StudyLink logoHome
Students on a university campus

Bioscience, MSc

University of Leeds, the United Kingdom

University of Leeds

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MScFull-time12 monthsSeptemberGBP 11000 per totalGBP 23000 per total

About Bioscience, MSc - at University of Leeds

Our MSc Bioscience course gives you the opportunity to develop a broad scientific base on which to build your future career.

On this course you'll study core research training modules designed to equip you with the expertise needed to work at the forefront of the modern bioscience sector. You can specialise in exciting contemporary topics in the areas of human disease, bioinformatics, biotechnology and plant science, and choose from a range of optional modules, including those associated with the specialisms we offer. This means you can study the topics that interest you and match your career aspirations.

You'll also carry out an independent research project in an area related to your course options.

The course is 100% coursework assessed (although some modules have small in-course tests). Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop your independent thinking, problem solving, communication skills and practical ability, making you attractive to employers or providing an excellent foundation for further study (eg PhD).

You'll study in a faculty ranked 6th in the UK for its research impact in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

  • Course content

    This course is designed to equip you with the expertise necessary to work at the forefront of the modern bioscience sector. We'll offer you a combination of practical training and theoretical modules to help you build your knowledge and skills.

    The practical experience you gain during this degree is a vital part of your career preparation. You'll receive substantial training in practical methods and technologies currently being used to advance the biological sciences.

    During the course you'll apply yourself through core research training modules. You'll undertake a laboratory-based mini-project providing a hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques. You'll also carry out a laboratory-based independent research project on an innovative topic related to your course options.

    Importantly, we'll also give you a strong foundation of theoretical teaching to enhance your practical training. You'll develop your knowledge through research planning exercises and by studying methodologies underpinning contemporary bioscience, with many optional modules available to choose from, including Advanced Immunology, Plant Biotechnology, and Medical Diagnostics.

    Course structure

    These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

    Year 1

    Compulsory modules

    • Practical Bioinformatics 10 credits
    • MSc Bioscience Research Project Proposal 5 credits
    • Research Planning and Scientific Communication 10 credits
    • Advanced Biomolecular Technologies 20 credits
    • Protein Engineering Laboratory Project 15 credits
    • Bioscience MSc Research Project 80 credits

    Optional modules

    • Bioimaging 10 credits
    • Advanced Immunology 10 credits
    • Topics in Plant Science 10 credits
    • Infectious & Non-infectious Diseases 10 credits
    • Plant Biotechnology 10 credits
    • High-throughput Technologies 10 credits
    • Medical Diagnostics 10 credits
    • Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer 10 credits

    For more information on typical modules, read Bioscience MSc in the course catalogue

    Learning and teaching

    You'll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We've been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

    Your learning will be heavily influenced by the University's world-class research as well as our strong links with highly qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.

    You'll experience a wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.

    The learning context has a strong research ethos, preparing you for academic (PhD and post-doctoral), industrial or public sector research. Taught modules address problems at the forefront of the subject, and learning activities (such as group work and mini-research projects) are designed to develop your subject-specific knowledge and research skills.

    Your major project will involve cutting edge research with potential for publication in peer reviewed literature.

    Assessment

    We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, literature reviews, research paper critiques, posters and oral presentations.

  • Applying, fees and funding

    Entry requirements

    A bachelor degree with 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject.

    We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information please contact the Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

    Improve your English

    If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

    • don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
    • want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

    Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

    How to apply

    Documents and information you'll need

    • completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study)
    • completed supporting statement
    • full CV
    • transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
    • copy of final degree certificate (if completed)
    • two academic references
    • evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only)
    • copy of passport (if you're an overseas student).
    • Apply

    This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
     
    If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

    Next steps

    • we process your application
    • we inform you of our decision
    • if we make you an offer, you respond by accepting, declining or deferring.

    Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

    Admissions policy

    Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

    Fees

    UK/EU: £11,000 (total)

    International: £23,000 (total)

    Read more about paying fees and charges.

    For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

    Additional cost information

    There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

    Scholarships and financial support

    If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

    Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

    We award a generous range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills.

    Visit our FBS fees and scholarships page to find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.

  • Career opportunities

    The strong research element of the Bioscience MSc, along with the specialist and generic skills you develop, mean you'll graduate equipped for a wide range of careers.

    Our graduates work in a diverse range of areas, ranging from bioscience-related research through to scientific publication, teacher training, health and safety and pharmaceutical market research.

    Links with industry

    We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advise us on what they look for in graduates and on employability-related skills within our courses.

    We collaborate with a wide range of organisations in the public and commercial sectors. Many of these are represented on our Industrial Advisory Board. They include:

    • GlaxoSmithKline
    • Ernst and Young
    • The Food and Environment Research Agency
    • The Health Protection Agency
    • MedImmune
    • Thermofisher Scientific
    • Hays Life Sciences
    • European Bioinformatics Institute
    • Smaller University spin-out companies, such as Lumora


    Industrial research placements
    Some of our partners offer MSc research projects in their organisations, allowing students to develop their commercial awareness and build their network of contacts.

    Professional and career development

    We take personal and career development very seriously. We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advises us on what they look for in graduates and on employability related skills within our courses.

    Our dedicated Employability and Professional Development Officer ensures that you are aware of events and opportunities to increase your employability. In addition, our Masters Career Development Programme will support you to:

    • explore career options and career planning
    • understand the PhD application process and optimise PhD application
    • learn how to use LinkedIn and other social media for effective networking and career opportunities
    • practice interviews for both job and PhD applications

    You will also have access to seminars and presentations from industry professionals (including our alumni) at faculty led career events. We also have regular research seminars presented by leading academics from around the world on their specialist subjects.

    Graduate destinations
    Examples of posts held by recent MSc graduates include:

    • Trainee Cytogeneticist, UK
    • Commissioning Editor, scientific publishers, UK
    • Research Fellow, National Centre for Biological Sciences, India
    • Clinical Researcher, Kent and Medway Cancer Network and NHS Trust, UK
    • Research Technician, University of Warwickshire/University of Oxford, UK
    • Graduate Medical Degree, UK
    • Bioassay analyst, Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, UK
    • Laboratory technician, Exova Group Limited
    • Quality Management at Johnson & Johnson Lifescan Technologies
    • Postgraduate Certificate in Education, UK
    • Trainee Embryologist, UK
    • Research Assistant, Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar
    • Sypol, Health and Safety Services, UK
    • Research Executive, Adelphi International Research, UK
    • Biopharmaceutical Experimental Officer, Covance, UK.

    Further study

    A substantial proportion of our graduates undertake further study at Leeds or elsewhere. Recent graduates have gone on to:

    • PhD positions in the UK, USA, Australia and European countries overseas eg at the Max Planck Institute, Germany
    • Research post at Harvard School of Public Health, Botswana.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Related courses

    Biodiversity and Conservation MRes
    Biodiversity and Conservation MSc
    Biopharmaceutical Development MSc
    Infection, Immunity and Human Disease MSc
    Plant Science and Biotechnology MSc
  • Entry requirements

    A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject.

    Language requirements
    IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component

    Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

    Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

    Fashion & Luxury Business Master Degree

    EU Business School Digital

    Find out more

    Intelligent Systems Design MDes

    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design)

    Find out more

    Paralegal Secretarial UG:Diploma

    International Career Institute

    Find out more

    Critical and Cultural Theory MA

    Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

    If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these postgraduate preparation courses from another institution:

    Occupational Health and Safety

    Edith Cowan University Online (ECU)

    Find out more

    Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing

    Australian Catholic University (ACU)

    Find out more

    Business Administration - Global

    James Cook University Online (JCU)

    Find out more

    Graduate Diploma in Project Management

    Southern Cross University Online

    Find out more
    See all Postgraduate pathway courses

    Other courses at University of Leeds

    There are 836 other courses listed from University of Leeds. A selection of these are displayed below:

    Accounting & Finance PhD

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Accounting and Finance BSc

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Accounting and Finance MSc

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Actuarial Finance MSc

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Actuarial Mathematics BSc (Hons)

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Addiction Studies BSc

    University of Leeds

    Find out more

    Advanced Computer Science MSc

    University of Leeds

    Find out more
    View all 836 courses at University of Leeds

    Related Information

    See other universities in Leeds

    Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom