Biotechnology with Business Enterprise MSc

Course overview

Transform the world by turning scientific discoveries into commercial products

This unique business-focused biotechnology Masters programme has been specifically designed to tackle the enterprise skills gap in the bioscience graduate jobs market. Hosted by the Faculty of Biological Sciences and run jointly with Leeds University Business School, this interdisciplinary Masters provides the skills to translate scientific research breakthroughs into exciting enterprise ventures with commercial application.

You’ll learn key theoretical knowledge whilst being given the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience with our field-leading research labs and facilities. This will not only equip you with a cutting-edge scientific understanding, but also with the skills necessary to turn lab-based inventions and knowledge into commercial enterprises and socially useful products.

You will also develop skills such as knowledge transfer, venture capital, business development, intellectual property and technology transfer, all of which are extremely desirable within the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and molecular bioscience industries. Alternatively, graduates of the programme may choose to conduct research at PhD level and subsequently create their own new business ventures.

This programme is open to a diverse range of students who have backgrounds in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, health, natural sciences, medicinal chemistry and bioengineering.

Course highlights

• Interdisciplinary learning with business components taught by the renowned Leeds University Business School.
• Commercially-focussed Masters at a world top 100 university, developed to enhance transferable and entrepreneurial skills, highly sought-after by industry.
• Gain the intellectual property (IP), translational and commercialisation skills to develop your own business ventures based on ideas created at the laboratory bench.
• Learn entrepreneurial skills to transform the world by solving problems and develop leadership skills to communicate and manage change.
• Gain support and advice with starting your own business from Spark.

Course details

Modules will be taught approximately 60% by the Faculty of Biological Sciences and 40% by Leeds University Business School.

Semester 1

The core biotechnology topics will introduce you to modern biopharmaceutical drug discovery and development, and the commercialisation of pharmaceuticals and biotechnological/biomedical inventions. You’ll learn the essentials of small and large molecule processes, medical, societal and economic drivers, and basics of GLP/GCP/GMP manufacturing. A module in practical bioinformatics will equip you with the necessary skill set in this key area of computational data mining and analysis. In addition, you will learn how to plan a research programme and effectively communicate its findings.

The core enterprise module in this first semester will establish a detailed understanding of intellectual property (IP) considerations; then develop foundational understanding for commercial enterprise, entrepreneurship and the creation of a new business.

Semester 2

You’ll undertake a protein engineering lab project which will provide you with practical training in a fundamental range of experimental techniques.

You’ll continue to learn about the mechanics of establishing a new business venture, whilst able to select from a range of optional topics such as treatment of infectious disease and cancer, and medical diagnostics. Each optional module has been carefully chosen to allow you to broaden and tailor your knowledge, and have an impact in a variety of areas. For example, you could study a module on sustainable agriculture, giving you additional knowledge to have an impact in the area of climate-conscious food security. Further optional enterprise modules include topics in global entrepreneurship.

Semester 3

In the final semester we’ll give you the opportunity to undertake either a lab-based or computational/data analytic project. You’ll utilise the techniques and skills learned during your time at Leeds, which will culminate in you demonstrating your readiness for employment in the diverse field of biotechnology.

Choose your research project from a wide list of topics, which are designed to offer you an immersive individual or small-group/team-based research experience, as well as the opportunity to contribute to science in an area you are passionate about.

As an alternative, subject to availability and to satisfactory academic performance, we will offer an option of short business internships with locally-based commercial bio-enterprises arranged in partnership with Leeds University’s NEXUS innovation and entrepreneurship hub.

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 Biotechnology with Business Enterprise MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

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

Learning and teaching

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies.

Your learning will be heavily influenced by the University’s world-leading 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 encompassing lectures, guest seminars, tutorial/workshop sessions, data analysis sessions, group flash presentations by students, laboratory practicals and demonstrations.

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

Assessment will employ a range of approaches, varying by module, and will include: data analysis, essays, oral presentations (individual and group), peer assessment, reports, and end-of-module tests. Research projects and placements will be assessed by means of a written proposal, dissertation/thesis, and an oral presentation, poster or viva voce.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 honours or equivalent in a relevant subject such as: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Natural Sciences, etc.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. 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.

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

How to apply

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

Find out more about how to apply.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page 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 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.

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.

Interviews

It is standard procedure to interview applicants, prior to making a decision on their application, for MRes Neuroscience, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial), MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, 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.

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.

International application deadline: July 31 2025

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 2025

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences postgraduate taught admissions team

Email: fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (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 for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offers a number of Masters scholarships to support and reward students from the UK and around the world. Don’t miss out on available support, visit our dedicated faculty scholarship page to check your eligibility.

Career opportunities

With an emerging focus on biotechnology and the need for products to have a greater societal impact, this programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes to successfully translate biotechnology ideas into new commercial ventures. Skills in this area are highly sought after by employers due to the unique attributes graduates will gain.

Throughout the programme, opportunities for networking with other Masters cohorts will be maximised to aid knowledge sharing.

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

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

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 opportunity team will ensure that you’re 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’ll 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.