Skip to content

Bioinformatics

MSc

Duration
Start date
Location

Suitable for applications.

Overview

Bioinformatics combines knowledge from a variety of disciplines such as biology, computer science, mathematics and statistics to analyse and interpret biological data on a large scale.

The Bioinformatics programme at Bradford includes training in experimental techniques that complements commonly used data acquisition methods in a broad range of investigative scenarios. This is designed to provide a basic training in the principles of bioinformatics, followed by coverage of the advanced level of knowledge and training required relevant to large-scale data mining and processing, including programming and scripting via command line and the Galaxy interface.

A key feature of the MSc programme at Bradford is that students are able to learn the theoretical knowledge of bioinformatics with a practical training in experimental techniques that are commonly used in biomedical sciences. This is designed to enable students to become knowledgeable in genomics, proteomics transcriptomics and metagenomics so that they can apply bioinformatics approaches in a broad range of real world employment scenarios aimed at improving human health, both in industry as well as in healthcare organisations.

Entry requirements

2:2 or above in any aspect of the Biological Sciences or Biosciences or related Life Sciences courses.

A medical degree would also be appropriate.

English language requirements

For students whose first language is not English a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score at 6.0 or the equivalent is required, with a minimum score of 5.5 in any sub-unit.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

Learning and assessment

The programme content is taught using conventional teaching methods that include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes, workshops and a research project.

In addition, independent self-directed or problem-based learning may include interactive research case studies, peer and collaborative sessions, reflective practice and portfolio building. These may be supplemented with interactions with science professionals and tasks that are either work-based or linked to other placements.

Assessments use a combination of unseen written examinations and a wide range of coursework elements such as laboratory reports, essays, online and computer-based assessments, data interpretation and analysis. This is also supplemented with assessment of communication skills in oral and poster communications during peer-reviewed and collaborative sessions

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

  • Home: £9,698
  • International: £25,389

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Employability is a key focus of the programmes here at Bradford. We collaborate with industry partners through our Industry Advisory Board and their input shapes the curriculum, ensuring you gain the skills employers in the sector value and that are currently in short supply. You’ll have the opportunity to work on and contribute to real life research projects whilst you’re studying.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally. 

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment. 

Our support services include: 

  • Personal tutors 
  • Disability services 
  • Counselling services 
  • MyBradford student support centres 
  • The Students’ Union 
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers 
  • An on-campus nursery 
  • Halls wardens 

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus. 

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills. 

Research

The programme encourages cutting-edge cross-disciplinary research. It offers an opportunity for students to become global leaders in the biomedical industry.

There is a rapid and exponential rise in the amount of genomics sequence data (in all its forms), and UK research councils have identified the bioinformatics sector as a key driver for growth in the industrial and medical biotechnology, pharmaceutical and health markets, and have made it a key priority area for investment.

Our staff are research active and embed outcomes of their world leading research into the design of our courses, ensuring that you are equipped not just for the job market today, but are well prepared for the future.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.