UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
Bioinformatics MSc
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS N/A
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Top 5 in UK for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)Ranking
- 94% of research activity rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'Research Excellence
- 90.6% student satisfaction in Biological Sciences (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey)Student Satisfaction
- Engage with industry professionals and undertake industrial research projectsIndustry Engagement
- Access to over 150 research groupsResearch Community
- Learn from leading practitionersExpert Faculty
The Bioinformatics MSc at the University of Edinburgh is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills to understand and process vast amounts of biological data using computational methods. This field combines computer science, informatics, statistics/mathematics, and engineering to efficiently explore complex biological information. Recognizing diverse student backgrounds, the program provides a core set of essential bioinformatics skills while offering extensive course options. This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning to specific interests within biology and bioinformatics, ensuring they are well-prepared to leverage advancements in both fields. The curriculum focuses on both the application and development of methods for interpreting data generated by high-throughput 'omics' technologies, such as those related to proteins and nucleic acids.
Curriculum
The MSc Bioinformatics programme provides a strong foundation in biology alongside training in the application and development of methods for interpreting high-throughput 'omics' data. Students will develop core bioinformatician skills and have the flexibility to choose from diverse course options to shape their specific programme content.
- Year 1 (MSc Full-time)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Bioinformatics programme?
- You need a UK 2:1 or its international equivalent in biological sciences, with a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related sciences. Experience in computer science and mathematics is also beneficial, and applicants from chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering may be considered.
- What are the English language requirements for international students?
- For IELTS Academic, a total score of 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component is required. Other accepted tests include TOEFL-iBT, C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, and Oxford Test of English Advanced, with specific score requirements for each.
- How much does the MSc Bioinformatics programme cost?
- Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's website. Estimated living costs for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are £18,504 per year. A deposit of £1,500 is required upon receiving an offer of admission.
- What is the duration of the MSc Bioinformatics programme?
- The MSc Bioinformatics programme is a full-time, one-year programme.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MSc Bioinformatics?
- Graduates are well-suited for PhD research and can pursue R&D or project management roles in various industries. The program also offers opportunities for industrial research projects.
- Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
- Various scholarships and bursaries are available, including the School of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Bursaries and the Tercentenary Award for Excellence. You should check the School of Biological Sciences funding page and the University's scholarship database for eligibility and application details.
Entry requirements
UK 2:1 honours degreeor its international equivalent, in biological sciences. Strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related sciences is required. Some experience in computer science and mathematics is also beneficial, especially for those interested in machine learning tools. Applicants with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering may also be considered.
IELTS Academictotal 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (before 21 January 2026)total 100 with at least 20 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (from 21 January 2026)total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component
C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE)total 185 with at least 169 in each component
Trinity ISEISE III with passes in all four components
Oxford ELLTtotal 8 with at least 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advancedtotal 155 with at least 135 in each component
English language tests must be no more than two years old (IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced) or three and a half years old (other tests) from the 1st of the month your programme starts. A degree taught and assessed in English from a majority English-speaking country or an approved university in a non-majority English-speaking country is also accepted, if obtained no more than three and a half years prior.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on specific international tuition fees for this program is not provided directly, but a deposit of £1,500 is required upon receiving an offer of admission. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount.
Tuition (home)Information on specific home tuition fees for this program is not provided directly, but a deposit of £1,500 is required upon receiving an offer of admission. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount.
LivingEstimated living costs for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes: Accommodation and utilities (£11,736), Food and other shopping (£2,976), Mobile phone contract (£144), Socialising, leisure and wellbeing (£2,952), and Local bus travel (£696). These are averages and actual costs may vary based on personal choices and accommodation type.
Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year for the MSc Bioinformatics (1 year) programme can be found on the University's website by following the link provided for 'MSc Bioinformatics (1 year) tuition fees'.
How to apply
1. 1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet both the academic and English language requirements for the Bioinformatics MSc program for the 2026-27 academic year. Requirements for future years are published annually on October 1st.
2. 2. Gather Supporting DocumentsPrepare all necessary documents, which typically include a personal statement, information about your skills and experience, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and English language test results (if applicable).
3. 3. Review Application DeadlinesCheck the specific application deadlines for the Bioinformatics MSc on the degree finder. Applying early is advisable, particularly if you need to arrange a student visa or seek financial aid.
4. 4. Complete Your ApplicationSubmit your application online through the University's degree finder. Ensure all information provided is complete and accurate.
5. 5. Pay Deposit (if offered admission)If you receive an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional), you will be asked to pay a tuition fee deposit of £1,500. Details on how and when to pay will be provided with your offer.
6. 6. Track Your ApplicationAfter submission, you can track the status of your application. You will be notified of the University's decision and instructions on how to accept your offer.
Scholarships
School of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate BursariesVaries
School of Biological Sciences South and South-East Asia Academic Excellence Masters ScholarshipVaries
GREAT Scholarships 2026Varies
British Council Women in STEM Masters ScholarshipsVaries
India Merit ScholarshipVaries
European Merit Scholarship (France, Germany, Spain)Varies
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000
Accreditation
N/A
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Bioinformatics programme?
+
You need a UK 2:1 or its international equivalent in biological sciences, with a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related sciences. Experience in computer science and mathematics is also beneficial, and applicants from chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering may be considered.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
For IELTS Academic, a total score of 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component is required. Other accepted tests include TOEFL-iBT, C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, and Oxford Test of English Advanced, with specific score requirements for each.
How much does the MSc Bioinformatics programme cost?
+
Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's website. Estimated living costs for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are £18,504 per year. A deposit of £1,500 is required upon receiving an offer of admission.
What is the duration of the MSc Bioinformatics programme?
+
The MSc Bioinformatics programme is a full-time, one-year programme.
What are the career prospects after completing the MSc Bioinformatics?
+
Graduates are well-suited for PhD research and can pursue R&D or project management roles in various industries. The program also offers opportunities for industrial research projects.
Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
+
Various scholarships and bursaries are available, including the School of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Bursaries and the Tercentenary Award for Excellence. You should check the School of Biological Sciences funding page and the University's scholarship database for eligibility and application details.