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MSc Biotechnology with Bioenterprise
Tackle global challenges in food, fuel, and medicine at York, combining world-class research training with the entrepreneurial skills to turn discoveries into real-world solutions.
Year of entry: 2026 (September)
How can Biology help build a more sustainable future? Biotechnology is at the heart of the answer, using natural, modified, and synthetic biological systems to create innovative solutions for global challenges in food, fuel, and medicine.
At York, you’ll study in one of the UK’s top Biology departments, with world-class facilities and a global reputation for excellence in both research and teaching. Our biotechnology researchers are pioneering advances across microbial, algal, plant, and animal systems, all with real-world impact.
This MSc is designed for bioscience graduates who want to specialise in biotechnology while developing commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills. You’ll begin with core modules in Biotechnology, Data Analysis and Programming, and Research and Professional Skills, giving you both the scientific expertise and computational tools needed for modern biotech research. Semester two includes a group project and interactive seminars in Industrial Biotechnology, before you embark on an extended independent research project in your final semester. Throughout, you’ll gain experience presenting scientific ideas in written, oral, and visual formats.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped not only with advanced research skills but also with the ability to translate discoveries into valuable, practical applications, preparing you for a PhD, or for a specialist career in academia, industry, or biotech innovation.
Course content
You’ll complete research- and practitioner-led modules, comprising evaluation of contemporary research literature and seminars that highlight the research of biotechnologists in the department, together with learning how that research can be translated into the commercial sphere. In addition, a group project, and valuable skills training will prepare you for the independent study module, in which you'll join one of our research teams to carry out an extended research project.
Modules
All modules are core. Students complete three 20 credit modules in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Students will complete a 60 credit module in Semester 3.
- Data Analysis & Programming in the Biosciences
- Research, Professional & Team Skills
- Advanced Research Topics in Biotechnology
- Bioenterprise
- Group Research Project
- Industrial Biotechnology
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Research project
You will complete an independent study module during the summer, which is designed to give you experience in managing and completing a project in a cutting-edge research context.
This is an opportunity to further develop and apply your skills to a current research question, and specialise in a particular area or research technique.
Most students choose to complete a project in collaboration with an academic supervisor within the University, but you may opt to complete this project as an external placement.
You will have full access to our dedicated Masters workspace while completing your project.
Learning outcomes
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
Learning outcomes for this course
- Construct critical evaluations and summaries of scientific literature that demonstrate a deep understanding of the concepts and approaches at the forefront of research in Biotechnology with relavance to Bioenterprise.
- Competently undertake the design of experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of data, and carry out research tasks in Biotechnology with autonomy and independence.
- Evaluate state-of-the-art experimental and analytical approaches in Biotechnology, drawing upon first-hand practical experience working in research laboratories.
- Work with a minimum of guidance and supervision as an individual, collaborative team member or leader to identify stakeholder needs and develop ethical and commercially viable research-based solutions.
- Critically evaluate and communicate aspects of the innovation and translation of Biotechnological research and its application in a variety of written and spoken formats.
- Apply their technical expertise, practical experience and other transferable skills to a wide range of working environments including research laboratories, industries and enterprises relating to Biotechnology
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £13,900 | £32,900 |
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
Funding information
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
Funding opportunities
Chevening Scholarships
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
Teaching and assessment
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Teaching format
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and small group teaching. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with academics and bioenterprise practitioners, who will present a problem and demonstrate how their research may provide a solution. This will allow you to gain in-depth knowledge of current research and developments in the field, and societal needs which are identified and met with the translation of biotechnology research.
Teaching location
The Department of Biology is located on Campus West - nearly all of your teaching will take place within the Department. The majority of departments, colleges and facilities are based nearby.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Assessment and feedback
You'll be assessed in a variety of ways, including:
- written reports
- data analysis reports
- oral presentations
- group project work
- posters
- written business plans
Careers and skills
This course is an essential step into further research or a career in Biotechnology. Around half of our students are expected to pursue further study, while the other half go into industry. The semester 1 module: 'Research, professional and team skills' has a particular emphasis on employability.
In addition graduates will be commercially aware of the opportunities in innovation and translation with their discipline. This is also likely to enhance their prospects for employment, their longevity in the sector and broaden the roles they could fulfill in the sector.
Transferable skills
In addition to gaining experience in a range of current laboratory techniques, students will develop skills in:
- critical thinking;
- reproducible data analysis visualisation and interpretation;
- statistics and programming;
- written, oral and graphical presentation of scientific ideas and data;
- team work and collaboration.
Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in bioscience. We also consider applicants with substantial industry experience. |
| International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
If you haven't met our English language requirements
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Next steps
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