Bioinformatics Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The Bioinformatics course at Birkbeck, University of London, stands out for its integration into a vibrant research environment, benefiting from over 25 years of experience in delivering high-quality education. Students will be instructed by leading computational biologists, ensuring they receive cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. The course is designed for flexibility, allowing students to engage with course materials from anywhere globally through a combination of pre-recorded content, live online sessions, and supervised practical activities.

Students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with varied perspectives and experiences. The curriculum covers essential bioinformatics concepts, including coding in Python, statistical analysis using R, and understanding algorithms for biological sequence analysis. The programme is continuously updated to reflect the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries, with a current emphasis on next-generation sequencing data analysis, machine learning applications, and immunoinformatics.

Why Bioinformatics at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck's Biological Sciences department was ranked 11th in the UK according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), showcasing its commitment to world-class research. The university's collaboration with University College London enhances its research capabilities, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This course is particularly appealing to those who wish to study while balancing work or other commitments, as it is structured around evening classes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

For the academic year 2026-27, the tuition fees for the Bioinformatics programme are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £22,980 per year
• Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
• Full-time home students: £12,750 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,375 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The Bioinformatics course comprises a comprehensive syllabus designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will complete modules worth a total of 180 credits, including:

• Biocomputing
• Sequence Analysis and Omics
• Statistics and Data Science
• The Molecular Basis of Life
• MSc Bioinformatics research project

For the MRes, students will also undertake a research project worth 120 credits, alongside optional modules each term.

Careers with Bioinformatics

Graduates of the Bioinformatics programme will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in academia and industry. They may find opportunities in:

• Biomedical data analysis
• Software development
• Teaching and research
• Science writing
• Bioinformatics support for sequencing centres

Notable employers of Birkbeck alumni include the Institute of Cancer Research, the Francis Crick Institute, and Genomics England, among others.