University of Leicester

Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics MSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Understanding genetics at the molecular level 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 modern molecular genetics. 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 genetics. 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. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

Key highlights

  • Three months of bioinformatics training in Linux and Python programming
  • Course-supplied, pre-configured laptop provided for computational work
  • Covers genomics, transcriptomics and protein bioinformatics approaches
  • Four months of intensive taught lab work in molecular genetics
  • Three-month independent research project using computational and laboratory analyses
  • 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 fees
  • Chancellor'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 £3,000
  • Chevening 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
  • Molecular geneticist
  • Research scientist
  • Genomics data analyst
  • Laboratory research technician
  • Computational biologist

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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