MSc Bioinformatics with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by research-experienced academics with contributions by professionals from health services, agricultural research and the European Bioinformatics Institute.

Tailor your masters: You will begin by studying core modules in either Computer Science or Bioscience. Later, you can choose between the Clinical Bioinformatics and Plant Disease Bioinformatics modules. In the final stage of the course, you will focus on your research project, selecting a topic in consultation with your assigned supervisor.

Work-Related Learning: You will have the opportunity to secure your own bioinformatics work placement when you opt for the sandwich pathway.

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

A minimum of a lower second-class Honours Degree in a Bioscience or Computer Science subject with a final classification grade average of a minimum of 50% with evidence of having completed a research project; OR
A professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above; OR
A qualification in veterinary science, medicine with a classification grade average as specified above; OR
A qualification in maths, physics or astronomy with a significant computational component and a classification grade average as specified above. OR
A minimum of a lower second-class Honours Degree in disciplines other than those described above with a final classification grade average of a minimum of 50%, but where the applicant, in the opinion of the Programme Leader, would benefit from, and succeed on, the programme. The decision will be based on the contents of the degree to have either a significant computer science content or a significant molecular bioscience content.

In addition, all international students are required to demonstrate an English Language capability of IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any band) or equivalent qualification.

MSc Bioinformatics with Extended Professional Practice and MSc Bioinformatics (with Advanced Research) (two years full-time)

Requirements as specified above for MSc Bioinformatics; AND
Students will be selected through interview.

The interview must demonstrate that the applicant meets the following criteria:

Skills and knowledge in the area of biosciences equivalent to the level of the Core Bioscience module specified in section D; OR
Skills and knowledge in the area of computer science equivalent to the level of the Core Computer Science module specified in section D; AND
An understanding of how the programme of bioinformatics will contribute to the academic or professional development of the applicant.

If more students meet the above criteria than there are places available, students will be ranked and selected according to their interview performance and undergraduate degree average.


Institution code	H36
Course length	Sandwich, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
What job can I get?

Upon graduation, you may pursue a wide range of careers in bioinformatics across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research. Potential roles include:
- Bioinformatician in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, scientific research institutes, or medical/scientific equipment manufacturing companies
- Software developer specialising in computational biology
- Civil servant bioinformatician in public health agencies, such as the UK Health Security Agency, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Public Health Wales, or Public Health Scotland
- Any role that requires independent thinking and research with a high level of IT skills and background knowledge of bioscience, for example in the financial industry.
Alternatively, you may use the MSc in Bioinformatics to support an application for further research study, such as an MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

About the course

Intended for graduates in biological sciences or computer science interested in applying computation to biology. This MSc Bioinformatics course offers an opportunity to explore the application of computer science to problems in biology and medicine, providing a powerful skill set for tackling real-world challenges. You will learn how to generate and process biological sequence data, as well as use innovative tools and techniques that make sense of complex biological data. The course will develop your skills through lectures, workshops and practical classes, covering computational as well as laboratory practicals. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaboration with biologists, medical professionals, and computer scientists, preparing you to excel in diverse and dynamic teams in the workplace.

Alternatively, consider taking one of our MSc Bioinformatics routes:

Why choose this course?

You will be taught by research-experienced academics with contributions by professionals from health services, agricultural research and the European Bioinformatics Institute
The course offers a select number of wet-laboratory practicals, providing you with essential understanding of scientific practices related to bioinformatics.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Bioinformatician across a range of sectors.

What will I study?

The full-time MSc course spans one year, divided into three semesters. In the first semester, you will learn the basics of computer science or bioscience, depending on your background, and how to utilize bioinformatics databases and tools.

The second semester introduces more advanced topics, such as Machine Learning and Statistics, and offers the option to specialise in either Clinical Bioinformatics or Bioinformatics of Plant Disease. This allows you to tailor your studies to areas of particular interest in the bioinformatics field.

The third semester is dedicated to the Research Project, where you will conduct 7-8 weeks of independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. This is a key opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world context and enhance your research skills.

You can expect around 18 hours of on-campus contact per week during term time, including lectures, workshops, and practical work. In addition to these contact hours, you will need to allocate time for independent study, assignments, and preparation for practicals, making this a full-time commitment.

Assessment methods include practical reports, data analysis, program code writing, seminar presentations, group projects, oral exams, and a research project thesis. These diverse assessment types ensure that you develop a broad range of skills and knowledge throughout the course.

For part-time students, the course extends over two years, with the research project in the second year requiring a full-time commitment for 7-8 weeks. If employed, it’s recommended to take annual leave during this period.

The MSc with extended professional practice involves full-time study during the first two semesters of the first year, followed by a work placement, with the research project at end of the second year. Finding a work placement is your responsibility; if you are unable to secure one, you can continue with the full-time course or opt for the Advanced Research pathway, subject to availability.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Core Computer Science	30 Credits	Optional
This module equips students with essential computing skills for bioinformatics applications. It covers computer hardware, operating systems, algorithm design and programming, alongside various bioinformatics file formats. You will explore parallelisation and job scheduling as required in high-performance computing clusters. On this basis you will learn to work sustainably with large volumes of data in bioinformatics, and to develop and operate systems to process and analyse scientific data efficiently and reproducibly.
Core Bioscience	30 Credits	Optional
This module provides a comprehensive background in molecular-based bioscience essential for understanding bioinformatics. You will explore structure and function of biological macromolecules and how those molecules are involved in fundamental cellular processes such as genetic information storage, regulation, transcription and translation. Protein functions, and bioenergetics are covered with selected examples of malfunction leading to disease. Additionally, you will be introduced to examples of laboratory techniques in theory and in practice.
Databases and Tools	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module equips you with essential skills to understand and utilize core databases and bioinformatics tools. It provides comprehensive background knowledge and hands-on experience with computational techniques, enabling students to analyse and interpret large-scale datasets in genomics and proteomics. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, you will gain proficiency in managing and extracting meaningful insights from complex biological data, preparing them for research and professional roles in the field of bioinformatics.
Machine Learning and Statistics	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of statistical methods and advanced machine learning techniques, focusing on their application to complex biological and chemical data. It emphasizes critical evaluation and synthesis of research findings, application of sophisticated algorithms, and integration of diverse data types. The module enhances problem-solving skills through practical tasks, fosters independent research capabilities, and promotes ethical and professional standards. By the end, you will be equipped to tackle real-world bioinformatics challenges using statistics and machine learning.
Analysis and Generation of Genome Sequences	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides advanced bioinformatics skills, focusing on genome sequence generation and analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. You will gain practical experience with computational tools and specialist techniques applicable in complex contexts. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and evaluation of incomplete or contradictory data. By the end of the module, you will be proficient in designing and implementing bioinformatics workflows for genome sequencing projects, capable of comprehensive data generation and analysis for research and clinical applications, while applying ethical and professional values.
Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module the principles, methods and skills that underpin ethical scientific research are explored to build a foundation for the final research project. Within this module you will be supported by a personal tutor with regular small-group tutor meetings as well as receive information in more formal lectures. Knowledge of research methods enables you to research, understand and later contribute to the academic literature. You will learn how to execute a group project to a fixed deadline and communicate the project to an audience.
Research Project	45 Credits	Compulsory
The Research Project module involves developing research questions and hypotheses for a chosen topic, followed by a dedicated period of 7-8 weeks for full-time independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. The findings are compiled into a research report and discussed in an oral examination.
Bioinformatics of Plant Disease	15 Credits	Optional
This module will equip you with bioinformatics tools and skills to study plant disease resistance. You will analyse genome resequencing (GWAS) and RNA sequencing (differential gene expression) data to compare resistant and sensitive plant varieties. You will compare time-dependent RNA-seq data from infected and non-infected control samples. Additionally, you will gain theoretical knowledge of resistance genes and sequencing techniques like RNA-seq, crucial for understanding plant immune responses.
Clinical Bioinformatics	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the application of bioinformatics in clinical settings. You will learn about various clinical conditions requiring bioinformatics support, including genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. The course covers key bioinformatics tools and techniques used in diagnostics, prognostics, and personalized medicine. Topics may include genomic data analysis, variant interpretation, pathway analysis, and integration of multi-omics data. Students will use their knowledge of tools and databases acquired through previous modules to develop skills in interpreting bioinformatics results in a clinical context.
Bioinformatics Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Work Placement will provide you with the opportunity to elaborate, develop, and adapt the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes acquired during prior learning, in a professional environment.
Placement Assessment	0 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement has provided you with the opportunity to set your academic studies in a broader context and gain practical experience of a professional workplace and strengthen your employability skills. The Work Placement Assessment enables you to reflect on the skills and insights gained throughout your placement.

Key staff

Dr Andreas Kukol

Find out more about Dr Andreas Kukol

Dr Hershna Patel

Find out more about Dr Hershna Patel

Dr Kassim Adebambo

Find out more about Dr Kassim Adebambo

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Bioinformatics - Extended	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Bioinformatics - Extended	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

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You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £14400 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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MSc Bioinformatics with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

What job can I get?

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026