
Bioinformatics and Cancer Molecular Biology MSc
University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based
Course overview
Understanding cancer at the molecular and cellular level is essential for developing new treatments. In a modern scientific research environment, this requires mastery of both computational bioinformatics and experimental laboratory approaches. This MSc will train you in cutting-edge bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches, equipping you with the skills needed to drive advances in cancer research.
You will begin by spending three months learning bioinformatics skills by working in the Linux environment, on a course-supplied and configured laptop, learning programming in Python. You will also learn about cutting-edge approaches to genomics, transcriptomics and protein bioinformatics. Subsequently you will undertake four months of intensive taught lab work, tutorials and lectures that are focussed on the molecular and cellular aspects of cancer biology.
This will be followed by a three-month independent experimental research project, that can involve computational and laboratory analyses. Throughout the course you will learn how to mine large datasets, analyse research data, critically assess research papers, and communicate complex scientific ideas and processes. First or second-class honours degree in a biological science subject awarded by a British university, or equivalent.
Significant relevant experience may be considered. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard. Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements. If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.
This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee. Find out more about tuition fees, scholarships and funding.
Key highlights
- Three months of bioinformatics training in Linux using Python programming
- Course-supplied, pre-configured laptop provided for bioinformatics work
- Covers genomics, transcriptomics and protein bioinformatics approaches
- Four months of intensive taught lab work on cancer biology
- Three-month independent research project, computational or laboratory based
- Develops skills in mining large datasets and critically assessing research
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2nd class — to include biological science subject; or above
Scholarships
Alumni Discount
You are entitled to a discount of 20% of the new course fee.
Up to 20% of feesChancellor's International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.
Up to £3,000Chevening Scholarship
Chevening-Leicester Partner Scholarship
Distance Learning (DL) Sanctuary Awards
Distance Learning Merit Scholarship
The awards available are: MA: £800, PGDip: £500, PGCert: £300
International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship
International Merit Scholarship worth a tuition fee discount of £5,000.
Leicester Postgraduate Partnership Scholarship
Enjoy a 20% fee discount on a selection of postgraduate taught courses at either University of Leicester or De Montfort University.
Up to 20% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Bioinformatician
- Cancer research scientist
- Research assistant
- Computational biologist
- Molecular biologist
- Laboratory scientist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £11,200 | International: £24,250
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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