Biotechnology MSc

Biotechnology is a growing and important industrial sector in a world where resources are becoming more scarce. Moreover, biological systems are very useful in biocatalysis for pharmaceutical and fine-chemical production. The School has world-leading investigators in this field of research with state-of-the-art resources in combination with modern infrastructure. Students benefit from this by undertaking world-class research in a dynamic environment. 

Who will benefit?

The course is ideal for new graduates and established scientists and engineers who wish to pursue studies into the engineering aspects of biotechnology at industrial level through studies of pharmaceuticals, medicine and food manufacturing.

What are the benefits to students?

• Career prospects are good - there is great demand for our graduates in the biotechnology industries such as pharmaceuticals, medicine and food manufacturing

• Biotechnology companies such as Astrazeneca, Avecia, Glaxosmithkline, Unilever and Syngenta operate in the North-West of England and the University enjoys close links with this thriving and growing industrial sector

• You gain a qualification from a first class University with an excellent reputation amongst employers Your qualification will be internationally recognised enabling you to work all over the world

• Teaching is provided by world-class experts in the field and you can benefit from their know-how and experience

• You will gain many other skills to make you more employable such as report writing, data analysis and the ability to make presentations

The Units studied are:

• Introduction to Interdisciplinary Biotechnology
• Core Biotechnology 1: Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals
• Core Biotechnology 2: Bioprocessing 
• Research Methods and Techniques (skills) 
• Research Methods and Techniques (proposal)
• Principles of Biorefinery Engineering 
• Principles of Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Academic entry qualification overview:

You will need a 2(i) (upper second class honours) first degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent qualifications/experience.  Applicants with a 2(ii) will be considered and are welcome to apply.

Examples of relevant disciplines for your first degree are: chemical engineering, chemistry, analytical chemistry, analytical science, biochemistry, bioscience, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomaterials, biomedical engineering, bioprocessing, instrumentation, materials and process engineering.  Please contact us if you are not sure whether your first degree is suitable.

English language:

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will need to demonstrate competency. We generally require applicants to hold one of the following qualifications (although other qualifications may be considered):

• IELTS: 6.5 (with no sub score less than 5.5)
• TOEFL PB: 570 (with a minimum TWE of 5.0)
• TOEFL CB: 230 (with a minimum TWE of 5.0)
• IBTOEFL of at least 90

The University offers three, five and ten-week pre-sessional English language courses for students who need to improve their English to meet the minimum requirements (see http://www.langcent.manchester.ac.uk/ for more information).

Other international entry requirements:

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. See details of entry requirements for your country at: www.manchester.ac.uk/international/country

The Dissertation Project forms a major part of the MSc course and provides useful practice in carrying out academic research and writing in an area that you are interested in.  You have the opportunity to study a chosen topic in depth - you can base your project on an aspect of your current job or employer's business, or may choose one of the challenging topical projects available through the University.

The course helps you to develop valuable transferable skills such as report writing, data analysis and presentation skills - these are all invaluable for your career development. 

Assessment is a combination of examinations and written coursework assignments.  For the MSc a major part of the assessment is for an in-depth research project which is written up as a formal dissertation report.

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science

See: The School .

Contact name: Postgraduate Taught Programmes Team

Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 4837

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 306 4865

Email: pgt-ceas@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.ceas.manchester.ac.uk/