistant
  • Account executive

Our previous graduates have gone on to work in organisations including:

  • Cellmark Ltd
  • Portsmouth Trust NHS
  • Publicis Health
  • Eli Lilly

The course is delivered to enable you to develop both the theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. Teaching is typically in small groups with a mixture of lectures, seminar, workshops and practical work. The course is delivered by a team of expert scientists who are all publishing regularly in international journals. Assessment will cover all aspects of what is required to be a professional scientist, so will assess via a variety of methods, including: **written exams** **practical work** **problem solving** **presentations** **essay** **project work**

Entry Requirements / Admissions

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic)

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Cambridge English Advanced

**Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015**

An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169

Cambridge English Proficiency

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169.

TOEFL (iBT)

91.with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing.

PTE Academic

An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 54 in each skill.

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Biotechnology, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Portsmouth in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Portsmouth in related subject specific rankings.

Engineering

    • #37 
    • #877 
    Engineering
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

See all 29 university rankings of University of Portsmouth

About University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is located on the United Kingdom’s only island city, Portsmouth. This public university, which was previously known as Portsmouth Polytechnic, forms part of the University Alliance, an organisation whose aim is to promote growth and innovation in the UK by putting an emphasis on links with business and industry.

List of 234 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Portsmouth - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Portsmouth

undergraduates:
18085
postgraduates:
5005
Total:
23090
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Where is this programme taught

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