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 biological and computer science.1
Quick facts
study with global appeal
total programme fee. This can be paid in full or in instalments of £1,270 every module2
university
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. These techniques have significantly benefited our understanding and treatment of diseases such as COVID-19.
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-20 in the UK for both Biological and Computer Science,1 our unique online Masters in Bioinformatics will equip you with all the tools you need for a bright future in bioinformatics.
“The Bioinformatics masters programme at the University of Birmingham not only provides foundational knowledge and skills in statistics, computer programming, and molecular biology, but also helps you to understand and participate in the ongoing revolution in biological data science using real-life problems.”– Vartika Bisht, campus student
Career outlook
Between 2020 and 2027 the global bioinformatics market is expected to grow by 13.4% (compound annual growth rate),3 as bioinformatics and machine learning become key drivers for new clinical and biological services.
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
To apply for the online Masters in Bioinformatics, you will need:
- Completed application
- Bachelors Certificate or transcript (or equivalent): In order to assess your academic eligibility, you must upload a copy of your Bachelors or alternative qualification certificate or transcript stating the final overall grade of the qualification.
- At least an upper second-class degree from a UK university or equivalent in a relevant quantitative subject
- A reference
- CV
- Language requirements (international students)*
A statement of purpose (Optional)
* Exceptions to the listed admissions requirements will be assessed on an individual basis.
View requirementsTuition details
The estimated total cost of this programme is £16,510. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,270 on a module-by-module basis. All costs are listed, to help you make an informed decision.
More tuition detailsCurriculum: Discover more with data
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.
Explore the curriculum“The diverse course curriculum covers not only the basic aspects of the field but also present-day scenarios. It touches upon most of the concepts and tools being used in the discipline and gives a broad overview of the domain.”– Vartika Bisht, Campus 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.
Experience OnlineTaught by the same leading experts as its campus-based equivalent, the Masters in Bioinformatics programme exposes you to leading research from a multidisciplinary teaching team.
The programme is led by Professor Jean-Baptiste Cazier, whose main research interests include cancer genetics, population genetics, swarming and metabonomics.
Jean-Baptiste heads up the multidisciplinary Centre for Computational Biology, which is committed to promoting excellence in computational biology, systems biology, and bioinformatics across the range of sciences, in both the university and allied health care services.
As well as being affiliated with the Alan Turing Institute, he is also part of a team responsible for launching the UK Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project – a national project which integrates data from around the UK to deliver, in near-real-time, information to clinicians and patients into the effect of anti-cancer treatments on COVID-19.
Meet the facultyFrequently 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.
The programme provides a foundation in biology and computer science, so it is suitable for biologists or clinicians, as well as professionals from a computer science background. To apply you need a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject, or relevant work experience if you achieved less than a 2:1.
Work experience in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject is preferred. Though, if you have at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in one of those subjects, no work experience is necessary.
Studying an Online MSc Bioinformatics opens up a number of exciting new career opportunities. With the global bioinformatics market expected to rise by 13.4% (compound annual growth rate) between 2020 and 2027,4 the demand for expertise in this field is growing rapidly.
Delivered by experts from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Computational Biology, you will be exposed to the latest research and case study content. The University of Birmingham is also a leading provider of both subjects, ranking 12th in biology and 16th in computer science in the UK.5
The programme includes all online resources, including access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials, such as online journals. You will also have full access to the library and support from the Academic Skills Centre.
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]