Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc Biotechnology
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 22,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
This MSc Biotechnology course will equip you to contribute to solutions for a better, more sustainable future.
Blending biology, chemistry and engineering, our interdisciplinary course is built around real-world applications. By applying your knowledge across disciplines, you’ll understand how biological systems can be used to create products or improve processes across a range of industries.
You’ll explore how biotechnology can address the United Nations (UN) Global Goals. Whether it’s revolutionising access to clean water, sanitation and energy, or driving breakthroughs in global health and food security, this course will help you drive impactful change.
With a focus on practical experience, global relevance and career-ready skills, we'll prepare you to lead transformation and make a meaningful impact. That could be in the lab, by influencing policy, or driving innovation in industry and society.
Whatever your future aspirations, you’ll develop the technical and analytical skills demanded by commercial and research biotechnological arenas.
Features and benefits
- Connected to a large sector in the North West
Biotechnology is thriving in our surrounding region, providing valuable opportunities to collaborate, network and find employment after graduation. - Learn at the intersection of biology and chemistry
Build a unique set of skills to make you an attractive candidate in multiple industries, thanks to our interdisciplinary expertise across both fields. - Prepare for a varied future
Biotechnology lends itself to a variety of sectors, including engineering and biomedical sciences, and our interdisciplinary approach provides opportunities to connect with staff and students across the faculty. - Study in cutting-edge facilities
Gain professional lab skills thanks to our recent £115m investment in science and engineering facilities and equipment. - Learn alongside active researchers
Their experiences feed directly into your learning. You’ll hone your skills by working with them on projects at the forefront of discovery. - Future-focussed curriculum
You’ll graduate career-ready because we prioritise the development of your applied skills through authentic assessment and skills-based learning.
Course information
Our MSc Biotechnology course is suitable for students from a biology, chemistry or allied discipline who want to develop an interdisciplinary set of skills. You’ll develop your knowledge of biotechnology and how it can be applied in the context of global grand challenges, based on the UN Global Goals. Examples include solutions to food security, clean energy, and disease resistance.
You’ll develop advanced analytical skills accessible to anyone from a biology or chemistry background. You’ll also develop essential skills for research and industry, including data analysis, bioinformatics and project management. This helps you to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts – whether you're stepping into your first role after graduation or advancing your existing career in industry.
Biotechnology is a major and growing industry worldwide, with the industry expected to double in size by 2030. With the UK recognised as a global leader in the field, advancing your expertise now will position you for diverse career opportunities worldwide.
You’ll learn in high-specification laboratories using specialist microbiology and molecular biology equipment, as well as industry-standard microscopes and controlled environment chambers. Our recent investment in industry-standard facilities gives you access to the latest technology, helping you develop cutting-edge expertise.
All this is underpinned by guidance from our team of passionate academics. As world-renowned researchers, they’ve established global networks across the fields of biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology. Their collaborations with industry, governments, charities and policy bodies ensure that our teaching is informed by research – preparing our graduates to make meaningful impact in their chosen careers.
Year 1
You’ll study six core modules, including an independent research project.
Core modules
- Biotechnology for Clean Energy, Water and Environment
- Biotechnology for Good Health, Wellbeing and Zero Hunger
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Ethics, Innovation and Industry
- Management of Project Fundamentals
- Project in Biotechnology
Our MSc Biotechnology opens the door to several career paths in a variety of sectors. This includes:
- Research and development
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Agriculture and environment
- Industrial biotechnology
- Business and management
- PhD research and further academia
- Education
We ensure our course provides excellent graduate futures by aligning you learning with the strong, growing biotechnology sector in the UK. Our academics have active collaborations and relationships with potential employers which we’ve drawn upon in the design and delivery of our teaching.
Additionally, you can choose the two-year placement route to further boost your employability. You’ll work in industry to advance your skills, grow your network and better understand the career that’s right for you.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 0% lectures, seminars or similar; 100% placement; 0% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination