The MSc Biotechnology programme provides students with the opportunity to develop an advanced theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience of modern molecular and systems biology approaches to emerging biotechnologies.
The course is designed to provide a grounding in core biotechnology, alongside specialist training in medical, industrial, environmental, and fermentation biotechnology, with the opportunity to complete a research project within one of these areas.
Staff within the Department of Life Sciences offer a wide range of expertise in a variety of disciplines including molecular, cell, and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering, among many others. Students may also have opportunities to hear from external guest speakers working in the industry and other schools from across the University.
A grounding in core biotechnology alongside training in specialist areas
A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience
Hear from visiting speakers from industry
Emphasis on the development of professional and research skills
Complete a research project in a specialist area
The programme includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, IT classes, seminars, problem-based-learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. There is also an emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first and second terms focus on introductory and specialist modules. Over the summer, students can progress to an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline.
Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
This module aims to provide specialised training in larger scale growth and utilisation of microbial and cell cultures. Lectures, practicals, and workshops focus on the analysis of growth kinetics and product yield optimisation with the aim of providing insight into historical and cutting-edge, large-scale implementation of these biotechnologies. The practical component of this module seek to provide students with the opportunity to experience all aspects of small-scale fermentation from constructing a fermenter through to analysis of fermentation products.
This module aims to reinforce the underlying concepts and principles of identification of infectious diseases developed through the student’s existing knowledge of basic microbiology and medical microbiology. Students are expected to become familiar with diagnostic and identification techniques involved in the field of clinical microbiology, and be able to apply developing knowledge and skills in molecular biology to contemporary issues and concerns in the field of microbiology.
The research projects run over the summer, although elements of them are likely to take place in the second term (research plan and literature review). Students are able to choose a research topic from a very broad spectrum of options, primarily linked to the research focuses of the teaching staff. Supervisors of the projects will provide outline projects but students will also have the opportunity to develop their research projects in specific directions relating to their individual interests if staff expertise permits.
This module aims to describe the applications of microbiology in industrial and environmental processes. The industrial aspect of the module emphasizes how microbiological knowledge and understanding can be used to improve commercial processes relevant to industries such as food production and water treatment. The environmental aspect of the module considers the role of microbial communities, interactions, and processes in the environment.
This module is delivered through a combination of laboratory practicals and lectures, with the aim of equipping students with a solid background in the most important and modern molecular techniques. The expertise of teaching staff in particular techniques is utilised to its full extent and examples of use of techniques are provided throughout the lecture and practical series.
The module focuses on the development of transferable skills that are applicable both professionally and to research projects, within the programme of study and beyond. The skills will be relevant to the broad life and environmental sciences and will allow students to strengthen their proficiency primarily in these areas: scientific writing and communication skills, research data analysis and presentation, professional and career skills.
This module aims to equip students with core practical and writing skills and to introduce them to selected advanced concepts illustrating the depth of understanding expected at Master's level, building on their undergraduate experience. The module covers core lab and writing skills, the diversity of microbial life, growth and reproduction alongside relevant areas of biochemistry, genetics, ecology and evolution.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
Assessment is mainly conducted through coursework including literature reviews, problem papers, oral and poster presentations, and ultimately the preparation of a research dissertation for the research project. There is limited use of examinations/in class tests. Specific guidance on each assessment is provided and the programme includes specific training for the main type of assessment.
Studying Biotechnology at the University of Lincoln made me more confident in independent research. It was the perfect progression on from an undergraduate course in terms of critical thinking and problem solving.
Imogen Napper
MSc Biotechnology
As part of this course, students can undertake an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline. Independent research projects are often linked to research specialisms within the Department of Life Sciences. These specialisms currently include microbiology and biotechnology, cancer and ageing, evolution and ecology, diabetes, metabolism and inflammation, and animal behaviour cognition and welfare.
Andy Tomlin, MSc Biotechnology
After completing his BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme, Andy studied for his MSc in Biotechnology before progressing into industry roles as a microbiologist and food microbiologist specialist. He is now a Process Development Technician at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) at the University of Sheffield.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
The biotechnology industry recruits qualified individuals for a broad range of roles, from sales and marketing, to research and development, manufacturing, and quality control and assurance. Research and diagnostic laboratories, either public or private, also recruit individuals with advanced knowledge on current biotechnology aspects and who are trained in modern biotechnology techniques.
To help enhance employability, students are able to access training and support to develop a broad range of professional and research skills, including science communication and dissemination, scientific writing, and career planning.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Dr James Flint
JFlint@lincoln.ac.uk
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
