Bioscience MSc

Our MSc Bioscience course gives you the opportunity to develop a broad scientific base on which to build your future career. We offer you the flexibility and choice needed to study exciting contemporary topics whilst introducing you to the cutting-edge techniques being used to advance scientific discovery.

On this course you’ll study core research training modules designed to equip you with the expertise needed to work at the forefront of the modern bioscience sector. You can specialise in exciting contemporary topics in the areas of human disease, bioinformatics, biotechnology and plant science, and choose from a range of optional modules, including those associated with the specialisms we offer. This means you can study the topics that interest you and match your career aspirations.

You’ll also carry out an independent research project in an area related to your course options.

The course is 100% coursework assessed (although some modules have small in-course tests). Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop your independent thinking, problem solving, communication skills and practical ability, making you attractive to employers or providing an excellent foundation for further study (eg PhD).

You’ll study in a faculty ranked 6th in the UK for its research impact in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

Download a copy of our course brochure.

This course is designed to equip you with the expertise necessary to work at the forefront of the modern bioscience sector. We’ll offer you a combination of practical training and theoretical modules to help you build your knowledge and skills.

The practical experience you gain during this degree is a vital part of your career preparation. You’ll receive substantial training in practical methods and technologies currently being used to advance the biological sciences.

During the course you’ll apply yourself through core research training modules. You’ll undertake a laboratory-based mini-project providing a hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques. You’ll also carry out a laboratory-based independent research project on an innovative topic related to your course options.

Importantly, we’ll also give you a strong foundation of theoretical teaching to enhance your practical training. You’ll develop your knowledge through research planning exercises and by studying methodologies underpinning contemporary bioscience, with many optional modules available to choose from, including Advanced Immunology, Plant Biotechnology, and Medical Diagnostics.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Bioscience MSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Your learning will be heavily influenced by the University’s world-class research as well as our strong links with highly qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.

The learning context has a strong research ethos, preparing you for academic (PhD and post-doctoral), industrial or public sector research. Taught modules address problems at the forefront of the subject, and learning activities (such as group work and mini-research projects) are designed to develop your subject-specific knowledge and research skills.

Your major project will involve cutting edge research with potential for publication in peer reviewed literature.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, literature reviews, research paper critiques, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with 2:1 (hons) in a subject that has covered the cellular and molecular basis of life such as: Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Our Masters programmes are very highly regarded and are therefore competitive in terms of the number of places we can offer. They also focus quite strongly on molecular aspects of science.

Documents and information you’ll need

• completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study)
• full CV
• transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
• copy of final degree certificate (if completed)
• evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only)
• copy of passport (if you’re an overseas student).
• completed supporting statement:

To help us assess your application, please write a supporting statement. As a guideline, we would expect this statement to be 1-2 pages in length. In your statement please:

• Provide a brief synopsis of any courses/modules you have studies that have covered the cellular and molecular basis of life. Please make reference to your academic transcript, as this information is not always apparent from the course titles.
• Provide details of any previous or current research experience (e.g. undergraduate project, vacation placements, fieldwork, internships). Describe clearly the aim of the work, your part in it, how long the project lasted and whether this research was carried out individually or in a group. Also mention specific techniques you have used. Again, please ensure that you make reference to the cellular and molecular aspects.
• Outline the reasons why you wish to study this particular Masters programme. Explain how the skills and experiences you have outlined above are relevant to your programme of choice and the career you intend to pursue.

Find out more about how to apply

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Next steps

• we process your application
• we inform you of our decision
• if we make you an offer, you respond by accepting, declining or deferring.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2019

Fees

• UK/EU: £11,000 (total)
• International: £23,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

We award a generous range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills.

Visit our FBS fees and scholarships page to find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.

The strong research element of the Bioscience MSc, along with the specialist and generic skills you develop, mean you’ll graduate equipped for a wide range of careers.

Our graduates work in a diverse range of areas, ranging from bioscience-related research through to scientific publication, teacher training, health and safety and pharmaceutical market research.

Links with industry

We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advise us on what they look for in graduates and on employability-related skills within our courses.

We collaborate with a wide range of organisations in the public and commercial sectors. Many of these are represented on our Industrial Advisory Board. They include:

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Ernst and Young
• The Food and Environment Research Agency
• The Health Protection Agency
• MedImmune
• Thermofisher Scientific
• Hays Life Sciences
• European Bioinformatics Institute
• Smaller University spin-out companies, such as Lumora

Industrial research placements
Some of our partners offer MSc research projects in their organisations, allowing students to develop their commercial awareness and build their network of contacts.

Professional and career development

We take personal and career development very seriously. We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advises us on what they look for in graduates and on employability related skills within our courses.

Our dedicated Employability and Professional Development Officer ensures that you are aware of events and opportunities to increase your employability. In addition, our Masters Career Development Programme will support you to:

• explore career options and career planning
• understand the PhD application process and optimise PhD application
• learn how to use LinkedIn and other social media for effective networking and career opportunities
• practice interviews for both job and PhD applications

You will also have access to seminars and presentations from industry professionals (including our alumni) at faculty led career events. We also have regular research seminars presented by leading academics from around the world on their specialist subjects.

Graduate destinations
Examples of posts held by recent MSc graduates include:

• Trainee Cytogeneticist, UK
• Commissioning Editor, scientific publishers, UK
• Research Fellow, National Centre for Biological Sciences, India
• Clinical Researcher, Kent and Medway Cancer Network and NHS Trust, UK
• Research Technician, University of Warwickshire/University of Oxford, UK
• Graduate Medical Degree, UK
• Bioassay analyst, Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, UK
• Laboratory technician, Exova Group Limited
• Quality Management at Johnson & Johnson Lifescan Technologies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, UK
• Trainee Embryologist, UK
• Research Assistant, Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar
• Sypol, Health and Safety Services, UK
• Research Executive, Adelphi International Research, UK
• Biopharmaceutical Experimental Officer, Covance, UK.

Further study

A substantial proportion of our graduates undertake further study at Leeds or elsewhere. Recent graduates have gone on to:

• PhD positions in the UK, USA, Australia and European countries overseas eg at the Max Planck Institute, Germany
• Research post at Harvard School of Public Health, Botswana.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.