)
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 with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Course options
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 with a Placement Year 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 with a Placement Year 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. Your second year will be spent on a placement, gaining valuable industry experience.
)
Placement Year
When you choose a Master’s course with the placement route, the placement forms a compulsory part of the programme and takes place in the second year. During the first semester of year two, you’ll continue the structured employability development programme, which includes an intensive period dedicated to securing an industry work placement.
Placements are typically undertaken with a UK company for eight to ten months. The University works in partnership with a specialist, award-winning provider to offe a tailored package of support, giving you the strongest possible opportunity to secure a paid role.
While comprehensive support is available throughout your studies, securing a placement in a relevant sector is ultimately your responsibility. You’ll need to engage fully with your academic programme and with our specialist partner to maximise your chances of success.
If an industry work placement isn’t available, or you’re unable to meet the academic requirements, you’re guaranteed the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations. These give you the opportunity to build real-world experience across multiple companies. These placements are available in different formats depending on your preference.
As a result, you’ll complete the course with practical, career-relevant experience that strengthens your future employment prospects.
Find out more at Postgraduate Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Data Science for Biology degree, you’ll be well prepared for careers including:
- Bioinformatician: Analyse biological data to support research in genomics, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science
- Data Scientist: Apply programming, statistics, and machine learning to solve complex biological and life science challenges
- Data Analyst: Transform complex datasets into actionable insights for research organisations, healthcare providers, and industry
- Computational Biologist: Use data science and computational methods to investigate biological processes and answer complex research questions
- 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, including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and resources to help you achieve your career goals.
After the Course
After you graduate, our Career Central team will continue to support you. You’ll be equipped with a valuable and transferable data skill set and will be well placed to take up rewarding positions across both public and private sectors, applying your expertise to tackling contemporary challenges in the biological sciences.
Study and Modules
Structure
This two-year MSc Data Science for Biology course is designed for students who want to develop advanced data science skills and apply them to complex biological questions. Combining computational methods with biological research, the programme will equip you with the expertise needed to work across data science, bioinformatics and the life sciences.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop practical skills in areas including professional practice, data mining, Python programming, statistics using R and bioinformatics. You’ll explore how data-driven approaches are transforming our understanding of biological systems and have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as information visualisation or advanced statistical modelling in R.
A key component of the course is your independent research project, where you’ll investigate a biological question or real-world challenge in depth. Working under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you may have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner and apply your data science skills to a practical research problem.
To support your transition into the workplace, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to help you prepare for your placement year. Through workshops on CV development, interview techniques and building your professional profile on LinkedIn, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to identify and secure placement opportunities. You’ll also receive personalised support through one-to-one meetings and mock interview practice.
The Employability Skills module is delivered through a combination of online and in-person sessions and is assessed on a pass/fail basis. You’ll need to meet the attendance requirements and successfully complete the module before progressing to the placement year.
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.
Structure
During the second year of your MSc, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a placement aligned with your discipline, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a professional environment and gain valuable workplace experience.
At the start of the year, you’ll take part in an intensive placement search supported by dedicated guidance and a series of six in-person workshops at UEA. These sessions will help you develop your employability skills, reflect on your progress and prepare for the transition from postgraduate study to your future career.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three structured industry projects with different organisations. These projects provide an alternative opportunity to gain practical experience, work on real-world challenges and develop your professional skills.
At the end of the year, you’ll complete an assessment comprising a portfolio of materials from your placement search and a reflective report on your placement experience or industry projects. This will allow you to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, your growing understanding of the sector and areas for future professional development. The assessment is graded on a pass/fail basis.
By the end of the placement year, you’ll have increased confidence in your career direction, 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
You’ll complete three modules a semester alongside a research project. Each module will include several hours of contact time each week. These taught sessions will include lectures, seminars, and IT lab sessions.
This course places strong emphasis on skill development, which is crucial for employability. Practical sessions have been developed to ensure you get hands on experience developing core skills in Python, R, statistics, and data mining.
Individual independent study will complement the formal tuition you receive and will aid in building confidence in your emerging skill repertoire. Your research project will form a significant part of your course and will require extensive independent study supported by your supervisor.
Assessment
There is a mixture of different assessment types across the course with each module having its own assessment structure. Assessments may include written work, presentations or demonstrations, evaluative conversations and exams. These are designed to test both theoretical understanding and provide space for you to demonstrate your skills and competencies in relation to the learning outcomes of the modules.
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):
-
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:
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
-
UK Students: £12,350
-
International Students: £25,700
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.