MSc Molecular Biotechnology
Why choose Herts?
Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by expert lecturers and researchers who have extensive experience in academic, pharmaceutical, industrial, and biotechnology sectors (see key staff).
Industry Connections: We have strong relationships with GSK and Astra Zeneca for you to benefit from work placements and innovative guest lectures delivered by leading researchers in the biotechnology industry.
Work-Related Learning: You will have the opportunity to secure your own biotech work placement when you opt for the Sandwich pathway.
Alumni Stories
Ramona Hirschfield
Meet Ramona. Ramona’s passion for science brought her to Herts, where she is planning to continue her research as a PhD student.
| Current job role | Looking to become a PhD student |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2022 |
| Course of study | MSc Molecular Biotechnology |
A love of science
Ramona feels at home in a lab and can spend hours looking through a microscope. This interest in science, and in particular scientific research, is what brought her to Herts.
The University’s excellent facilities in the Science Building also appealed to Ramona. She says, ‘I had technical support throughout my studies, and now I am confident in using most lab devices without supervision. For example, I became familiar with the epifluorescence microscope fitted with a fluorescence imaging camera. This became my favourite piece of equipment to use.’
The campus was also close to Ramona’s home in London, and as a commuting student, she enjoyed studying at a campus-based university.
Academic freedom
Ramona felt in control of her research at Herts and could express herself creatively with it. With her supervisor's encouragement, this freedom led to some fantastic opportunities for her. Ramona says, ‘I was able to co-author an academic paper in the Journal of Nematology, which assured me that the work I was doing was of value to my field.’
Ramona says that some people she met on her course will remain ‘friends for life’. She adds, ‘We share many precious memories together. I even discovered that two of my coursemates had already met in the same building I live in. Three Herts graduates in one building! It’s a small world.’
Continuing her Herts career
Ramona is planning to continue her research with the University of Hertfordshire and is waiting to be funded as a PhD student. Ramona says, ‘I love what I do. If you have passion and dedication, then dreams can come true. Herts has been a life-changer for me.’
Professional Accreditations
Subject to validation, this course will be accredited by the Royal Society for Biology Accreditation.
About the course
Intended for graduates of the biological and biosciences, this course will provide you with specialist knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology. This exciting and fast-moving area of bioscience is having an enormous impact on biotechnology. Analysis and manipulation of genes and genomes have provided the foundation for the development of new diagnostic methods, biological drugs and improved enzymes and proteins. New vaccines, synthetic antibodies and improved crops have also benefitted from advances in molecular biotechnology.
Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Molecular Biotechnology routes:
Why choose this course?
- 92% overall satisfaction for Medicine and Dentistry in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024)
- You’ll be taught by expert university lecturers and researchers, many having extensive research experience in academic, pharmaceutical, industrial and biotechnology sectors
- Benefit from innovative guest lectures, delivered by leading researchers in the biotechnology industry
- Immerse yourself in our modern Science Building. We offer exceptional facilities for you to practice the latest techniques in QPCR and genome editing and molecular cloning. Use our laboratories for DNA analysis, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics
- Upon graduation, you will be equipped to gain employment in a wide range of roles in the biotechnology industry or further postgraduate study in the bioscience field
- We adopt a blended learning approach to teaching, focussing on problem-based scenarios so you can develop strong critical analysis skills. You’ll have substantial exposure to practical techniques and guaranteed laboratory-based research projects
- Offered as a part-time option tif you are already in employment and wish to broaden your knowledge of the industry with support from your employer
- The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 1st in the East of England for Medical Technology and Bioengineering (2023 Complete University Guide)
What will I study?
During the course you'll gain a thorough understanding of key fields of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and protein science.In addition, the latest techniques of recombinant DNA technology, protein analysis, genomics and bioinformatics will also be introduced. You will also have the opportunity to study the latest plant and animal genome sequencing projects, gene editing technology, next generation DNA sequencing, high throughput analysis and bioinformatic data analysis. Applied molecular technologies for improvements in plant and animal systems will also be covered and will involve study of exciting new areas such as metabolic engineering and surface display systems.
The course has a strong practical basis giving you training in research methods and hands-on experience of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques such as gene knockout methods and next generation sequencing analysis. There are excellent facilities for biomolecular analysis, including cell culture, DNA and protein manipulation and you will have access to the latest equipment for PCR, qPCR and 2D protein gel analysis systems for use in laboratory practicals and during projects.
Key staff
Dr Cristina Barrero Sicilia
Deputy Programme Leader
Dr Henry Stotz
Find out more about Dr Henry Stotz
Dr Madhu Goyal
Programme Leader
Find out more about Dr Madhu Goyal
Dr Ralph Rapley
Principal Lecturer
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| MSc Molecular Biotechnology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSc Molecular Biotechnology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |