Online MSc Bioinformatics
Advance the future of bioscience
Drive new discoveries for today’s data-driven health and life science industries and academic institutions by learning how to extract meaningful information from complex data sets at one of the top universities for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS 2024).
Quick facts
choice for graduate employers (High Fliers 2024)
total programme fee. This can be paid in full or in instalments of £1,355 every module2
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS 2024)
Embrace data-driven bioscience
Connecting contemporary topics from biology and computer science, our online MSc in Bioinformatics will help you understand complex data sets and how to use them in cutting-edge health and life science research. This knowledge is crucial for the development of novel insights in biological, clinical and environmental science. Enjoy eight-week modules that will grow your programming, communication and modelling skills to exit with a PGCert, PGDip, or full MSc.
Delivered by the multidisciplinary initiative, Centre for Computational Biology, the programme is uniquely placed to support those eager to get ahead in this fast-growing industry. That includes biologists and healthcare professionals interested in data analysis, as well as statisticians or computer scientists wishing to apply their skills in biology.
Based on the successful campus-based programme and ranked top-100 in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS 2024) our unique online Masters in Bioinformatics will equip you with all the tools you need for a bright future in bioinformatics.
“The course content is impressive. The way everything is structured genuinely makes it easy to follow along, which is a massive benefit for me. The programme is not only informative, but also engaging, and I look forward to discovering what comes next.”
– Eddie Agyeman, Online MSc Bioinformatics student
Career outlook
By developing your understanding of complex data systems, our online MSc Bioinformatics will help you meet the growing demand for bioinformaticians, in a global market set to rise by 13.7% (CAGR) between 2021 and 2031 (Straits Research 2022).
Led by active researchers in bioinformatics and linked to institutions such as University Hospitals Birmingham, the programme content is grounded in the real world. This helps you develop the practical skills you need to further your career in this cutting-edge field.
After graduating, a large proportion of students go on to study a PhD or undertake research for pharmaceutical companies, governmental institutions and medical publications.
Other potential roles for graduates include bioinformatician, bioinformatics analyst, pharmaceutical scientist, biostatistician, medical data scientist and medical AI architect.
Unlock your careerAdmissions requirements
For entry onto the Online MSc Bioinformatics programme, you must have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science, or another relevant quantitative subject.
If English is not your first language, you will also need to submit an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept academic IELTS with a score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any band. Other language test scores are also accepted. Please speak with us to find out more.
View requirementsTuition details
The estimated total cost of this programme is £17,615. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,355 on a module-by-module basis. All costs are listed, to help you make an informed decision.
Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for academic year 2024-25.
Online Birmingham Master’s Scholarship
In celebration of our 125th anniversary, we are continuing our rich tradition of supporting and welcoming the brightest students to the University by offering a £3,000 tuition fee discount through our Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship scheme. Apply by Friday 30th May to join the June 2025 intake. Find out more.
More tuition detailsStart dates:
February | June | October
Curriculum: Discover more with data
Interdisciplinary curriculum
180 credits
Exploring a diverse range of subjects from scientific communication and health data analytics to applied metabolomics and advanced (omics) technologies, the curriculum is perfectly positioned to help health and life science professionals communicate more effectively with data.
Through mini-case studies and group projects, you’ll work through real-life examples, drawing on our connections with University Hospitals Birmingham and other industry partnerships. Collaborating with students from different backgrounds will enrich your experience further, helping you to make use of data in new and inventive ways.
The programme covers the essential topics related to bioinformatics, starting with introductory modules, followed by applied and advanced modules to gradually build your knowledge throughout this unique multidisciplinary programme.
Multiple pathways to completion
The online MSc Bioinformatics features a career-centred curriculum that empowers students to build their career in Biotechnology, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Medical Practice. In this flexible programme, you can take breaks when you need them and choose the exit pathway that best suits you:
- Full masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
“Studying online with the University of Birmingham has been a transformative experience for me. Balancing work, motherhood, and education was a challenge, but the flexibility of online learning has allowed me to pursue my passion for bioinformatics. The curriculum is engaging, and the support from the Admissions team has been exceptional. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in a field that combines my love for biology and computer science.”
– Elisa Samaniego, Online MSc Bioinformatics Student
Programme outcomes
- Explore the ethical implications of research in biology-related fields
- Develop an understanding of data types used in bioinformatics including clinical health data, genomic data, epigenetic data, and metabolic data
- Gain an understanding of omics; environmental science and toxicology; computing, algorithmics and programming; and the technologies underlying biology
- Understand the statistical concepts and advanced machine learning techniques used in bioinformatics
- Apply statistical and computational techniques underpinning advanced methodologies, and integrate diverse data types
- Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
- Communicate your findings in the most effective way
As well as providing the highest levels of convenience and flexibility that 100% online learning offers, the programme is full of interactive elements, like video and group activities, which bring the content to life.
Rather than trying to replicate a campus-based setting online, we’ve built this programme from the ground up, drawing on the latest technology to create a truly unique and immersive student experience.
The online learning environment is not only a window to programme materials, it’s an opportunity to connect directly with your lecturers and other professionals like yourself.
Online ExperienceTaught by the same leading experts as its campus-based equivalent, the MSc Bioinformatics exposes you to leading research from a multidisciplinary teaching team.
The programme is co-led by Dr. Lindsey Compton and Dr. Anas Rana.
Hear their perspectives on some of the key features of the programme and learn what to experience on the course by clicking the ‘watch now’ button below.
WATCH NOWFrequently asked questions
You may have some questions about the programme, the university or the online environment. It’s always the way when starting something new. Don’t worry; we’re here to answer them.
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.
While there are currently no exam requirements for most of our online programmes, there may be some exams on the Online MSc Bioinformatics. These will all be completed online and you will not be required to attend campus. All online degrees are assessed via a combination of coursework, group projects, class participation, presentations and other assignments.
References:
- UNKNOWN (2022) World University Rankings by Subject. QS Top Universities [online] Available at: <https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/2022> [Accessed 09.05.2022]
- Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year.
- UNKNOWN (2019) Allied Market Research. Bioinformatics Market by Technology & Services [online] Available at: www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bioinformatics-market [Accessed 07.01.2021]