Overview

Throughout this Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology programme at The University of Edinburgh, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for developing innovative solutions and tackling the pressing global challenges we are facing, such as:

rapidly changing human demographics and resulting health pressures

growing demand for more and healthier food

resource shortages

sustainable fuel transition and a cleaner environment

You will be encouraged to engage with academic experts from different disciplines, as well as industry experts, who contribute to discussions and provide guest lectures. You will also engage in practical learning, participate in group activities and offer your critical analysis of the topics.

Career opportunities

This programme aims to provide businesses, industry, academia and governments with an annual cohort of graduates with the high-level knowledge necessary to promote innovative bio-based solutions to pressing global challenges.

You will enhance your career prospects by acquiring current marketable knowledge and developing advanced analytical and presentation skills, within the social and intellectual sphere of a leading European university.

The programme offers a wide range of research projects that can be tailored to best suit your career goals, in areas such as academic research, industry with companies and start-ups, and science communication.

Our graduates have been successful in securing employment in the synthetic biology and biotechnology sector. In addition, some alumni have gone on to create their own successful businesses. Many of our alumni are pursuing further research at postgraduate level, with some of them based in labs here at the University of Edinburgh.

Although there is not a 'typical' job our graduates go on to do, they work or study in a variety of organisations around the world.

Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Programme Structure

Courses include

Tools for Synthetic Biology

Engineering Biology

Research Project Proposal (Biotechnology)

Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology

Automation and Industry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

More details

It is strongly recommended you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Biology Biotechnology View 111 other Masters in Biotechnology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: bioinformatics, computer sciences and modelling, molecular biology and related sciences, engineering or biotechnology.
We may also consider your application if you have a background in physics or mathematics.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

45410 GBP / year

≈ 45410 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

20100 GBP / year

≈ 20100 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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