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Data Science at UEA
Find out more about studying Data Science at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Data Science for Biology
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why MSc Data Science for Biology at UEA?
Bridge the gap between biology and data science, developing the skills to solve complex biological challenges using cutting-edge computational approaches. Gain expertise in bioinformatics, programming, statistics, and machine learning, preparing you for careers at the forefront of biological data science.
Why Choose UEA
- Research environment: Benefit from UEA's close links with the Norwich Research Park and its internationally recognised research institutes
- Interdisciplinary skills: Develop expertise in programming, statistics, bioinformatics, and data science
- Career ready: Build highly sought-after technical and analytical skills to prepare for careers across the biosciences
What is Data Science for Biology?
Data science is one of the most in-demand and transferable skill sets in today's job market, playing a vital role in solving some of biology's biggest challenges.
On this course, you'll learn how to analyse complex biological data and apply cutting-edge techniques in programming, bioinformatics, statistics, and machine learning. Whether you're exploring ecosystems, investigating human health, or analysing genomic data, you'll develop the skills to uncover meaningful insights from large and complex datasets.
These highly sought-after skills are increasingly valued across the public and private sectors, preparing you for careers where biological data drives research, innovation, and decision-making.
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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 Data Science for Biology degree, you'll be well prepared for careers such as:
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Bioinformatician: Analyse biological data to support research in genomics, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science
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Data Scientist: Apply programming, statistics, and machine learning to solve complex biological and life science challenges
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Data Analyst: Transform complex datasets into actionable insights for research organisations, healthcare providers, and industry
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Computational Biologist: Use data science and computational methods to investigate biological processes and answer complex research questions
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Biostatistician: Apply statistical techniques to biological, clinical, and public health data to support research and decision-making
Career Support
Throughout your course you’ll be building a range of key highly prized data centric skills that have been specifically selected with employability in mind. These skills aren’t only valuable but are also highly transferable and will place you in an excellent position to launch your future career. 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
You’ll graduate ready for a career in data analysis or data science with a focus on the Biological Sciences – an area of rapid growth with exciting avenues for career progression. If you’re interested in academic careers, you can also pursue a PhD.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our MSc Data Science for Biology course is a full-time, one-year taught programme, designed for advanced students and practitioners.
On this course, you’ll study professional skills, data mining, Python, statistics in R and bioinformatics. You’ll also explore how data science is being used to enhance our understanding of biological systems. In addition, you’ll have the option to choose to study either information visualisation, or more advanced statistical modelling in R.
A key element of the course is your dissertation, which is an independent scientific research project. The dissertation will give you the chance to explore a biological topic or work on a problem in depth (which may be with an industry partner), under the supervision of a faculty member.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A 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
You’ll have an average of 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff, depending on your module choices. This time will be a mix of lectures, seminars, and lab classes. Seminars and lab classes will reinforce and expand on the lecture material.
The course has both theoretical and practical elements, so you’ll get hands-on experience in data mining and statistical software.
Your individual study time (around 25 hours per week) will complement the formal teaching and is an opportunity for you to develop your skills and expertise in data analysis.
Your dissertation will also form a key part of your course, which will involve extensive independent study supported by your supervisor.
Assessment
We have a combination of individual and group assessments, including written work, presentations, and exams. These combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the module options you choose.
A key feature of our MSc is the dissertation in which you’ll work closely with a faculty member to conceptualise, design and deliver an independent scientific research project. Key to the project is the development of skills in applying data science techniques to biological questions. The dissertation is assessed through a project proposal, dissertation report, and 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 September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Biology or a related subject area
- 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
Biology or a related subject area
- English Foreign 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: £12,350
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International Students: £25,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
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).
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.