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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 2027
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 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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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
After you graduate, our Career Central(opens in a new window) 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
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.
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 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £12,950
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International Students: £27,000
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(opens in a new window) 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.