Bioinformatics MSc
Subject and course type
- Biomedical science, cancer biology and microbiology
- Computing and information systems
- Postgraduate
- Subject to validation
Embrace the career opportunities emerging in the rapidly-expanding intersection of biology, health and data sciences with the Bioinformatics MSc from Kingston University.
You will gain the skills you need to tackle complex biological problems through statistics, programming, and artificial intelligence applications in biology.
As this course is still subject to validation, some information may not be available at this time. Fees and entry requirements will be confirmed once the course is validated.
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Use computing and statistical methods to extract insights from biological and health data
Our Bioinformatics MSc degree is subject to validation.
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.
We are launching this new degree in September 2027. Currently, the programme is subject to validation. This means the course is undergoing a rigorous approval process to ensure the content is relevant, meets industry standards and fulfils student needs.
In the meantime, you can register your interest in the course to be kept up to date with the latest course news. You will also be among the first to know when the course opens for applications.
Interested in this degree?
Our Bioinformatics MSc course is currently subject to validation.
To keep up to date with the latest course news and find out when it goes live, you can register your interest here.
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
30 credits
Life Science research leads to the generation of large volumes of data, from DNA sequencing to protein expression, in applications including cancer biology, microbiology and health care data. Computer programming skills are required to analyse these datasets and identify patterns that can increase our understanding of life on Earth.
In this module, you will develop the skills necessary to design, develop and debug your own computer programs, using Python or other industry relevant programming languages. You will also assess the readability, efficiency, and sustainability of code written by someone else, and learn how to implement this in a peer code review.
30 credits
In this module, you will learn how to process, clean and manage large datasets in a variety of data storage architectures such as centralised, distributed and cloud-based services. Essential knowledge of data security issues, including policies, structures and practices used to ensure data security and confidentiality will also be covered.
You will learn how to select and implement an appropriate statistical test to determine the validity of a result and how to apply this to data-driven decision making, with applications in policy decision making and identification of novel research areas.
30 credits
This module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in Classical Machine Learning/Pattern Recognition, and Neural Networks/Deep Learning. You will be introduced to classical methods before you are taught modern state-of-the-art approaches. You will also explore applications related to bioinformatics using biological and healthcare data.
60 credits
This research project module is designed as a 'capstone' module, where you will carry out a project involving design and implementation of an individual research project. This module gives you the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the other taught modules in applied real world learning. You will also be presenting work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved bioinformatic skills, and most importantly demonstration of your ability to independently solve complex problems.
Optional modules
30 credits
This module allows you to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, the use of Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP) and version control in analytical processes, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, workshops and directed reading around the analysis and interpretation of data in a biological and health related setting.
30 credits
This module will provide you with a solid foundation in business management principles in marketing, finance, human resource management, general management, operations management, information and IT management applied to the science. It is designed to bridge the scientific knowledge with essential business acumen, preparing you to navigate and contribute effectively in a diverse and ever evolving international industries. Scenario and role play based learning will enable you to integrate theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies.
Optional placement year
Module
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
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.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 15% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 95%; exams and tests 5%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Fees and funding
Fees will be confirmed once the course has been validated.
Fees will be confirmed once the course has been validated.
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:
The Gangolli Scholarship is a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for Kingston University graduates progressing to a taught MSc course in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University undergraduate student progressing to a postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
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:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations: Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes.
Some courses may require professional memberships.
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
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
