Ranking
Top 100
a world top 100 university
Take the next step
Request information to learn more about the online MSc Bioinformatics. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Course overview
The future of biology is bioinformatics. Learn to work with the world’s most advanced biological and clinical datasets and develop your career in omics-enabled biosciences.
Bioinformatics is one of the fastest-growing fields in industry and academia. Our online MSc Bioinformatics connects biology, clinical applications, mathematics and computer science on a programme that bridges the fields of health informatics, machine learning and systems biology.
Course highlights
Led by active bioinformatics researchers and connected to global institutions, the programme offers real-world experience and practical skills essential for advancing your career in this dynamic field.
Our online MSc Bioinformatics connects topics across biology and computer science, equipping you with cutting-edge data manipulation techniques for advanced health and life science research.
Whether you're a biologist or healthcare professional eager to dive into data analysis, or a statistician or computer scientist looking to apply your expertise to health and biology, this programme is uniquely designed to support your ambitions in this fast-growing industry.
- Top 100
QS World University Rankings 2024.
- 68th
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
- 100%
online study. A flexible learning alternative for working professionals around the world
Course delivery
Our online Bioinformatics Masters degree includes online lectures, mini-case studies and group projects.
Through mini-case studies and group projects, you’ll work through real-life examples, drawing on our connections with University Hospitals Birmingham and other industry partnerships. Collaborating with students from different backgrounds will enrich your experience further, helping you to make use of data in new and inventive ways.
The programme covers the essential topics related to bioinformatics, starting with introductory modules, followed by applied and advanced modules to gradually build your knowledge throughout this unique multidisciplinary programme.
- Taught modules - provide you with foundational knowledge and skills in programming, statistics, omics, health analytics, machine learning and advanced computational methods.
- Mini-case studies – allows you to work with real-life examples, preparing you to tackle world research or industrial problems at scale.
- Group projects – will put you with other students from various backgrounds, allowing you to draw on connections from across the globe.
Module information
The online MSc Bioinformatics is a 180 credit full masters programme that takes approximately two and a half years to complete.
There are twelve 10 credit taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation. You will take six 10 credit core modules in your first year, followed by six 10 credit core modules in your second year, with each module lasting approximately 8 weeks in total.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
To be eligible to apply for the Online MSc Bioinformatics, you will need to have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) at least an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject from a UK university OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
To be eligible for the online MSc Bioinformatics, you need a 2:1 degree or postgraduate diploma in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science, or a related quantitative subject from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
Alternatively, with an A in A-level mathematics, you can qualify with:
- A 2:2 in the above subjects plus 3–5 years of relevant work experience.
- A 3.0 in the above subjects plus 5–7 years of relevant work experience.
- 8 or more years of relevant work experience.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and scholarships
- £17,615
Total cost
- £1,355
Per module
The programme fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.
What are my funding options?
Online postgraduate study is a significant financial commitment, and we want you to be completely aware of the associated costs – and all the support available – before becoming a student with us. There are a number of funding options available to help you, including loans, scholarships and employer reimbursement.
Application process
To apply for an online postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
How to apply
If you have a question about your application or the application process, including whether your current degree qualifies you for the programme, contact us using the details below, and we will be happy to help. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Career opportunities
Our online MSc Bioinformatics degree prepares wet-bench biologists and clinicians interested in data analysis, as well as statisticians or computer scientists wishing to work in biology.
After graduation, our students have pursed PhD studies or research roles in pharmaceutical companies, government institutions and medical publications.
Career roles:
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Bioinformatics Scientist/Technician
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Biostatician
- Medical Data Scientist
- Medical AI Architect
Career support
Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.
Student experience
Your online student experience
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.
Your support team
From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.