MSc Bioinformatics at Birkbeck, University of London

Programme overview

Our MSc and MRes Bioinformatics provide you with high-quality online training in bioinformatics, with the MRes offering you a larger research component to your studies. You will learn the basic principles of bioinformatics and computational biology skills currently in high demand, for example applying appropriate statistical tests to biological data, analysing genomic sequences and training machine learning models to make predictions.

Faculty: School of Natural Sciences | Duration: One year full-time, online; Two years part-time, online; MSc: Two years part-time, online | Study mode: full-time, part-time, online option | Intake: October 2027 | January 2028 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

This course covers core concepts underpinning bioinformatics. You will learn the basic skills required for any bioinformatics job, including: coding in Python statistical analysis and fundamentals of data science using R understanding the algorithms used in the analysis of biological sequences core biological concepts such as genes and genomes and protein structure and function. Compulsory modules include genome analysis, analysis of next-generation sequencing data, immunoinformatics, microarray analysis, molecular modelling, biological database design, structural data analysis, biomedical text mining..

Career pathways

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at the following organisations: The Institute of Cancer Research, The Francis Crick Institute, Benevolent AI, Genomics England, UK Health Security Agency, Unilever.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MSc: You must have a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above. Some practical knowledge of one programming language would be a distinct advantage. Mathematics to A-level or equivalent desirable, but GCSE/O-level considered. MRes: The MRes is a challenging, interdisciplinary course. We recommend initial entry to the MSc Bioinformatics course until November (full-time) or February (part-time) so that your skills and knowledge can be thoroughly assessed. Occasionally, direct entry to the MRes is possible, when there is very strong prior evidence that the student will perform well on the course. English language: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,570 a year (2027/28). Part-time home students; One year full-time or two years part-time, online, starting in October 2027 Source

International applicants: GBP 11,610 a year (2027/28). Part-time international students; One year full-time or two years part-time, online, starting in October 2027 Source

Intake: October 2027 | January 2028

Duration: One year full-time, online; Two years part-time, online; MSc: Two years part-time, online

Apply through the official page: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/admissions/postgraduate/applications

Explore more study programmes

Engineering