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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Biotechnology and Engineering Biology with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why MSc Biotechnology and Engineering Biology with a Placement Year at UEA?
Discover how biotechnology and engineering biology are transforming the future of food, healthcare, and sustainable energy. Develop the skills and knowledge to tackle some of society’s biggest global challenges.
Why Choose UEA
- Groundbreaking research: Learn from world-leading researchers based across the Norwich Research Park
- Expert Teaching: Be taught and supported by internationally recognised scientists who are shaping the future of biotechnology
- Career skills: Develop hands-on research skills, industry-relevant knowledge, and valuable professional connections
What is MSc in Biotechnology and Engineering Biology with a Placement Year?
Recent advances in biotechnology and engineering biology offer immense potential to address some of today’s most pressing global challenges. This course gives you access to cutting-edge research and expertise, offering a vibrant and exciting learning experience.
Once registered, you’ll gain access to our bespoke, award-winning prearrival content. Created by both staff and students, this self-guided material will help you explore our campus and laboratory facilities. You’ll get a feel for what to expect and learn about the support available to you at UEA.
When you begin, you’ll explore how biotechnology and engineering biology can be used to address global challenges in sustainable and innovative ways. Working with internationally recognised researchers, you'll gain insight into real-world applications. A major highlight of the course is your research project, where you'll work within a research group at UEA or one of our partner institutes at the Norwich Research Park, including the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, or Quadram Institute. This hands-on experience will help you develop advanced research skills, build professional networks, and gain valuable experience. You'll graduate ready for a wide range of rewarding careers across research, industry, innovation, or further study.
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Placement Year
You have the option to choose a variant of this course with an integrated placement year. This gives you valuable UK industry experience as part of your Master’s degree.
In year one, you’ll complete your academic studies, including your dissertation, alongside an employability programme preparing you for UK work.
In year two, you’ll secure an industry placement or complete three employer-led industry projects with different UK organisations. This extra year lets you apply your learning professionally, strengthen your CV with UK experience, and boost your global career prospects.
You’ll lead the search for your placement, supported by employability workshops, coaching, and guidance from our specialist placement partner.
If you don’t secure a placement, you’ll complete three employer-led industry projects with organisations across different UK sectors.
For more information, check out our Postgraduate Placement Year page.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Biotechnology and Engineering Biology, you could pursue careers as a:
- Engineering Biology Researcher: Develop innovative biological solutions to challenges in health, food, sustainability, and industry
- Biotechnology Researcher: Contribute to cutting-edge research that advances biotechnology and improves real-world outcomes
- Biotechnology Industry Scientist: Apply scientific expertise in commercial biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, or life sciences companies
- University Researcher: Conduct academic research and contribute to scientific discovery in higher education and research institutes
- Government Policy Advisor: Help shape science and innovation policy, using evidence to inform decisions on biotechnology and emerging technologies
Career Support
Your research project provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist expertise, practical laboratory skills, and professional confidence in biotechnology and engineering biology. Working alongside experienced researchers from UEA and the Norwich Research Park, you'll build valuable connections and gain insight into careers across research, industry, healthcare, and innovation. As the UK is a global leader in biotechnology and engineering biology, you'll benefit from a world-class research environment and exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field. You'll also have access to support from UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and resources to help you achieve your career goals.
After the Course
Upon graduation, you'll be well placed to progress to further research, including PhD study in biotechnology, engineering biology and related fields. The broad scientific knowledge, practical experience, and research skills you develop will also prepare you for careers across the rapidly growing biotechnology sector. Opportunities may be found in research, industry, innovation, policy, education, and a wide range of science-based organisations. Whether you choose further study or employment, you'll graduate with the skills and experience to contribute to one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas of modern science.
Study and Modules
Structure
On this two-year MSc course, you’ll develop advanced knowledge of biotechnology and engineering biology while building valuable transferable skills, including presentation techniques, employability practices and time management. A major highlight of the course is the opportunity to carry out an independent research project with a research leader of your choice, based either at UEA or within one of the prestigious research institutes at the Norwich Research Park.
Upon completion, you’ll be exceptionally well prepared to pursue PhD opportunities, both nationally and internationally, in biotechnology, engineering biology, and related fields. You’ll also graduate with a diverse set of transferable skills and in-depth knowledge that will enhance your employability across industry, government, and non-governmental organisations.
To prepare for your placement year, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to secure an industry placement.
Through a programme of workshops, you’ll develop key employability skills, including CV writing, interview techniques and building your professional profile on LinkedIn. You’ll also have one-to-one meetings to help you develop your application strategy, identify suitable opportunities and prepare for interviews through mock interview sessions. Sessions will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person activities.
The Employability Skills module is assessed on a pass/fail basis, and you’ll need to meet the attendance requirements to successfully complete it.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll undertake a placement aligned with your discipline. During the first semester, you’ll take part in an intensive placement search, supported by dedicated guidance and six in-person workshops at UEA designed to encourage reflection on your professional development and placement experience.
If you don’t secure an industry placement, you’ll complete a series of three industry projects, giving you the opportunity to gain practical experience with different organisations and apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
At the end of the module, you’ll submit an assessment comprising a portfolio of materials from your placement search and a reflective report on your placement or industry projects. This will allow you to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, your understanding of the sector and your areas for future professional growth. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
By the end of the year, you’ll have enhanced your career confidence, strengthened your CV and expanded your professional network, preparing you for the next stage of your career in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
All teaching within the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Sciences is research-led. This means that throughout your two-year MSc, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a large, enthusiastic and approachable team of academic staff, many of whom have world-leading research reputations in biotechnology and engineering biology.
You’ll also gain insights from professionals in leading external organisations, ensuring that the latest developments and ideas are embedded into the course—creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience you’ll really enjoy!
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory-based classes, where you’ll hone your practical skills.
Independent study
You’ll conduct your own extensive research project for your dissertation – an exciting opportunity to delve into biotechnological or engineering biology topics that truly inspire you, all within an ideal research environment.
You’ll also have the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops led by world-renowned scientists, keeping you at the forefront of the latest developments in biotechnology and engineering biology.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed through a combination of methods, tailored to each module’s objectives. Each module features several summative assessments, which include formal exams, coursework assignments, and presentations.
You’ll also complete formative assessments and receive constructive feedback, helping you refine your work before submitting the related summative pieces.
You’ll also undertake a research project on a topic of your choice, which will be assessed through a formal written dissertation and a presentation.
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 January 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 January 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 5.5 in each component)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills:
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £14,450
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International Students: £28,250
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); 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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.