Bioscience MSc

Course overview

Lead research from the front as you prepare for an exciting career in modern bioscience.

Qualified science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals have never been in higher demand across industries such as health, renewables, food and agriculture.

This course will equip you with the core fundamental and specialist skills to work at the forefront of modern bioscience, using cutting-edge techniques to advance scientific discovery. As part of the programme, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in your own independent advanced research project and contribute to an area of science you’re passionate about.

MSc Bioscience will prepare you for an exciting, varied career; whether in academia, a commercial setting or a public sector organisation. Many of our graduates progress to bioscience-related research (with some achieving scientific publication), teacher training, health and safety and pharmaceutical research. Note: This course requires a solid foundation in the molecular and cellular basis of life (e.g. knowledge of cell structure, function of proteins and organelles, DNA replication and gene expression) but you don’t need an undergraduate degree in this field before studying the MSc.

“The layout of the course is extremely beneficial for anyone who wants to study further but gain an immersive experience in research. I could select classes from bioimaging to plant technology.”

Magda Hernandez, MSc Bioscience

Why study at Leeds:

• Learn from experts: Take advantage of the diverse teaching and research expertise on offer within the programme.
• Choose modules that interest you: Choose from a wide range of optional modules to select the combination of topics that most interest you such as Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases. Global Challenges in Food Security and Cancer Biology and Molecular Oncology.
• Tailor your studies to suit you: An incredibly flexible programme, with which you can tailor and customise to suit your passions, interests and career aspirations.
• Hands-on learning combined with academic study: You’ll take on a half-practical and half-academic timetable to begin with, working towards a 9-5 day undertaking research in the lab.
• Cutting-edge equipment: Leeds has a leading bioimaging facility with a number of confocal microscopes and fluorescence-activated cell sorters.
• A national hub for research: The Faculty of Biological Sciences is one of the largest groupings of life science researchers in the UK

Course details and modules

This is a full time 12-month MSc programme which is assessed entirely through coursework.

In each semester you will select up to 2 additional optional modules (to a maximum of 30 credits total) enabling you to tailor this course to your interests and career aspirations.

Semester 1

In Semester One, you will study Practical Bioinformatics, which introduces you to relevant tools and approaches. You will gain hands-on experience with bioinformatics methods for exploring and evaluating genetic, genomic, and protein sequence information.

You will also study Research Planning and Communication, where you will develop transferable, work-ready skills essential for scientific research. These include reading and understanding research papers, conducting literature searches, writing a literature review, and preparing a grant proposal for a research programme.

Your choice of optional modules in Semester One includes subjects such as bioimaging, global challenges in sustainable agriculture, crop production in a changing environment, high-throughput technologies, advanced immunology, and infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Semester 2

In Semester Two, Advanced Biomolecular Technologies provides you with the theoretical foundation for a range of cutting-edge techniques, while supporting the development of your skills in data analysis and interpretation.

You will apply your knowledge through an extended practical investigation in the form of a laboratory-based mini-project (Protein Engineering Laboratory Project). This involves hands-on training in core modern molecular biology and protein engineering techniques, including gene cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, protein expression, purification, and analysis.

Your choice of optional modules in Semester Two includes subjects such as the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, medical diagnostics, crop science and biotechnology, an introduction to genetic epidemiology, cancer biology, and molecular oncology.

Semester 3

In the final part of the course you'll choose and undertake an independent research project on a specific topic aligned to your interests. Building on your theoretical and practical knowledge from your other modules, you’ll receive extensive specialist training in experimental design, the practical use of advanced techniques and technologies, and data analysis with interpretation. You will be assigned a research project supervisor who will support and guide you throughout your project.

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

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, seminars and tutorials, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations. A significant component of the course is delivered via small group sessions.

Through your research project and your selected optional modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a scientist who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.

The course is 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).

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The course is primarily coursework based. There are a range of assessments in different formats such as: practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, literature reviews, research paper critiques, posters and oral presentations. Your individual research project is written up in research paper format. These assessment types all develop skills relevant to a future career in academia as well as a variety of careers in public and commercial science.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 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 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). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

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.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take 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 or declining.

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Taught postgraduate applicants are required to submit their results for consideration as soon as possible. Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK are recommended to submit their results no later than 31 July, although they will still be considered if submitted after this date.

Interviews

It is standard procedure to interview applicants, prior to making a decision on their application, for MRes Neuroscience, MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) and MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine. Interviews do not form part of the standard admissions process for other programmes in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

International application deadline: July 31 2026

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

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences postgraduate taught admissions team

Email: fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

We award a generous range of scholarships to UK and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills. Find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.

Government-backed loan = If you are ordinarily resident in England or the Republic of Ireland and planning to start your first full-time, part-time or distance learning taught or research Masters course from September 2023 you may be eligible to apply for a UK government Postgraduate Masters Loan to help towards your study-related costs. Find out more.

Alumni bursary = If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary.

You can also search our postgraduate scholarships database or you can also find information on MoneySavingExpert.

Career opportunities

Where this degree could take you

You'll be ready to graduate from this course with a host of skills to take you to the place you want to go next.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our bioscience graduates have obtained:

• Trainee Cytogeneticist
• Commissioning Editor, scientific publishers
• Research Fellow, National Centre for Biological Sciences
• Clinical Researcher, Kent and Medway Cancer Network and NHS Trust
• Research Technician, University of Warwickshire/University of Oxford
• Bioassay Analyst, Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics
• Laboratory technician, Exova Group
• Quality Management at Johnson & Johnson LifeSscan Technologies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Research Assistant, Qatar National Research Fund
• Research Executive, Adelphi International Research
• Biopharmaceutical Experimental Officer, Covance

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 programmes.

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:

• Labcorp (formally Covance)
• European Bioinformatics Institute
• Astra Zeneca
• Gowling WLG LLP
• Qiagen
• PWC
• Barnsley Hospital (NHS)
• IAOCR
• ApotheCom
• GlaxoSmithKline

“Leeds has some of the best university lab equipment. The scientists are at the edge of the research and we’re getting to know things sometimes before the university. So, it’s just the best way to stay at the top of your field.”

Steven Gibney, MSc Bioscience

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Guaranteed industry experience  

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects.  You’ll connect with leading companies worldwide to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real business challenges.