Biotechnology MSc at Coventry University

Analysts have predicted that biotechnology will be one of the most important applied sciences of the 21st century and a key driver in the world economy. From agricultural and environmental to pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services, it already represents one of the largest and most rapidly growing sectors within the life sciences.

This Master’s course is designed to provide the training and development necessary to meet demand for highly skilled scientists within the expanding and global bioscience sector. It can lead to a wide range of careers including academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of biotechnology.

Biology degrees have been provided at Coventry University for over 40 years and are taught in our multi-million pound, state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building. This features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques.

This Master’s course is designed to expand your knowledge of the molecular, biochemical, cell biological and genetic techniques underpinning modern biotechnology and how they can be used to solve real world problems and benefit society. 

The programme is composed of a combination of modules which progressively build to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Master’s. Core subject areas include cellular molecular biology, genetics, protein biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, numeracy, statistics and computing and a range of practical laboratory techniques. 

We aim to provide hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. We will train you in biotechnology research strategies and gain an understanding of the nature of business based on bioscience knowledge and research, opportunities for innovation, and regulatory requirement constraints, intellectual property and ethical issues. 

We will also consider some of the contemporary issues facing biotechnology, such as biofuels, bioremediation, genetically modified foods, and food biotechnology. 

To qualify at Master’s level, you will be expected to undertake a research project/dissertation. As a guide, past students have researched the following sample areas: the cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of phytochemicals; novel antimalarial drugs; the use of bacteriophage to remove biofilms; and the use of novel enzymes in biofuel production. Successful graduates of this course should have gained exceptional scientific understanding and a host of cognitive, practical and professional skills.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

This Master’s course is designed to expand your knowledge of the molecular, biochemical, cell biological and genetic techniques underpinning modern biotechnology and how they can be used to solve real world problems and benefit society.

The programme is composed of a combination of modules which progressively build to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Master’s. Core subject areas include cellular molecular biology, genetics, protein biology, bioinformatics, numeracy, statistics and computing and a range of practical laboratory techniques.

We aim to provide hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. We will train you in biotechnology research strategies and gain an understanding of the nature of business based on bioscience knowledge and research, opportunities for innovation, and regulatory requirement constraints, intellectual property and ethical issues.

We will also consider some of the contemporary issues facing biotechnology, such as biofuels, bioremediation, genetically modified foods, and food biotechnology.

To qualify at Master’s level, you will be expected to undertake a research project/dissertation. As a guide, past students have researched the following sample areas: the cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of phytochemicals; novel antimalarial drugs; the use of bacteriophage to remove biofilms; and the use of novel enzymes in biofuel production.

Successful graduates of this course should have gained exceptional scientific understanding and a host of cognitive, practical and professional skills.

Internships may be paid or unpaid, and this will depend on what is being offered and agreed with the host organisation. Students who do not wish to undertake an internship or are not successful in securing an internship will undertake campus-based professional experience, which will deliver similar learning outcomes through supervised projects and activities designed to offer students the opportunity to integrate theory with an understanding of professional practice.

We have a range of taught postgraduate awards to suit your needs, from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma to a full Master's Degree (MA, MBA, MSc, LLM). In most cases you can decide to exit at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma level, without carrying onto the full Master's qualification.

Career prospects

Within the life sciences, biotechnology is a rapidly growing sector and it is predicted that the global expansion in biotechnology 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.

Our 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 upon completion of the course at PhD level, which some of our past students have chosen to do here in Coventry or in universities as far afield as New Zealand and Africa.