Biotechnology MSc

Why you should study this course
 

• Tailored to provide the training and development necessary to meet the demand for highly skilled scientists within the expanding and global bioscience sector.
   

• Access to a well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories4 where you will have the opportunity to get hands on experience using industry standard techniques such as flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and confocal microscopy.
   

• Research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our Sports, Life and Exercise Sciences research centre (CSELS), which focuses on the themes of: cellular and molecular biosciences; biological systems, health and disease; and physical activity, exercise and obesity.
   

• Guest lectures, usually from current practitioners in the biotechnology industry, laboratory research and other jobs in science in areas including gene therapy, biomaterials, bioremediation, rapid diagnostics, biofuels and plant biotechnology (subject to availability).
   

• Students enrolled onto MSc Biotechnology with Professional Experience will undertake 6-8 months of professional experience, either externally2 or on campus. MSc Biotechnology with Professional Experience aims to enhance employability skills, excite and stimulates students and ensure that they gain and develop valuable skills sought by employers.

What you'll study

Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of the core subject areas in biotechnology, including cellular molecular biology, genetics, protein biology, bioinformatics, numeracy, statistics and computing, and a range of practical laboratory techniques.

Modules

• Critical Review in Biotechnology - 10 credits
   

  This module will develop your skills as a critical reader of scientific literature. It will bring together an understanding of the current knowledge base in biotechnology together with the laboratory and data analysis methods that are commonly employed. You will be instructed on the critical review process. You will have opportunities to practice this skill through discussion groups with your peers and tutor, before embarking on your own critical evaluation of a published scientific research article in the field of biotechnology.
   

• Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology - 20 credits
   

  The module aims to provide you with an insight into the interdisciplinary approaches that are employed in environmental and industrial biotechnology. You will explore, both through literature research and practical experimentation, processes such as biocatalysis, bioremediation, biofuel technologies, functional foods, and biosensors. An overview of the manufacturing methodologies and infrastructure in these industries will also be considered.
   

• Global Professional Development – Creativity, Change and Innovation (CMI Module) - 10 credits
   

  The aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to apply a range of strategy and leadership problem-solving techniques to situations where change is required. You will critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts. You will consider how tools can be used to analyse, implement and monitor change initiatives. You will also learn about strategic leadership: the role of vision, mission, and values will be studied as well as topics such as leadership style and ethics. In doing so, you will consider how leaders shape the environment for change. The module will normally involve you working together with your fellow students, across disciplines and or from a range of workplace settings, to facilitate an appreciation of how different sectors work and how you can adopt or adapt solutions from other fields. International, cultural and ethical issues will underpin the practical and theoretical developments in the module. The module will engage you in wide-ranging debates and problem-solving exercises using examples from a range of organisations.
   

• Medicinal Biotechnology - 20 credits

  
  The module aims to explore the impact of modern biotechnology on health, focussing on the applications of biologically derived products in the prevention and treatment of disease. You will explore each topic within the remit of understanding not only the target and mode of action but also methods of manufacturing, ethics, cost, and sustainability. You will extend your team working skills through a collaborative laboratory project, and your scientific communication skills and confidence through student-led journal club meetings.
   

• Principles of Biotechnology - 20 credits
   

  This module aims to develop your theoretical understanding of the global impact of biotechnology, including economic aspects, legislation and ethical considerations. You will extend your knowledge of essential molecular biology which underpins modern biotechnology. This includes the theoretical aspects of modern genome science, genetic engineering, gene therapy, synthetic biology and transgenic organisms. You are encouraged to develop confidence in group discussion and oral presentation via regular peer discussion.
   

• Research Principles and Preparation - 10 credits
   

  This module provides a detailed consideration of the complex processes necessary to formulate, develop and test a scientific/clinical hypothesis. You will apply these principles to the design of an individual research experiment in a chosen area including the consideration of appropriate controls and replicates. You will also be instructed on the ethical and health and safety requirements for research at Coventry University.

  You will also be encouraged to consider and prepare for MSc graduation and your future careers, through CV and application guidance and professional networking.
   

• Research Techniques in Biotechnology - 30 credits

  This module aims to ensure that you develop the necessary skills and competencies required for the course, and to enhance your employability after graduation. The content includes a comprehensive laboratory programme including culture of micro-organisms, mammalian and plant cells and viruses. You will also extend your experience and understanding of molecular biology and analytical chemistry techniques that are core to modern biotechnology. The module also aims to extend understanding and application of bioinformatics and statistics in the analysis of laboratory data.
   

• Research Project - 60 credits
   

  In this module you will carry out a series of investigative, analytical or experimental studies in your selected field within biomolecular sciences and present your findings in a scientific manner. You will need to demonstrate critical analysis of the literature, data collection and recording, data presentation, data analysis and data interpretation with reference to published literature. You will be expected to work independently with limited supervision, be able to deal with complexity and uncertainty and identify and troubleshoot problems.
   

• With Professional Experience only
   

  Professional Experience Preparation 1 and 2 - 0 credits
   

  These modules aim to prepare you for your forthcoming professional experience. They introduce the expectations of placement providers in the workplace, with reinforcement of the transferable skills, attitudes and competencies expected by the employer. You will continue to be supported by the Talent Team with further guidance on writing CVs, cover letters and interview skills to make applications and secure suitable professional experience opportunities.
   

  Professional Experience Placement 1 and 2 - 0 credits
   

  These two modules aim to provide you with a substantive professional experience. This may take the form of a professional experience with a host organisation, which may include the university or a campus-based professional experience. These modules should help support the development of your personal and professional skills, including team-working, communication, self-management and critical reflection, to enhance future employability.
   

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn
 

This course can be studied over one year as a traditional full-time master’s programme and two years part-time. It can also be studied over 20 months as an extended full-time programme ‘With Professional Experience’. This incorporates the additional professional experience2 modules, in which you will have the opportunity to gain experience throughout either an internship with an external organisation or with the university.
 

Internships are subject to competitive application, selection, additional fees, and meeting any applicable visa requirements, will normally be undertaken for three to five days per week for 18-22 weeks over two semesters. Those unsuccessful in gaining an external internship will undertake an internal internship that is based at the university, but which may have some input from external organisations, depending upon the nature of the internship.

Teaching across all versions can include:
 

• Lectures
   

• Workshops
   

• Tutorials
   

• Presentations
   

• Practical laboratory sessions

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary.

UK
 

Applicants should hold the equivalent of a 2:2 (2:1 for the professional experience course) undergraduate degree in Bioscience or Biological Chemistry.
 

We would expect to see the study of the following subjects in the final year of the undergraduate degree: molecular biology (e.g. recombinant DNA), microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.
If taking the course with professional experience IELTS: 7 overall (with at least 6 in each component area)
If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

UK

£10,600 | £19,350 (with prof. experience) per year

International 

£16,950 | £19,350 (with prof. experience) per year 

International Pathways 2022 Scholarship

You could enjoy a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees.

Our high-quality foundation, international year one and pre-masters courses are for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to their preferred Coventry University undergraduate or postgraduate course. We can support you to achieve the academic and/or English grades you need and help you gain the personal and professional skills required to study at university.

We want to encourage ambitious international students like you to study at Coventry University, so we’ve secured extra financial support for you worth £3,000, to help with the cost of tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation.

The scholarship application deadline is:

September 2022 intake: 31 July 2022

On successful completion of MSc Biotechnology or the MSc Biotechnology with Professional Experience, you will be able to:

• Critically analyse, evaluate and interpret knowledge and practice in biotechnology
   

• Collect, analyse and present data using appropriate methods
   

• Apply scientific methods to the critical analysis of literature, reflection, information searching and research methodology in areas of biotechnology
   

• Apply scientific/clinical methods to conducting and management of research
   

• Formulate and present a critical argument using a variety of methods (e.g. presentation, essay) that would stand up to critical review and scrutiny in academic and professional settings
   

• Work safely in the laboratory, establishing fundamental techniques, and carry out progressively more advanced laboratory-based investigations based on competence in biotechnology, including microbiology, cell culture and differentiation, biochemical, molecular and analytical techniques that are particularly relevant to contemporary biotechnology
   

• Design a research study, including demonstrating awareness of safety and ethical issues
   

Within the life sciences, biotechnology is a rapidly growing sector and it is predicted that the global expansion in this field will be a key driver in the world economy. This course is specifically designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for a career within biotechnology both in the UK and internationally.
 

Many biotechnologists are employed by companies in the biotechnology industry, where they may be involved in medical, industrial or agricultural biotechnology research. They can also work for contract research organisations (CROs) or academic departments within universities on research projects.
 

The scientific knowledge and skills you should acquire during the course can be a useful basis for a career in: teaching; technical and scientific writing (such as medical writing or writing for the media); clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing.

Where our graduates work
 

Our previous graduates have gone on to careers in drug discovery and development, clinical trials development and governance within the pharmaceutical industry and university and hospital departments. Opportunities also exist for further study at PhD level upon successful completion of the course, which some of our past students have chosen to do here in Coventry or in universities as far afield as New Zealand and Africa.