MSc — 2027 entry Biotechnology
Develop the skills to create life-changing products on our Biotechnology masters course. From drug discovery to large-scale bioprocessing, you’ll immerse yourself in our labs and develop industry-relevant skills in data analysis, research, AI and machine learning, and project management.
Applications for September 2026 entry have now closed for students requiring a visa. Applicants who do not require a student visa can continue to apply until 1 September 2026.
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Why choose
this course?
Choosing Surrey for your MSc Biotechnology means you’ll develop the research skills, industry knowledge and professionalism that will help you stand out to employers. Built on Surrey’s expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, bioprocessing, drug discovery and bioremediation, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology and its modern applications.
- Develop your expertise in the skills the biotech industry needs, such as bioprocessing, bioanalysis, metabolic engineering and pathogen handling. This programme has been designed with business input to reflect the sector’s key requirements.
- Undertake team and individual projects that mirror industry tasks, such as developing a target product profile for a new drug, cultivating cells in a bioreactor, and carrying out multi-omics analysis using state-of-the-art analytical technology.
- Gain a rounded understanding of the commercial, legal and regulatory features of industrial biotechnology, from management and intellectual property to government approval for trials and ethical consideration. This knowledge can accelerate careers in research management, consulting, technical sales and regulatory affairs.
- Enjoy guest lectures from senior industry practitioners at leading biotech companies and work alongside professional researchers in our labs for your research project.
- Learn how to use AI ethically and effectively in biotechnology research and analysis, using industry-standard AI tools as part of your studies.
- Benefit from the 1-2-1 support of a personal tutor as well as the strong community within the School of Biosciences, creating a highly collaborative spirit that reflects the professional research world.
Statistics
100%
Of our biosciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
What you will study
On this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of biotechnology across four modules and a research project. You’ll study the strategies for large-scale bioprocessing and bioprocess design using real industrial case studies. You’ll also learn about the full process of drug discovery, with a focus on biological products and the biology of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry.
You’ll look at applications of biotechnology in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnological industries and explore essential tools such as principles of cell cultivation, biochemistry and metabolism, genetic manipulation, and synthetic biology, and the field of biotechnology that develops solutions using computational biology approaches, including AI and machine learning. You’ll then examine non-conventional uses of biotechnology and how these may be used in future.
Across both semesters, you’ll work on a research project of your choice aligned to an existing research project at Surrey, either individually or in a small group. You’ll be matched with a supervisor who will discuss the plan for your project and supervise your progress. Current students on this course are researching strategies for improving antibiotic production; biotechnology approaches for the recovery of strategic metals; basic mechanisms of viral infection; metabolic modelling of biological processes, among other projects.
Research groups
For your research project, you will get to work in one of our research labs alongside professional researchers, which may include the programme lead, Professor Claudio Avignone Rossa. Depending on your chosen project, this could mean working in a lab dedicated to research on microbiology, oncology, cardiovascular sciences or veterinary science, among others. You’ll get to familiarise yourself with the highest standards of research and make connections that could support you in further study at Surrey or in your career.
One Health, One Medicine
Our Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences implements a ‘One Health, One Medicine’ approach, which combines research excellence from our five schools to sustainably improve human and animal health. As a student of this course, you will be able to take advantage of our expertise in this area, in which biotechnology plays a key role. You may get the opportunity to network with our partners and attend guest talks by entrepreneurs within the biotech industry, whose work aligns with the One Health, One Medicine ethos.
Facilities
You’ll have access to fully equipped research and teaching facilities in our School of Biosciences. The main teaching lab on this course is our Systems Biology Lab, where the Section of Molecular and Systems Biology is based. Ongoing projects include:
- Engineering Streptomyces bacteria for the sustainable manufacture of antibiotics
- Systems biology, artificial intelligence and advanced biotechnology approaches to improve soil bioremediation
- Sono-biotechnology for elimination of persistent organic pollutants (‘forever chemicals’)
- Building cellular maps for network-based drug design
- Post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as beneficial commensal bacteria
- In vitro and ex vivo 3D multicellular models to study cardiovascular physiology and disease.
Our Systems Biology Lab holds a LEAF Silver award for taking exemplary actions to improve sustainability practices.
This course has intakes in February and September.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught courses based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits.
Please note that modules are listed by the academic calendar and are reflective of a September start date. For students that start a programme in February, please note that the modules listed as semester two will take place in the spring term and modules listed as semester one will take place in the autumn term.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module is directed to the study of large-scale bioprocessing and bioprocesses, from foundations to real industrial cases. The module shows how the principles studied in the previous module are applied in scales typical of pilot plant or industry, in particular the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to provide a systematic understanding of the entire drug discovery process, with a particular focus on biological products and the biology of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. This will cover from target identification and assay development, hit finding and optimisation, through to ADME/pharmacokinetics, and considerations for clinical trials. The physicochemical properties of API, drug action, metabolism, toxicology effect of drugs, biologics (e.g. antibodies), excipients and degradation products as well as methods used to evaluate potential drug candidates and their synthesis in drug discovery pipeline will be evaluated, through studying the biochemistry and molecular biology of drug metabolism.Knowledge obtained in this module will be vital for understanding the overall impact of pharmaceutical sciences as well as how modern technologies, IT and AI/ML can work together to develop and deliver safe and effective medicines to patients.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Applications of Biotechnology in biopharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied at UG level Biochemistry and Metabolism modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied at UG level in Microbiology modules). Complementary concepts would have been covered at UG level in modules discussing systems biology, genomics, etc. The principles of discovery and production of products of biopharmaceutical and biotechnological interest, such as food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries are discussed applying a quantitative approach.
View full module detailsThe module is directed to the discussion of non-conventional Biotechnological processes and approaches, and the investigation of future directions for the area.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
In this module, the students will be able to demonstrate the understanding and knowledge of the basic principles they 've learnt in the modules. The students will work individually on in small groups in projects associated to existing research projects, or in projects proposed by them (subject to the available material and supervisor). In the first case, the students will have to choose a project from a given list of potential projects, and they will have to justify their choice. In the second case, the students will propose a subject and explain and justify the subject and its relevance.The research plan must be designed by the student, including a time-plan and the costs involved. They will have to perform a literature search on the subject under study, and propose a logical sequence of experiments to solve a scientific problem, making use of the materials, equipment and facilities available to them. The plan will be discussed the supervisors, who will oversee the execution of the project and will provide advise on the different experimental aspects involved. Finally, the students will report the results of their project in a dissertation.The objective of the module is to stimulate scientific learning and develop the student's ability to design, conduct and evaluate independent research. The project and the report must fulfil the standards required for an MSc degree, demonstrating critical analysis and scientific reasoning, based on the literature and the experimental work.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Core
In this module, the students will be able to demonstrate the understanding and knowledge of the basic principles they 've learnt in the modules. The students will work individually on in small groups in projects associated to existing research projects, or in projects proposed by them (subject to the available material and supervisor). In the first case, the students will have to choose a project from a given list of potential projects, and they will have to justify their choice. In the second case, the students will propose a subject and explain and justify the subject and its relevance.The research plan must be designed by the student, including a time-plan and the costs involved. They will have to perform a literature search on the subject under study, and propose a logical sequence of experiments to solve a scientific problem, making use of the materials, equipment and facilities available to them. The plan will be discussed the supervisors, who will oversee the execution of the project and will provide advise on the different experimental aspects involved. Finally, the students will report the results of their project in a dissertation.The objective of the module is to stimulate scientific learning and develop the student's ability to design, conduct and evaluate independent research. The project and the report must fulfil the standards required for an MSc degree, demonstrating critical analysis and scientific reasoning, based on the literature and the experimental work.
View full module detailsModule selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module is directed to the study of large-scale bioprocessing and bioprocesses, from foundations to real industrial cases. The module shows how the principles studied in the previous module are applied in scales typical of pilot plant or industry, in particular the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to provide a systematic understanding of the entire drug discovery process, with a particular focus on biological products and the biology of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. This will cover from target identification and assay development, hit finding and optimisation, through to ADME/pharmacokinetics, and considerations for clinical trials. The physicochemical properties of API, drug action, metabolism, toxicology effect of drugs, biologics (e.g. antibodies), excipients and degradation products as well as methods used to evaluate potential drug candidates and their synthesis in drug discovery pipeline will be evaluated, through studying the biochemistry and molecular biology of drug metabolism.Knowledge obtained in this module will be vital for understanding the overall impact of pharmaceutical sciences as well as how modern technologies, IT and AI/ML can work together to develop and deliver safe and effective medicines to patients.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Applications of Biotechnology in biopharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied at UG level Biochemistry and Metabolism modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied at UG level in Microbiology modules). Complementary concepts would have been covered at UG level in modules discussing systems biology, genomics, etc. The principles of discovery and production of products of biopharmaceutical and biotechnological interest, such as food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries are discussed applying a quantitative approach.
View full module detailsThe module is directed to the discussion of non-conventional Biotechnological processes and approaches, and the investigation of future directions for the area.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
In this module, the students will be able to demonstrate the understanding and knowledge of the basic principles they 've learnt in the modules. The students will work individually on in small groups in projects associated to existing research projects, or in projects proposed by them (subject to the available material and supervisor). In the first case, the students will have to choose a project from a given list of potential projects, and they will have to justify their choice. In the second case, the students will propose a subject and explain and justify the subject and its relevance.The research plan must be designed by the student, including a time-plan and the costs involved. They will have to perform a literature search on the subject under study, and propose a logical sequence of experiments to solve a scientific problem, making use of the materials, equipment and facilities available to them. The plan will be discussed the supervisors, who will oversee the execution of the project and will provide advise on the different experimental aspects involved. Finally, the students will report the results of their project in a dissertation.The objective of the module is to stimulate scientific learning and develop the student's ability to design, conduct and evaluate independent research. The project and the report must fulfil the standards required for an MSc degree, demonstrating critical analysis and scientific reasoning, based on the literature and the experimental work.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Core
In this module, the students will be able to demonstrate the understanding and knowledge of the basic principles they 've learnt in the modules. The students will work individually on in small groups in projects associated to existing research projects, or in projects proposed by them (subject to the available material and supervisor). In the first case, the students will have to choose a project from a given list of potential projects, and they will have to justify their choice. In the second case, the students will propose a subject and explain and justify the subject and its relevance.The research plan must be designed by the student, including a time-plan and the costs involved. They will have to perform a literature search on the subject under study, and propose a logical sequence of experiments to solve a scientific problem, making use of the materials, equipment and facilities available to them. The plan will be discussed the supervisors, who will oversee the execution of the project and will provide advise on the different experimental aspects involved. Finally, the students will report the results of their project in a dissertation.The objective of the module is to stimulate scientific learning and develop the student's ability to design, conduct and evaluate independent research. The project and the report must fulfil the standards required for an MSc degree, demonstrating critical analysis and scientific reasoning, based on the literature and the experimental work.
View full module detailsModule selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Teaching and learning
- Group work
- Independent study
- Laboratory work
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Project work
- Research work
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including case studies, project writing, data analysis, and computer simulations.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
The biotechnology industry is growing rapidly and there is high demand for skilled graduates, particularly in the UK which is a global leader in the field. As a graduate of this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in areas such as:
- Biotechnology
- Food technology
- Pharma
- Data analysis
- Environmental or scientific consulting
- Sustainable development
- Bioprocess engineering
- Research and development (R&D)
- Technical sales.
You may also wish to continue your studies by completing a PhD and preparing for a career in academia or industrial R&D.
Find out more about what you can do with a masters in biotechnology.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in a relevant discipline, such as biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, chemistry, microbiology or pharmaceutical sciences.
Other relevant qualifications may be considered by the department on a case-by-case basis.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on some courses, and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
Fee options
- UK
- £11,300
- Overseas
- £18,600
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Fees for part-time routes are applicable in each year of the course
- These fees apply to the academic year 2026-27 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.
Read our tuition fees guidance to find out more about payment schedules and how to pay.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
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Register your interestAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
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Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage, and again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.