Biotechnology
Join the battle against global issues in healthcare, medicine and immunology: develop specialist skills in molecular genetics and bioinformatics for innovative biotech research.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
You’ll advance your knowledge in medical applications, diagnostics, and treatments within a healthcare setting, and conduct your own biotechnology-focused research project.
You'll be able to design, execute and critically analyse biotechnological scientific research in the academic, clinical and industrial sectors.
You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or take advantage of our unique two-year full-time option, which includes professional experience modules in the second year. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-life industry setting and further enhance your employability.
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Course Director Dr Grisha Pirianov introduces our Master's courses in Advanced Biomedical Science, Applied Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology.
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![Dr Grisha Pirianov and two students using electronic equipment in the biomedical sciences lab]()
Course Director Dr Grisha Pirianov introduces our Master's courses in Advanced Biomedical Science, Applied Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology.
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Study biotechnology in Cambridge’s thriving life science ecosystem
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Train in a specialist Science Centre with advanced laboratories and technologies
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Learn from biomedical experts with industry and healthcare connections
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Develop multidisciplinary skills across modern biotechnology and biosciences
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Focus on medical diagnostics, drug development and innovative treatments
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare for a career in the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector.
This course equips you for a range of roles, including pharmaceutical development, bioprocessing, diagnostics, agricultural biotechnology and research.
You’ll also build key transferable skills such as critical thinking, scientific writing, teamwork and presenting, boosting your employability across science, product development, marketing and more.
You’ll gain career insights from guest speakers working in the public and private bioscience sectors, helping you explore diverse opportunities in the field.
Teaching and modules
Gain a solid foundation in diagnostics, pharmacology, lab techniques, and research skills.
You'll explore current diagnostic technologies, drug development, and translational medicine, while building hands-on experience in DNA/protein analysis, microbiology, and bioinformatics.
You'll also develop key professional skills, including scientific communication and ethical decision-making. As part of your preparation for your final research project, you’ll design a proposal, review literature, and ensure compliance with health and safety and ethics standards.
Your course culminates in a major independent research project, where you'll apply your skills to real-world bioscience challenges.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Contemporary Medical Diagnostics (30 credits)
- Pharmacology and Translational Medicine (30 credits)
- Laboratory Techniques in Applied Bioscience (30 credits)
- Professional and Ethical Practice (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Preparation (15 credits)
- Masters Research Project (60 credits)
You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules (2x project modules or 2x placement modules) in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll also complete your Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits) in Year 2.
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 1 (60 credits) *
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 2 (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 1 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 2 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Grisha PirianovSenior Lecturer
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Professor Havovi ChichgerProfessor in Biomedical Science
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Dr Clett ErridgeSenior Lecturer
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Dr Hussein Al-AliSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
Our Science Centre features four floors of labs and teaching space, with facilities for specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories and a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.