Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £23,650
Contact
CLSPGT
+44 (0)116 252 5710
Dr Ralf Schmid (Course Convenor)
+44 (0)116 229 7023
clspgt@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
Please note, this course is being advertised subject to approval.
Understanding genetics at the molecular level requires mastery of both computational bioinformatics and experimental laboratory approaches. This MSc will train you in cutting-edge bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches, equipping you with the skills needed to drive advances in modern molecular genetics.
You will begin by spending three months learning bioinformatics skills by working in the Linux environment, on a course-supplied and configured laptop, learning programming in Python. You will also learn about cutting-edge approaches to genomics, transcriptomics and protein bioinformatics.
Subsequently you will undertake four months of intensive taught lab work, tutorials and lectures that are focussed on the molecular and cellular aspects of genetics. This will be followed by a three-month independent experimental research project, that can involve computational and laboratory analyses.
Throughout the course you will learn how to mine large datasets, analyse research data, critically assess research papers, and communicate complex scientific ideas and processes.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
First or second-class honours degree in a biological science subject awarded by a British university, or equivalent. Significant relevant experience may be considered.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- £10,950
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
If you are a University of Leicester alumni, you may be eligible for the Centenary Alumni Discount which offers a 20% fee reduction
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- £23,650
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are a University of Leicester alumni, you may be eligible for the Centenary Alumni Discount which offers a 20% fee reduction
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
With the emergence of big data and omics approaches in bioscience, effective mastery of the contemporary molecular biosciences requires the deployment of combined ‘wet laboratory’ and computational ‘dry laboratory’ approaches. This course affords the opportunity to train in both disciplines, giving you the skills to undertake a career in research, or to gain a competitive advantage for entry onto a PhD programme.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Bioinformatics MSc
This is for you if...you want to combine your interest in biological science with computing and data analysis to kick-start your career in bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics and Cancer Biology MSc
This is for you if...you want to combine your interest in computing and bioinformatics with the study of the molecular and cell biology of cancer to develop a career in biological research.
Course structure
Modules
Modules
- Gene and genome analysis
- Proteins: Structure and Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics Programming and Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics
- Introduction to Molecular Techniques
- Experimental Design and Application of Molecular Genetic Techniques in Research
Plus your research project.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Research Project
Research Project
Building on the skills you have acquired in the taught modules and the steered research project, you will undertake a three month individual research project typically in research groups at the University of Leicester, though some will have external collaborations.
Examples of recent projects:
- Comparative genomics of blood flukes
- Identifying the transcriptional start sites of L1 retrotransposons
- Natural variation in miRNA target sequences
- Unravelling the significance of bidirectional promoters and the function of 'unknown' genes in genomes
- Constructing whole genome recombination maps from Next Generation Sequencing Data
- Trawling for satellites and transposons in living fossil genomes
Published project work by MSc Bioinformatics students
- Saunders GI, Wasmuth JD, Beech R, Lainga R, Hunt M, Naghra H, Cotton JA, Berriman M, Britton C, Gilleard JS. (2013) 'Characterization and comparative analysis of the complete Haemonchus contortus β-tubulin gene family and implications for benzimidazole resistance in strongylid nematodes'. Int. J. Parasitol. vol.43 no.6 pp.465-475 doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.12.011
- Ray J, Dondrup M, Modha S, Steen IH, Sandaa R-A, et al. (2012) 'Finding a needle in the virus metagenome haystack – Micro-metagenome analysis captures a snapshot of the diversity of a bacteriophage armoire'. PLoS ONE 7(4): e34238. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034238
- Malone J, Badarinarayan N, Ison J, Stevens R, Parkinson H. (2010) 'An ontology of bioinformatics software' Bio-Ontologies 2010, a Special Interest Group meeting at ISMB 2010. Boston, MA.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
You will have the opportunity to learn from some of the UK's leading researchers about contemporary approaches to the analysis of large biological datasets and laboratory approaches to genetics research.
This course combines a practically-orientated, full-time computational and laboratory training programme with a three-month individual research project.
Departmental Seminars and College Research Theme Days, featuring visiting and internal speakers, will bring you right up-to-date with your chosen topic.
Teaching and learning
The course material is taught using a combination of lectures, problem-solving, small group work, drop-in sessions and self-directed learning. The taught modules are assessed by in-module assessments (e.g. practical reports, programming assignments, presentations) and by exams.
In your research project you will develop independence, initiative and understanding whilst performing the project and present your results in a thesis and a final oral presentation. To bring you right up-to-date with your chosen topic, you can attend departmental seminars and College research days dedicated to specific topics that include both visiting and internal speakers.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September each year |
Availability
Our online application system is currently unavailable. Find out more. |
