MSc Bioinformatics
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Bioinformatics covers a diverse range of areas in bioinformatics and is suitable 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.
In the age of big data, conservation biology, biodiversity, 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 will 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 comprises two main components: taught units that cover core bioinformatics skills and applications across two terms, and a research project from May to September.
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 degree related to Life Sciences, such as Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biological Science, Ecology, or Zoology.
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 Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics subject. You will also need to have scored 60% or above (or an international equivalent) in a genetics, genomics, biochemistry, or molecular biology module unit.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
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. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. Please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of a relevant postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences, such as Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biological Science, Ecology, Zoology, Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics subject.
Specific module requirements would still apply.
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.
Go to admissions statementIf 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
- £14,500 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,200 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.
Bench fees
£540. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.
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 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.
Examples in the UK are public projects including 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 will keep growing.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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