Research in biotechnology offers new solutions for the many medical, veterinary, agricultural and environmental challenges that humankind faces in the 21st century.

This course will focus on developing your laboratory-based research skills in a biotechnological area of your choice, while equipping you for a future academic or industry-based career. Our lecturers have specialist knowledge and research experience in environmental, microbial, plant and animal (including human) biotechnology, and you will also be taught by visiting lecturers who are leaders in their respective fields.

You will take six taught but research-focused modules that aim to equip you with key theoretical and practical skills, and introduce you to examples of current and future applications of biotechnology. You will then select a laboratory-based research topic that interests you with a supervisor of your choice. In certain cases this may involve collaboration with industrial partners.

The emphasis in the course will be on applied biotechnology and problem-solving and will therefore involve the development of key skills that are in demand in the biotechnology sector. Consequently, upon successful completion of the course, you will not only be equipped for a future career in academic research but also in various biotechnology industries. 

There is an option to choose a Project/Placement year for this course, at an additional cost.

What You'll Study

The MSc is designed for graduates with an interest in biotechnology and the answers it may help to provide to challenges such as climate change, global food shortage, safer and more advanced gene therapies, and regenerative medicine. You will also learn about setting up and running a successful biotechnology business.

If you choose a placement or project year, the Research Dissertation module will be replaced by a placement or project module.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

If chosen, your second year of study will consist of your Project or Professional Placement

MODULES

  • Professional Placement Option
  • Professional Project Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Entry Requirements

2:2honours degree

A 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline together with preparedness to study and formal interview is required. A 3rd honours degree may be mitigated by experience. Advanced standing must be agreed before enrolment.

2:2honours degree

A 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline together with preparedness to study and formal interview is required. A 3rd honours degree may be mitigated by experience. Advanced standing must be agreed before enrolment.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Fees and Funding

£8,775for a full-time course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

The professional placement/project year will cost an additional £2,750, due at the start of the second year of the course.

£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.