Industrial Biotechnology, MSc at University of Aberdeen

The focus of the MSc Industrial Biotechnology programme is to provide you with specific training to address the skills gap identified by the Biopharma/Life sciences industry. As part of the programme you will undertake an industrial placement rather than the more traditional research project. The placement will have direct relevance to industry needs and you will have access to a wide range of opportunities either within the university or with external spin-out companies, local SMEs or Medical laboratories.

You will choose from a range of courses including advanced courses in biotechnology, bioinformatics and bio-business, alongside statistics, microbiology and microbial biochemistry. Upon graduation you will be equipped with the key skills and knowledge to pursue a career in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and to meet the growing demands of those industries for good quality, highly skilled graduates and contribute to the UK knowledge-based economy.

What You'll Study

The teaching on this programme is lecture based with self-directed learning, practical classes and tutorials to support the lecture material. Many lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required. The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:

• Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
• Exposure to leading academic and industry experts
• Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders
• Insight into real-life situations and examples

On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s). Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.

Learning Methods

• LAB WORK
• LECTURES
• PEER LEARNING
• PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENTS
• RESEARCH
• SEMINARS
• TUTORIALS
• WORKSHOPS

Why Study Industrial Biotechnology?

• This Masters programme will equip you for career destinations in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.   
• You will undertake a placement either within the University or with external industry offering industry-focussed skills training.
• The programme helps meet the skills gap in this area which has been identified by the Scottish and UK governments.
• The programme runs from the Foresterhill Health Campus which includes a large teaching hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
• You will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
• Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions and to have good access to the teaching staff.
• The University of Aberdeen is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020
• The University of Aberdeen is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
• 85% of all research submissions were rated as "outstanding" or "very considerable" for impact

Careers

Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enable them to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and to meet the growing demands of those industries for good quality, highly skilled graduates and contribute to the UK knowledge-based economy.