About the course
This course gives you an advanced understanding of molecular biology, computational biology and microbiology alongside teaching you valuable skills in project management that you can apply to planning and organisational change.
Modern biotechnology is a hugely complex subject, drawing from a range of scientific fields. On this course, you learn the latest new technologies in key areas; gain insights into how they are used in the global biotechnology industry; and discover how microbes can be used on an industrial scale to benefit humankind.
You also hone your research skills with a laboratory-based project in one of five taught areas: molecular biology; computational biology; applied microbiology; analytical biology; and biomaterials.
The project management units explore the complexity of implementing plans and achieving change in organisations as well as the methods managers can use to overcome these obstacles.
Why choose this course?
- Study the latest developments in applied microbiology and computational biology in high-quality, broad-based classes taught by dedicated staff with research experience in specialist subject areas
- Explore the latest technologies in molecular biology and the industrial processes that are used to exploit microbes for specific products and applications
- Develop the ability to use information from relevant sources, and independently and critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship
- Gain the ability to use assured, accurate and fluent language to present your work, and learn to develop graphs and images that clearly illustrate complex points
- Benefit from a wide knowledge base and the key transferable skills that will give you the opportunity to take your career to new heights in the biotechnology and allied industries

Units
- Analytical Methods (BHS013-6) Compulsory
- Applied Microbiology (BHS014-6) Compulsory
- Biomaterials (BHS042-6) Compulsory
- Biotechnology Research Project (BHS000-6) Compulsory
- Computational And Systems Biology (BHS043-6) Compulsory
- Developing Independent Research (CIS132-6) Compulsory
- Leading And Managing Organisational Resources (BSS064-6) Compulsory
- Molecular Biology (BHS012-6) Compulsory
- Personal Professional Development (BSS074-6) Compulsory
- Project Management (BSS060-6) Compulsory
Assessment is undertaken in all units of the course to check that you have met the threshold standards expected of all students. Most units have two summative assessment points and you will be provided with feedback that is designed to show you where you are meeting/exceeding the standards and where/how you can/should make further improvement. The final assessment in most of the taught units is a formal written examination. Elsewhere, a range of assessment methods are used. These include not only scientific laboratory reports, but others that develop a range of transferable skills, including research proposals and poster/oral presentations. These are is designed to build upon and extend what is expected of students with an undergraduate degree.
Why Study in the School of Life Sciences?
- Specialist laboratories in new £40m STEM building
- 92% satisfaction with Biological Science, NSS 2020
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
This course will support you to seek a career in the biotechnology industries; pharmaceutical and food companies; academic institutions; health-related industries including the NHS; and other public-sector organisations. It opens the door to progressing into research and development in industry, academia or government laboratories.
You will also have the opportunity for further study at Doctoral level.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £17,100.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £17,100.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student