Online MSc Bioinformatics

Russell Group member

Top 100 university1

Leading expert faculty

Universitas 21 member

Make Birmingham yours

Complete the form below for detailed programme and pricing information and to be contacted by phone and email.

Innovate with bioscience data

Advance with world-class learning at a top-100, leading university

It is no surprise that the worldwide demand for bioinformaticians is on the rise. Between 2020 and 2027 the global bioinformatics market is set to increase by 13.4% (compound annual growth rate)2, as biological and clinical institutions and businesses seek to deliver more effective and efficient data-driven services. With an online degree from the University of Birmingham, you’ll develop advanced knowledge and skills with convenient online, interactive content delivered in video and task-driven formats. Learn from expert faculty by studying real-life case studies that focus on data sets from health, academia and industry to emerge as a leader in a specialised and innovative field.

The University of Birmingham has the strength and variety of programmes to suit your individual needs and interests, backed by the academic expertise and influence, support and facilities of a top 100 public research and teaching university. You’ll benefit from both academic and personal development to achieve success and ensure your degree is an asset in your future prospects.

Top university for biological and computer science1

Graduating from a top UK university enhances chances for fast employment worldwide3

11th fastest-growing occupation4

Build a global network while you learn online with peers from 70+ countries

“Studying online with the University of Birmingham has been a transformative experience for me. Balancing work, motherhood, and education was a challenge, but the flexibility of online learning has allowed me to pursue my passion for bioinformatics. The curriculum is engaging, and the support from the Admissions team has been exceptional. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in a field that combines my love for biology and computer science.”
– Elisa Samaniego, Student MSc BIO, University of Birmingham

Gain complex knowledge in a flexible online format

The University of Birmingham’s internationally focused and expertly taught bioinformatics programme offers you the flexibility and convenience of an online format to tailor your learning. Enjoy eight-week modules that will grow your programming, communication and modelling skills. Learn from industry leaders and lecturers in the bioinformatics field to gain an understanding of where you can go and what you can do once you obtain this prestigious degree. Here’s a look at some of what you’ll study:

Applied genomics and next generation sequencing

Focusing on the analytical dimensions of omics data, you will understand how to apply appropriate data types and analyse high-throughput data sets using the latest state-of-the-art approaches.

Health data analytics

This module develops your hands-on experience of health and biomedical data and its analysis. Explore data quality control, techniques for evaluating performance, data visualisation and tools for dealing with missing data.

Computational biology for complex systems

Enriching your understanding of complex systems, machine learning, data integration and data analysis, this module will teach you how to apply these models to real data. This will help you to make appropriate interpretations and avoid potential pitfalls when reviewing your results.

Statistical machine learning

This module introduces concepts from statistical machine learning (ML), providing an in-depth understanding of classical supervised and unsupervised learning models, helping you applying appropriate ML tools and techniques to solve problems on given tasks and data types.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Online MSc Bioinformatics, you will need to have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject.

Work experience may also be accepted if your grades are lower than those listed above.

International students

If English is not your first language, you will need to also supply an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept up-to-date Academic IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any of the elements.

A leader in distance learning

Enjoy the convenient online format offered by a world top-100 university and the 4th best university for Online Learning in the UK Uswitch 2022. You’ll be led by the same leading lecturers and faculty experts who instruct on campus. They’ll guide you through flexible online modules, immersive activities and lively discussions. Learn wherever, whenever it’s convenient, and graduate poised to step into your desired role with new knowledge and skills. We’ll even support you in your job search with our Careers Network, linking you to global opportunities to launch or elevate your career.

Start dates

February | June | October

Duration

2.5 years

Tuition

The estimated total cost of this programme is £17,030. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,310 on a module-by-module basis. All costs are listed, to help you make an informed decision.

Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for academic year 2023-24.

Enter an emerging, innovative field

Data is essential to most industries today, and even more important to the medical field where data-informed critical decisions are made daily. A Bioinformatics Analyst earns £39,896 per year,5 and a Bioinformatics Scientist/Technician earns £39,231 per year.6

In order to enter bioinformatics fields, you’ll need to be able process large-scale raw data and have the scientific curiosity, mindset and drive to work on problems relating to biology and medicine.7 With an internationally recognised degree credential from the University of Birmingham, you’ll build this knowledge to successfully transition into a variety of roles.

Top jobs in bioinformatics

  1. Bioinformatics analyst
  2. Bioinformatics scientist/techician
  3. Bioinformatician
  4. Pharmaceutical scientist
  5. Biostatistician
  6. Data scientist (medical)
  7. AI architect (medical)

Learn more today!

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References

  1. “QS World University Rankings 2023.” QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. Retrieved on July 20, 2022 from http://www.topuniversities.com.
  2. “Latest Reports: Bioinformatics Market.” Allied Market Research. Retrieved on June 21, 2021 from https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com.
  3. “15 Astonishing Graduate Employment Statistics for 2021.” Mark in Style. Retrieved on June 18, 2021 from http://markinstyle.co.uk.
  4. “Fastest Growing Occupations.” BLS. Retrieved on June 21, 2021 from https://www.bls.gov.
  5. “Bioinformatics Analyst.” Glassdoor. Retrieved on June 29, 2021 from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk.
  6. “Bioinformatics Technician.” PayScale. Retrieved on June 29, 2021 from https://www.payscale.com.
  7. “Bioinformatics and Data Science.” Towards Data Science. Retrieved on June 21, 2021 from https://towardsdatascience.com.