Applied Biotechnology MSc

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,500 *
International Fees £17,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Applied Biotechnology MSc includes a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques and explores how biotechnology can be used by today's society. It is an established course in biotechnology which has been extensively updated. You'll complement your theoretical studies with hands-on experience of fully controlled fermenters that are up to pilot-plant scale, and are linked to modern monitoring and control systems.

You'll study a range of subjects in considerable depth, including bioactive compounds, industrial bioprocesses, microbial physiology and fermentation technology, microbial production of novel metabolites, monitoring and control of fermentation, topics in biotechnology, and types of bioreactors.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Our course offers a unique combination of molecular biological and bioprocess engineering principles
  • You'll be taught by internationally-leading researchers who are passionate about teaching 
  • You'll learn in modern facilities, including a mini industrial-scale fermentation suite
  • The course is regularly updated to include the latest trends (eg synthetic biology)
  • In previous years, students on the course have benefitted from industrial visits and talks from industry guest speakers 

Course structure

To be awarded the MSc in Applied Biotechnology, you'll need to study modules for 180 credits. If you choose to take the Postgraduate Project, you'll study six core modules and two option modules. The Postgraduate Project may be exchanged with the Extended Postgraduate Project (subject to prior agreement with the Course Leader and the proposed subject supervisor). In this case, you'll take six core modules and only one option module. 

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core Modules

Large databases yield information about DNA, RNA and protein variation between individuals and species and bioinformatics is a crucial component of molecular biology. Polymorphisms, epigenetics and microRNA have all greatly enhanced our knowledge about regulation of gene expression. This module will look at applications of a range of advanced molecular techniques such as next generation sequencing, microarrays, quantitative and multiplex PCR alongside our knowledge of OMICS databases.

By the end of this module the successful student will be able to:

  1. Critically discuss a range of molecular techniques which can be applied to investigate gene expression and study specific polymorphisms.
  2. Discuss current trends in molecular biology e.g. ‘OMICS’, synthetic biology etc.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to use bioinformatics tools and apply these to large genetic databases in order to find information about a particular gene.
  4. Critically evaluate the impact and implications of developments in molecular biology on science and technology.
  5. Design an experimental work flow to study a particular gene or mutation and present and defend this in a short research talk. The presentation would be based on recent literature, compiling, analysing, interpreting and critiquing recent results obtained from state of the art research.
     

 

This module aims to examine and discuss the essential, qualitative and quantitative principles in growth of cultures and subsequent bioproducts to provide the needed expertise for the bio-industries. You will gain an understanding of fermentation processes, as well as small and large-scale production of fermentation products, microbial strain/culture selection and development, and microbial culture.

This module will explore applications of bacterial, fungal, and mammalian culture to the production of bio-products (eg enzymes, biopharmaceuticals) and examine ways in which micro-organisms are applied in the solution of environmental problems. The latest trends in the improvement of plant yield, tolerance to water/drought stress and pests, as well as the use of plants as bio-reactors will also be covered.

You will be able to develop your skills in information retrieval, critical analysis and presentation relevant to your research topic, and form a clear plan for your project.

Postgraduate Project

This module aims to enhance your skills of self-management, experimental design, critical analysis and interpretation of data, enabling you to present and justify your research.

Extended Postgraduate Project 

This module gives you the opportunity to investigate an appropriate research topic, generate and critically analyse data, and present your results and discuss findings in the context of previously published work. The project proposed and undertaken must include rigorous and critical analysis of data with a high level of initiative. This module is intended for students wishing to gain greater research experience and includes an extended period of research activity and extended assessment regime.

You will gain an insight into the scope of commercial biotechnology, starting and financing a company, the role of intellectual property protection, writing a business plan, assessing projects, managing a company, managing company finances, and coping with industrial safety legislation.

Option Modules

Bioinformatics lies at the heart of modern biology. This module introduces the discipline and shows how bioinformatics can help answer practical questions and solve problems in biology, medicine and pharmacology. Topics include DNA and protein databases, DNA and protein sequence alignment, protein structure prediction, drug discovery and molecular modelling.

Introducing you to key concepts in science communication, its challenges, rewards and applications, this module is designed to incorporate scenarios related to your interests, such as health, drug discovery and water science. The roles of science and scientists in society and how the public perceives, interacts with and responds to the information produced by scientists are explored, with the history of communicating science used to contextualise current issues in disseminating information.

This module will explore the discovery and development of pharmacological therapies from target identification through to pre-clinical models of disease. The module will look at cellular signalling cascades, genetics, pharmacology and toxicology relevant to exemplar diseases. This will provide an understanding of drugs and therapeutics at the molecular and genetic level. Content will include detailed analysis of the molecular basis of cellular signalling cascades, and stress the need for improving pharmacotherapy.

This module reviews and discusses the ways in which molecular biology has been used to treat inherited and acquired diseases. You will investigate the ethics and legislation involved in the use of novel therapies in humans.

The module provides information on the current scope of regenerative medicine, emerging techniques, novel biomaterials and scaffold sources, stem cell harvesting and differentiation. The module also provides information on the use of bio–reactors in the creation and culturing of three dimensional constructs.

This module will introduce the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systems biology. The emphasis is on studies of entire systems, assisted by the use of bioinformatics and how the knowledge from these may be applied to medicine. The module will examine databases and other resources as well as discuss issues key to the studies of entire systems.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

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Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

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Careers

The Applied Biotechnology MSc has been designed to give you the knowledge, skills and practical experience to make important contributions to the biosciences sector. Graduates from the course normally find employment in the biotechnology industry, and in our 2020 cohort, two students secured jobs at the Swiss multinational chemicals and biotechnology company, Lonza, before graduation.

Enhance your research skills

Our course enables you to understand research at postgraduate level and apply your knowledge to research and problem-solving in applied biotechnology. 
 

Tailor the course to your interests

With a wide variety of option modules and a choice of project areas covering all areas of biotechnology, you can adapt the course to fit your chosen career and/or research interests.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry links

We have links with Sekisui Diagnostics, an international company that manufactures enzymes for diagnostic purposes. In previous years, students on the course have had the opportunity to visit their facilities and experience first-hand how an industrial-scale bioprocess operates.

Guest speakers

In the past, students on the course have benefitted from talks and seminars by external guest speakers. Previously, Lonza sent their representative Leila Alukaidey to give talks about protein purification development.

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • Astrazeneca
  • Oxford Biomedica
  • Lonza
  • Sartorius
  • Sekisui Diagnostics

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Downstream purification scientist
  • Fermentation scientist
  • Field application specialist
  • Research scientist
  • Upstream processing scientist

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Learn in modern facilities

Our facilities include a mini industrial-scale fermentation suite equipped with fully instrumented and controlled bioreactors, a tissue culture laboratory and an analytical instrumentation suite.

Supportive study environment

We teach in small student-centred sessions and our teaching staff operate an open-door policy, meaning that you can seek help without an appointment. 

 

Fantastic central London location

You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of multicultural central London, with easy access to London's huge range of scientific, library and cultural resources. 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in biological sciences or a related discipline. Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team. 

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in biological sciences or a related discipline. Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team. 

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

What our students say

Tochukwu Dubem Anyaduba

Applied Biotechnology MSc

Coming from a very different academic environment, I expected a lot of challenges which I thought I might not be able to cope with, but with the help of the ever-supportive and welcoming lecturers, fitting into the UK academic system was easy.

Tanushree Halder

Applied Biotechnology MSc

The erudite teachers, well-organised laboratory facilities, availability of printed and electronic education materials have created a wonderful learning environment for studying biotechnology. I have really enjoyed the diversity of London and my cordial and helpful classmates and teachers as well.

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Facilities

Our facilities include:

    • A fermentation suite equipped with fully instrumented and controlled bioreactors of all sizes ranging from 0.5 L to 72 L and bench top downstream processing rigs including Armfield’s chromatography and tangential flow filtration units
    • A tissue culture laboratory
    • An analytical instrumentation suite equipped with gas chromatographs with FID, TCD and MS detectors, HPLC equipped with UV, PDA, MSQ, fluorescence, evaporative light scattering and electrochemical detectors, spectrophotometers (absorbance and luminescence), multi-detection microplate reader, bio-imaging system, gamma and scintillation counters, Typhoon gel imager, clinical chemistry and Haematology analysers, FTIR analyser, Potentiostat, DGGE analyser
    • A flow cytometer, PCR machines, microscopes of all types including inverted microscopes, laser scanning confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscope etc
    • Other equipment normally found in any lab including shaken incubators, bench top centrifuges, pH meters, freezers and biosafety cabinets

    Teaching and Assessment

    Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

    How you’ll be taught

    Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

    • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
    • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
    Year
    1
    31%69%
    Scheduled hoursIndependent study

    How you’ll be assessed

    Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:

    • Written exams: end of semester exams
    • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
    • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
    Year
    1
    32%13%55%
    Written examsPracticalCoursework

    Data from the academic year 2022/23

    Research groups

    Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

    Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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    Supporting you

    Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

    • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
    • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
    • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
    • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

    Visit our student hub

    Course location

    With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

    Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

    For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

    Contact us

    Call our dedicated team on:

    +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

    Opening hours (GMT): 10am–3pm Monday to Friday

    [email protected]

    Start live chat

    Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

    More information

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