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MSc Molecular Biotechnology with Placement Year

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 Zenca 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.
  • Entry requirements and key information

    The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

    • An Honours Degree in Biomedical and related sciences with a background in molecular biology, genetics and immunology with a final classification grade of a minimum 60% with evidence of having completed a research project and practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques relevant to the course such as bacterial culturing, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis
    • A professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above; or
    • A qualification in veterinary science, medicine or dentistry; or
    • A first or second class Honours Degree in disciplines other than those described above but where the applicant, in the opinion of the Programme Leader, would benefit from, and succeed on, the programme

    In addition, all international students are required to demonstrate an English Language capability of IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band) or equivalent qualification.

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Life and Medical Sciences

    Course length
  • Sandwich, 2 Years
    		•

    Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
    		•
  • Employability

    What job can I get?

    Upon graduation, you may go on to work in a broad range of fields including: biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, academic research, medical writing/science journalism, education, or patent law. Alternatively, you may also use the MSc Molecular Biotechnology degree to underpin an application to study for a research degree such as MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

    Work placement

    Upon graduation, you may go on to work in a broad range of fields including: biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, academic research, medical writing/science journalism, education, or patent law. Alternatively, you may also use the MSc Molecular Biotechnology degree to underpin an application to study for a research degree such as MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

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
  • If you are successful, you will have the opportunity to conduct a 12-month placement. If you are not succesful, you will be able to transfer to the MSc Molecular Biotechnology with Advanced Research route
  • 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.

  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Genetics and Protein Biology30 CreditsCompulsory
    Applied Biotechnology30 CreditsCompulsory
    Genome Science30 CreditsCompulsory
    Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology30 CreditsCompulsory
    Work Placement Assessment0 CreditsCompulsory
    Research Methods15 CreditsCompulsory
    Research Project for Sandwich Route45 CreditsCompulsory
    MSc Biosciences Placement Year60 CreditsCompulsory

    • Key staff

    Dr Madhu Goyal
    Programme Leader

    Dr Cristina Barrero Sicilia
    Deputy Programme Leader

    Dr Henry Stotz
    Reader
    Find out more about Dr Henry Stotz

    Dr Ralph Rapley
    Principal Lecturer

    Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MSc Molecular Biotechnology - Extended (Revised 2024) Download
    Programme specifications
    MSc Molecular Biotechnology - Extended (Revised 2024) Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    Mandatory

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.