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Online MSc Bioinformatics: career outlook

Discover new insights from data

By developing your understanding of complex data systems, our online MSc Bioinformatics will help you meet the growing need for bioinformaticians, in a global market set to rise by 13.4% (compound annual growth rate) between 2020 and 2027.1

Thanks to its multidisciplinary nature, the programme is well-suited for professionals from biological and computer science/mathematics backgrounds, supporting careers in biostatistics, pharmaceutical science and medical data analytics.

The programme is also essential learning for further PhD study or research for pharmaceutical companies, governmental institutions and medical journals and publications.

  • University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 20 for Biological and Computer Science in the UK2
  • University Hospitals Birmingham, which is linked to the campus MSc Bioinformatics, is a major contributor to the 100,000 Genomes Project
  • Russell Group graduates earn 40% more than non-Russell Group graduates3

Bioinformatics Analyst

£48,444/year

Bioinformatics analysts are responsible for conducting laboratory research and developing informatics algorithms and bioinformatics databases that can be used to further the understanding of disease and other physical conditions.4

Bioinformatics Scientist/Technician

£39,646/year

Bioinformatics technicians are responsible for gathering, analysing and tracking data on biological functions or characteristics to better understand complex biological activities, applying an extensive knowledge of sophisticated computer programs.5

Additional roles include:

  • Bioinformatician
  • Bioinformatics analyst
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Biostatistician
  • Medical Data Scientist
  • Medical AI Architect

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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

Career support

Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.

One-to-one support

Access one-to-one careers advice and support via the University of Birmingham Careers Network for up to two years after you graduate.

Extensive network

Join an alumni network of over 300,000 students worldwide.

Online community

Connect with your peers and lecturers and keep our thriving online community alive.

References:

  1. UNKNOWN (2019) Allied Market Research. Bioinformatics Market by Technology & Services [online] Available at: www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bioinformatics-market [Accessed 07.01.2021]
  2. UNKNOWN (2022) World University Rankings by Subject. QS Top Universities [online] Available at: <https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/2022> [Accessed 09.05.2022]
  3. BRITTON, J. (2017) The degrees that make you rich… and the ones that don’t. BBC News [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-41693230 [Accessed 21.02.2020]
  4. UNKNOWN (2020) Bioinformatics Analyst. Glassdoor [online] Available at: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/bioinformatics-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm [Accessed 26.01.2021]
  5. UNKNOWN (2020) Bioinformatics Technician. PayScale [online] https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Bioinformatics_Scientist/Salary [Accessed 26.02.2021]