Bioinformatics MSc
- Biomedical science, cancer biology and microbiology
- Computing and information systems
- Postgraduate
With the Bioinformatics MSc from Kingston University, you can embrace the career opportunities emerging in the rapidly-expanding intersection of biology, health and data sciences.
Bioinformatics is the application of computer programming to explore life science data.
You will gain the skills you need to tackle complex biological problems through statistics, programming and artificial intelligence applications in biology.
Use computing and statistical methods to extract insights from biological and health data
Our Bioinformatics MSc degree will help you unlock new discoveries
This course gives you the skills you need to tackle complex biological problems through statistics, programming and artificial intelligence. You will graduate well-prepared for a career as a bioinformatician, data scientist, or for PhD studies.
The course provides a strong programming foundation. You will learn to analyse large-scale biological data, including whole-genome sequencing, using a range of programming languages and software such as R, Python, GitHub, UNIX, and bash.
You will learn how to handle real-world datasets and use statistics to determine biological insights in a dedicated data management and statistics module. You will also explore machine learning and artificial intelligence AI in the context of biosciences.
This course provides opportunities for industry engagement through collaborative projects and connections with professional partners, enhancing real-world relevance and employability.
You can tailor your learning by choosing between a research techniques and scientific communication module, or a business and management module, aligning with either scientific or business career paths.
What sets this course apart is its interdisciplinary design, combining expertise from multiple faculties and fostering strong industry links. These partnerships offer guest lectures, collaborative projects, and placement opportunities. Our MSc goes beyond genomics and healthcare to include a range of bioinformatics and AI skills.
Why choose this course
This course is an opportunity for bioscience students to consolidate and expand their expertise in Computational Biology, Data Science, and Bioinformatics.
This MSc combines advanced subject knowledge with the skills most sought by employers. Alongside technical training, the course fosters creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and digital fluency.
You will be prepared for employment, research, further study, and lifelong learning by developing your intellectual abilities, problem-solving capabilities, practical experience, and transferable skills. Develop your confidence and competence in effectively presenting scientific work and business plans, both in written and oral formats.
You will learn to translate complex datasets into actionable insights, supported by training in communication, critical thinking, and evidence-based problem-solving. Group work, real-world data projects, and exposure to industry challenges help develop enterprise, resilience, and empathy.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a flexible, project-based structure, this course prepares you not only for current roles in bioinformatics and data science, but also for long-term career success in a rapidly-evolving professional landscape.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment. This includes:
- dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors
- industry-standard development software and tools, such as Python, Scikit, Learn and Tensorflow
- the learning resources centre, offering subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials.
Our dedicated IT technicians support our labs and are always on-hand to provide assistance.
Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London, where you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives.
Preparatory programmes
This course features separate optional two-week pre-sessional preparatory programmes that can support students from different fields to build their confidence and skills before starting the course.
Students coming from non-biological backgrounds such as computer science, mathematics or physics will explore the biological principles and the biological processes behind the data.
Students with a biosciences background will have the opportunity to refresh or develop introductory skills in programming and statistical mathematics.
Course content
This course gives you skills to tackle complex biological problems through statistics, programming, and Artificial Intelligence applications in Biology. The interdisciplinary nature of Bioinformatics is reflected in this MSc programme, combining expertise from multiple faculties (HSSCE and ECE) and industrial partners.
To go on placement, you must pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. You will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
The programme is made up of three core modules and one optional module each worth 30 credit points plus an individual project worth 60 credits. The optional Professional Placement can be undertaken following completion of the other modules. The optional Professional Placement taken during an additional year will give 120 credits.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
Modules
Core modules
Optional modules
Optional placement year
Module
Career opportunities
Graduates from this course can go on to pursue a range of careers. Example roles include bioinformatics scientist, data scientist, biomarker data analyst, clinical bioinformatician and research.
Work placement scheme
This course, like many postgraduate courses at Kingston University, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
We work with a variety of employers such as hospitals, community health care, NHS foundation trusts, academic publishers, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of which also offer professional experience opportunities for the students on this course.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills, such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, talks from industry speakers and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies reflect the programme aims and learning outcomes, student background, potential employer requirements, and the need to develop a broad range of technical skills with the ability to apply them appropriately.
The range of coursework emphasises more authentic assessments which could involve data from, for example, business or research contacts in local SMEs or colleagues working with "big data" in the NHS, with appropriate ethical and IP approval, as necessary. For example, students will practice live coding and peer-code reviews. Students will also develop their transferable skills by completing group works, presentations, and project reports.
Fees and funding
Fees for future course years
Part time
If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.
If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. Find out more through the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Bioinformatics MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Apply for this course
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select 'new user' and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Specifications for this course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
