Program Overview
The Master's (Master) in Biological Sciences at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
The aim of this programme is to prepare you for a research-related career, which can be at academic institutions, research-based companies, in science writing or any other profession where research experience is valued, for example in funding organisations or certain branches of patent law. During this programme, you will receive intense training and be given the opportunity to take ownership of a research project, demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of your work, learn to operate in teams and to communicate your science in efficient and audience-adequate ways. This will enable you to perform to high standard on PhD or job interviews, being able to influence panels through substantiated descriptions of your achievements. The transferable skills you develop are designed to help facilitate your career progression. Most students on our programme will go on to undertake PhD studies at The University of Manchester or elsewhere, or they continue their career in the industrial sector where the rapid recent expansion of biomedical science and the ever-increasing demand for advanced biological analyses and experimentation at all levels of complexity emphasises the requirement for suitably trained research graduates.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Take a research-focused master's course where you learn through seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and research placements. Your research placement will be in the laboratory of a leading biomedical researcher where you will perform experiments on a dedicated and original biomedical project and develop your skills in relevant lab techniques, data management as well as the various forms of science communication to present your project. Study at a university ranked 7th in the UKfor Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025). Prepare for a career in the biosciences industry or academic research.
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses. On this day, you will find out more about the course and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have. For more information, see Open days .
Contact details School/Faculty Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Contact name Postgraduate Admissions Office Telephone 0161 529 4539 Email pgtaught.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/biosciences/masters/ School/Faculty overview Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Biological Sciences Biochemistry Biotechnology Molecular Biology Neuroscience
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a minimum of an Upper Second honours degree with an average of at least 65% (or overseas equivalent ) in: biological sciences biomedical sciences with sufficient evidence of the relevant units taken. Please note we are generally unable to consider applicants with a medical (MBChB/MBBS/MD) or pharmacy degree for this programme unless they are able to demonstrate that they have significant laboratory or research experience. If your undergraduate degree is in medicine or pharmacy, please contact us prior to making an application, providing details of your biology related lab skills and experience.
English language
International students must demonstrate English proficiency at the point of application through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ). Specifically, we require a minimum of: IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component TOEFL: 90 internet-based with 22 in each component See further information about requirements for your country . We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course , if your current IELTS scores are: Minimum 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week pre-sessional course (PS6) Minimum 6.0 overall (with 5.5 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 10-week pre-sessional course (PS10). Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English course.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For more details see entry requirements from your country .
Relevant work experience
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 23,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £15,800 International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page . International scholarships Scholarships for international students are available through the Global Futures scheme. Visit the scholarship page to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £15,800 International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page . International scholarships Scholarships for international students are available through the Global Futures scheme. Visit the scholarship page to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
