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2024/25
2025/26

MSc Biotechnology

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months

Discover how biotechnology can be used to solve real-world health problems, and undertake a placement or research project as part of your degree, with our MSc Biotechnology course.

Choose MSc Biotechnology at the University of Reading

  • Explore the science that underpins future trends in biotechnology, including AI and big data.
  • Learn from academics who have experience converting scientific research into successful commercial enterprises.
  • Gain professional experience by undertaking a three month placement with one of our industry partners, or gain hands-on experience of laboratory research by carrying out a research project.
  • Study with business experts in our triple-accredited Henley Business School.

What you'll learn

At the University of Reading, we've collaborated with employers in the life sciences sector to develop our MSc Biotechnology course.

Working with case studies from industry, you'll learn how the biotechnology industry produces new treatments and diagnostic tools for use in healthcare.

You'll explore:

  • the drug development process, from initial drug discovery through to clinical trials and regulatory approval
  • the principles of key technologies such as cell and gene-based therapies, artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare and drug discovery
  • the use of genomics and multiomics technologies in precision medicine
  • how the biotechnology industry operates from a business perspective, including topics such as venture capital and intellectual property.

The course has a strong focus on the business aspects of the life sciences sector – commercial biotechnology teaching is delivered with our colleagues in Henley Business School.

How you'll learn

Based in the School of Biological Sciences, you will learn from academics with industry experience and expertise in research commercialisation.

You will be taught through a mixture of group work, lectures, tutorials and seminars. Some of your learning will be delivered via digital technology.

In your second or third semester, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a three month placement with one of our biotechnology or biopharmaceutical partners.

Skills you'll develop

Our MSc in Biotechnology provides a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, including the ability to:

  • articulate complex biotechnological concepts to diverse audiences
  • evaluate and critically analyse scientific literature and research
  • develop and manage biotechnology enterprises, applying the principles of business and entrepreneurship you’ve studied during your degree.

The combination of science, business and industry at the core of your studies will equip you with a unique skillset that is highly regarded by employers.

Professional placement opportunities with MSc Biotechnology

You'll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement as part of your degree.

The University has ringfenced placement opportunities with our industry partners. Students are required to pass an interview with the placement provider and may need to hold a driving licence.

Your placement will:

  • equip you with practical skills and real-world experience in a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical setting
  • enhance your employability skills and offer professional development
  • enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical work environment
  • provide opportunities for networking in the life sciences sector.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,800

New international students: £30,950

Fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

For 2024 entry an Academic Excellence Scholarship of £5,000 is available to all UK/Republic of Ireland students holding a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject. This will be applied in the form of a fee discount and no additional paperwork is required.  University of Reading Alumni will still be entitled to their alumni discount. 

Careers with MSc Biotechnology

Our MSc Biotechnology course has been designed with input from employers, with the aim of delivering a distinctive programme that meets industry needs.

In the current job market, there are significant employment opportunities for biotechnology graduates:

  • The life sciences sector is a major employer in the United Kingdom: over 6,600 life sciences companies with a turnover in excess of £89 billion employ more than 268,000 people in the UK.
  • Medicinal and pharmaceutical products are in the top three goods exported from the UK.
  • The UK life sciences sector is third in the world for inward investment, and there has been a 12-fold increase in life sciences finance in the last decade.

The scientific and business expertise you'll gain during your studies – along with the opportunity to gain workplace experience through a professional placement – will greatly increase your employability in the life sciences sector.