Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
This comprehensive MSc in Biotechnology and Bioengineering offers an extensive conceptual understanding and practical experience across a wide range of topics.
Biotechnology and bioengineering hold immense potential to address some of today’s most pressing global challenges, including those related to energy, health, nutrition, and pollution.
On this course, you’ll explore how biotechnological and bioengineering approaches can be harnessed to tackle global issues in a sustainable manner, with a focus on practical applications in commercial and industrial settings.
UEA boasts significant expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular sciences, with a global reputation for academic excellence and strong connections to leading institutes within the Norwich Research Park. This world-class environment ensures that you’ll have access to cutting-edge research and expertise throughout your studies, providing a vibrant and stimulating learning experience.
This dynamic MSc programme will prepare you for a fulfilling career in research or in the broader industries related to biotechnology and bioengineering. You’ll graduate equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to launch your career and work towards becoming an expert in this innovative and rapidly evolving field.
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Study and Modules
Structure
On this one-year MSc course, you’ll learn the fundamental theory of biotechnology and bioengineering and develop valuable transferable skills that will cover presentation skills, employability awareness and practices and time-management. A major component of the course will be performing an independent research project with a research leader of your choice, and more importantly not only from UEA but from across the Research Institutes of the Norwich Research Park.
Upon completion, you’ll be exceptionally well qualified as a PhD candidate for national and international PhDs within biotechnology, bioengineering and related topics. You’ll also have a diverse range of transferable skills and understanding that will enhance your employability in industry, government, and non-government organisations.
Compulsory Modules
Optional Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
All our teaching in the Schools of Biological and Ecological Sciences is research-led. This means that during your 1-year MSc course you’ll benefit from the teaching expertise of a large group of enthusiastic, friendly academic staff with world-leading research reputations in biotechnology and bioengineering.
There will also be input from staff in leading external organisations who ensure that current issues and ideas are incorporated into all our courses – this makes for engaging programmes that you’ll love!
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory-based classes, where you’ll perfect your practical skills.
Independent study
You’ll conduct your own unique research project for your dissertation – and you’re in the ideal place to focus on biotechnological or bioengineering topics that fascinate you.
You’ll also get the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops conducted by world-leading scientists to keep up with the latest research in biotechnology and bioengineering.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning in a combination of ways depending on the module and learning objectives. These include some formal exams, coursework assignments, and presentations.
Each module contains several items of summative assessment proceeded by formative work. You complete formative assessments early in all modules and receive feedback to enable you to act on this when submitting the related summative work.
In addition, you’ll complete a research project on a topic of your choice, which you’ll submit to us as a formal written dissertation.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing the course, you’ll be well placed to join the important work taking place in the growing fields of biotechnology and bioengineering. Through a career in basic research, biotechnological organisations or other commercial industry, you’ll be able to make a real and fundamental difference to the future of biotechnology.
Many of our students go on to PhD study to further their academic development and research interests in this topic.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Academia
- Bioengineering research
- Biotechnology industry
- Research Scientist
- Health sector
- Government Policy Makers
- Non-Government Organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- English Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £13,750
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International Students: £26,900
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.