Gain advanced academic training in cellular and molecular processes relating to the production of biomedicines for use in healthcare, as well as rigorous practical training in the design, production and characterisation of biomolecules using state-of-the-art biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and molecular technologies.
Through studying Biotechnology and Bioengineering at Kent, you will gain practical, academic, and applied skills in data analysis, systems and modeling approaches, and bioinformatics. Alongside these, you'll develop transferable skills in scientific writing, presentation, and public affairs, making you well-rounded for future opportunities.
With a curriculum designed by world-leading experts in the field, you’ll be learning from the very people making the biggest breakthroughs. The course focuses on cutting-edge research in biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical science at the molecular and cellular level. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to tackle modern biotechnological challenges from both academic and industrial perspectives. You can also choose to progress into PhD study or use the skills gained to pursue careers in pharmaceutical companies, medical research, teaching, industry, and beyond.
With state-of-the-art laboratories, you will thrive in an excellent learning environment. You’ll also have the opportunity to join BioSoc, a student-led society affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Science, which hosts seminars, academic talks, trips, and social events.
Minimum 2.2 degree or equivalent in biosciences, biotechnology, biomedical/biochemical engineering or a related subject.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The modules listed below are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
How do we effectively develop both understanding and practical skills in the evolving field of molecular biology? How do we assess the impact of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing on current biological research and its broader applications?
In this module, you will embark on a journey to deepen your understanding and enhance your practical skills in molecular biology. Through interactive workshops, hands-on practical sessions, and collaborative group work, you'll be actively engaged in learning key practical and transferable skills vital for any field of biology. You will take part in an extended mini-project that places you at the forefront of biological innovation, utilising CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing. This cutting-edge technology, complemented by modern genome sequencing technologies, opens a wide array of applications in the biological sciences. By mastering these skills, you'll be equipped to contribute to ground-breaking research and advancements in fields ranging from agriculture to medicine. This module not only prepares you for a career in molecular biological research by giving you a competitive edge in technology but also empowers you to contribute to future scientific breakthroughs.
Biotechnology and its application has had a massive impact on the everyday lives of humans and the environment for thousands of years. This module provides critical perspectives on the most recent developments in biotechnology and their application, providing solutions to health challenges, an ability to feed the world more sustainably, ways of generating energy in a ‘greener’ way, new materials and many more. Specific examples will demonstrate development of findings into commercial application and the process and regulatory structure within which this takes place. Students have the opportunity to explore their own interests in the field and develop ideas that can be applied into application. The role of biotechnology in addressing local and global health, social, economic, and environmental challenges as aligned with the UN sustainable development goals will be considered. The module contains perspective from external speakers in the biotechnology sector, providing professional insights, networking and employment opportunities.
What are the limits of scientific research? Are scientists allowed to do whatever they like? Which risks (for individuals and/ or society) are acceptable for research? Which responsibility have researchers for how their research findings will be used (for the benefit of humankind or for malevolent causes)? What responsibility do scientists have for the subjects of their research (humans or animals)? Do scientists have to ensure the validity of their research findings (and, if yes, to which extent)? How should scientists communicate their research findings? Are scientists responsible for the (mis)interpretation of their findings? Can scientists also be activists in their field of research (without affecting their scientific credibility)? Do research ethics differ between different settings (e.g. between academia and industry or between basic and applied research)? These are just some questions that you will consider to think about implications of research beyond the immediate scientific content. By doing this, you will acquire core skills on the ethics conduct in the biosciences and beyond. This module will help you to develop into a mature, responsible scientist who does not only know how to tackle a research question but who is also able to consider and judge the ethical and societal implications of their research.
Explore the cutting-edge realms of biotechnology and bioengineering in this dynamic module! From unravelling the mysteries of drug discovery and engineering biology to mastering the art of cell engineering, this course will lead you to the forefront of scientific innovation. Delve into the mechanics of cells and the importance of cellular processes in biotechnology applications, venture into industrial biotechnology's biofuels frontier, and unlock the potential of protein-based drugs and bionanomaterials. Taught by leading academics in their fields, workshops and seminars will immerse you in our latest research, methodologies, advancements, and trends shaping the future of the field, while hands-on practicals will bring theory to life. Join us on this journey of discovery, where your curiosity meets innovation, and together, we will push the boundaries of what's possible in biotechnology and bioengineering!
Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of human life and the natural world, making its understanding essential for informed decision-making and participation in societal debates on its use and regulation. In this module you will develop your skills to become a well-rounded and professional scientist who is capable of conducting high-quality and original research. You will discuss how to identify and articulate research questions and hypotheses that are relevant to the current challenges and opportunities within the field of biomedicine. You will focus on how to critically evaluate the scientific literature, discerning the quality and relevance of research articles, reviews, and reports in the field of biomedicine, so that you remain up-to-date with the latest research developments to ground your own original research on a solid theoretical framework. With the help of advanced statistical software you will further develop your skills in critical analysis of scientific data, including training in data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results, ensuring that you can draw valid conclusions from your research findings. Finally, you will be shown how to effectively design and communicate an original research proposal to the wider scientific and non-scientific community. Upon completion of this module you will be a confident research professional, able to lead your own research project independently.
Studying Analytical and Emerging Technologies for Biotechnology and Bioengineering is highly valued in industries such as (bio)pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, enhancing employability prospects. Understanding and practice of emerging techniques will equip you with the knowledge to innovate in a rapidly evolving field and to tackle current and future challenges. Through an exploration of analytical technologies essential for the analysis of proteins, small molecules, and cells, you will delve into an array of techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of biology and biotechnology. With practical applications to design and implement protocols for the recovery and characterisation of protein molecules from mammalian cell culture, this allows the application of theoretical knowledge to practical settings. Through a combination of lectures, practical exercises and expert-led sessions, you will acquire an understanding of analytical technologies and their relevance in industrial biotechnology.
Careers in science and technology involve critical thinking, problem solving, communication and creativity. In this module, you will undertake an independent research project to develop these skills. You will work together with an academic supervisor to address specific scientific questions and design a research project.
You will be trained in key techniques relating to the project, and work independently under the supervisor's guidance to design and execute experiments to address your research questions. You will learn how to effectively communicate your project and findings in style with scientific conferences and journals.
Assessment is by coursework and the research project.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
The School is well equipped, with excellent general research laboratories, together with a range of specialised research resources including facilities for growing micro-organisms of all kinds, extensive laboratories for animal cell culture and monoclonal antibody production and an imaging suite providing high-resolution laser confocal and electron microscopy. Additionally, the macromolecular analysis facility provides resources for protein and mass spectrometry, CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and HPLC and FPLC systems for all aspects of biochemical and microbiological research. Notably, the School has a new state-of-the-art Bruker Avance III four-channel 600 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a QCI cryoprobe. Our NMR spectrometer was upgraded to this status via an equipment research award from the Wellcome Trust.
All research students are supervised closely and are regularly monitored online using the University progression and monitoring system. All postgraduate students have access to electronic and other resources providing information regarding technical issues relevant to their degrees, as well as subject-specific and transferable skills training. All research students are allocated a Postgraduate Supervisory Team, consisting of one or more day-to-day supervisors, and one or more members not involved in day-to-day supervision whose task it is to serve as independent monitors of progress.
Students on taught programmes are assigned a personal academic tutor to provide additional support in their postgraduate study. Throughout the course, you are fully embedded in the research culture of the School by attending research seminars and careers guidance sessions, and also participating in our vibrant outreach programme within the local community. In addition to taught modules, an in-depth research project takes place during the summer under the guidance of members of academic staff. These projects benefit from our outstanding research environment and first-class facilities.
Every week, Biosciences runs school seminars where external guest speakers or staff, talk about recent research. In addition, the department runs FIREBio (Forum for Innovation, Research and Enterprise in Biosciences), which is a weekly informal meeting for staff, postdocs and postgraduates involving short presentations and discussions. Postgraduates can use the opportunity to present unpublished research findings and discuss them in a supportive environment.
Staff in the School of Biosciences not only collaborate extensively with other universities in the UK (Cambridge, Cardiff, King’s College London, University College London, Newcastle, Oxford, Sussex, York, Manchester, Durham and Sheffield), but also have a wide-ranging network across the world with institutes including: the Boston Biomedical Research Institute; University of Hanover; Monash University Melbourne; Harvard; University of California, Davis; Université Claude Bernard – Lyon 1; Goethe-Universität Frankfurt; University of Queensland, Australia; University of Utah; Texas A&M University; and Braunschweig University of Technology. We also collaborate with organisations such as the Marie Curie Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, National Institute for Medical Research, MRC London, GlaxoSmithKline and the European Union Framework 5 CYTONET.
The School currently receives funding from: BBSRC; Biochemical Society; British Heart Foundation; E B Charitable Hutchinson Trust; the EC; EPSRC; Kent Cancer Trust;The Leverhulme Trust; National Institutes of Health (USA); Nuffield Foundation; Royal Society; Wellcome Trust. It also receives funding on specific projects from a number of industrial organisations and collaborators.
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Nature Chemical Biology; Journal of Biological Chemistry; Cell; Molecular Cell; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA; PLOS One; and Journal of Cell Science.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
A postgraduate degree in biosciences is designed to equip our graduates with transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Our research-led ethos ensures that students explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge, and the intensive practical components provide rigorous training in cutting edge technical skills that are used in the modern biosciences while working in areas of world-leading expertise within the School.
Destinations for our graduates include the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies within the UK and leading research institutes both at home and abroad.
To give you an idea of possible career destinations, recent graduates have gone on to the following roles: include Research and Development Technician at GW Pharmaceuticals, Bioanalytical Scientist at Bio Products Laboratory, Scientist at Lonza Biologics, Research Scientist at Evox Therapeutics Limited, and onto PhD study at the University of Kent, University College London, and the University of New South Wales in Australia.
The School of Biosciences has a dedicated Placements and Employability Team and your academic supervisor will be able to advise you and give you access to professionals in their network.
The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:
These services are available to you for 3 years after completing your course.
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
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