NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE · SINGAPORE
MSc Biotechnology
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€4k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1-year full-time, 2-year part-timeFlexible Study Options
- 40 unitsProgramme Structure
- Cutting-edge learning platformsInnovative Education
- Data analysis, genetic engineering, protein engineeringKey Technical Skills
- Biotechnology enterprise, communication, teamworkKey Management Skills
The Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is designed for graduates and professionals keen to advance their knowledge and skills in the diverse and evolving field of biotechnology. This programme offers rigorous training across areas such as precision medicine, synthetic biology, and bioengineering, preparing students to tackle contemporary global challenges. The curriculum is structured to enhance adaptability in a rapidly changing biotechnology landscape, providing expertise in areas like Emerging Infectious Disease, Genome Editing, Urban Farming Biotechnology, and Computational Biotechnology. Students will gain crucial quantitative, technical, management, and communication skills essential for success in modern biotechnology enterprises.
Curriculum
The MSc in Biotechnology is a 40-unit programme that can be completed in one year full-time (two semesters) or two years part-time (four semesters). Students are required to complete three core courses and select electives to meet the remaining unit requirements.
- Core Courses (Mandatory)
- Protein Design and EngineeringBL5213
- Case Studies in BiotechnologyBL5601
- Genetic Engineering in BiotechnologyBL5602
- Elective Courses (Choose 28 units)
- Capstone Project in BiotechnologyBL5699R
- Internship Project in BiotechnologyBL5690
- Introduction to BioimagingBL5232
- Practical Bioimaging A: Electron MicroscopyBL5232A
- Practical Bioimaging B: Light MicroscopyBL5232B
- Practical Bioimaging C: Hands-on MicroscopyBL5232C
- Infectious Disease and Host Pathogen InteractionsBL5623
- Infectious Disease ModellingBL5238
- Computational Biology: Sequences, Structures, FunctionsBL5237
- Advanced Data Analytics for Biology (TLL)BL5243
- Practical Analysis of Genomic Data using RBL5631
- Genomic Data Science in the CloudBL5632
- Applications of AI in Biotech and BiomedBL5633
- Advanced Molecular Genetics (TLL)BL5223
- Advanced Genetics and Genome SciencesBL5216
- RNA biology and therapeuticsBL5641
- CRISPR & Precision Gene Editing TechnologiesBL5642
- Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering for the BioeconomyBL5643
- Sequencing Technologies: Past, Present and FutureBL5644
- Genetic Medicine and Precision DiagnosticsBL5645
- Sequencing Anything, Anywhere, by AnyoneBL5646
- Biophysical Methods in Life SciencesBL5202A
- Applications of Mass Spectrometry in Life SciencesBL5208
- Advanced Proteins NMRBL5214
- Macromolecular X-ray CrystallographyBL5215
- Plant and Microbial Development (TLL)BL5221
- Urban Agriculture and Crop BiotechnologyBL5661
- Biotechnology in AquacultureBL5662
- Signaling Mechanisms in Cancers and Metabolic DiseasesBL5224
- Advanced and Current Topics in Drug DevelopmentBL5611
- The Biotech Revolution and Biologic DrugsBL5612
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's degree (with Honours) or a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant work experience is accepted.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- Applicants from non-English speaking countries or whose university instruction was not in English must provide IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL scores (minimum 85 before Jan 21, 2026, or 4.5 after Jan 21, 2026).
- How long does the MSc Biotechnology programme take to complete?
- The programme is a 40-unit course that can be finished in one year of full-time study (two semesters) or two years of part-time study (four semesters).
- What is the tuition fee for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
- An acceptance fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of GST) is payable upon acceptance and will be credited towards tuition fees. Tuition fees are subject to review and adjustment by the University.
- When are the application deadlines for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
- The Early Admission Cycle for the August 2027 intake runs from May 16 to July 15, 2026. The Regular Cycle for the August 2027 intake is from October 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MSc Biotechnology programme?
- The programme prepares graduates for diverse careers within the biotechnology sector, both in Singapore and internationally, in areas such as precision medicine, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's (with Honours) degree or 4-year Bachelor's degreeIn relevant disciplines
Bachelor's degreeWith at least 2 years of relevant work experience
IELTSMinimum 6.0
TOEFLMinimum 85 (taken prior to 21 Jan 2026) or 4.5 (taken from 21 Jan 2026)
English language test scores are required for applicants from countries where English is not the native language and whose university instruction was not entirely in English. Other qualifications and experiences may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fees
Tuition (international)A non-refundable and non-transferable acceptance fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of GST) is payable upon acceptance, which will be credited towards your tuition fees. Tuition fees are subject to review and adjustment by the University.
Tuition (home)A non-refundable and non-transferable acceptance fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of GST) is payable upon acceptance, which will be credited towards your tuition fees. Tuition fees are subject to review and adjustment by the University.
LivingStudents are also required to pay a Student Services Fee every regular semester, as published by the NUS Registrar’s Office. Estimated living costs are not provided by the university.
Admission is granted on a competitive basis due to limited places. All fees are in Singapore Dollars (SGD).
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsCheck if you meet the academic and English language proficiency criteria for the programme.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all mandatory supporting documents as per the checklist. Ensure any documents not in English are accompanied by certified English translations.
3. Apply OnlineAccess the Graduate Admission System and complete the online application. Pay the non-refundable S$100 application fee.
4. Upload Supporting DocumentsUpload all necessary documents in PDF format to the application system by the closing date. Your application cannot be processed until all documents are received.
5. Await OutcomeShortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview. Application outcomes will be communicated via the Graduate Admission System and email. Unsuccessful applications from the Early Admission Exercise will automatically be considered in the Regular Cycle.
6. Accept Offer (If Successful)If offered admission, pay the S$5,450 acceptance fee online and formally accept the offer within the Graduate Admission System.
Accreditation
National University of Singapore (NUS) is a globally recognised institution.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's degree (with Honours) or a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant work experience is accepted.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
Applicants from non-English speaking countries or whose university instruction was not in English must provide IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL scores (minimum 85 before Jan 21, 2026, or 4.5 after Jan 21, 2026).
How long does the MSc Biotechnology programme take to complete?
+
The programme is a 40-unit course that can be finished in one year of full-time study (two semesters) or two years of part-time study (four semesters).
What is the tuition fee for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
+
An acceptance fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of GST) is payable upon acceptance and will be credited towards tuition fees. Tuition fees are subject to review and adjustment by the University.
When are the application deadlines for the MSc Biotechnology programme?
+
The Early Admission Cycle for the August 2027 intake runs from May 16 to July 15, 2026. The Regular Cycle for the August 2027 intake is from October 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MSc Biotechnology programme?
+
The programme prepares graduates for diverse careers within the biotechnology sector, both in Singapore and internationally, in areas such as precision medicine, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.