Join an emerging, high-impact industry and help to shape the future of modern biotechnology
Year of entry: 2025 (September)
Join us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Upcoming eventsThe ability to apply biotechnology to industrial processes is transforming the manufacturing industry. Not only can we create new and exciting products, but we can use novel techniques to solve long-term problems such as pollution and resource conservation.
This course combines cutting-edge theory with the practical, applied skills you'll need to become an effective researcher or industry specialist. In the Department of Biology, we have considerable research expertise in the application of biotechnology for finding solutions for three major global challenges:
Our teaching draws directly from our research, meaning you'll be working with academics who are leading the field. You'll also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and expertise from staff in the Centre for Novel Agriculture Products (CNAP).
This course is an ideal next step for students with a BSc who are interested in pursuing a career in research or industry.
New investment in buildings housing teaching and state-of-the-art teaching laboratories
You will complete a mix of research-led taught modules, a group project, and valuable skills training to prepare you for the Independent Study Module, in which you will join one of our research teams to carry out a laboratory research project.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
You will complete an independent study project during the summer, which is designed to give you experience in managing and completing a project in a cutting-edge research context.
This is an opportunity to further develop and apply your skills to a current research question, and specialise in a particular area or research technique.
Most students choose to complete a project in collaboration with an academic supervisor within the University, but you may opt to complete this project as an external placement.
You will have full access to our dedicated Masters workspace while completing your project.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £13,300 | £31,900 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
We will provide you with a lab coat and safety goggles. You may wish to buy other personal protective equipment (PPE) and any textbooks used in your modules, although the latter is not compulsory.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2025/26 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and small group teaching. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with academics, who will present a problem and demonstrate how their research may provide a solution. This will allow you to gain in-depth knowledge of current research and developments in the field.
The Department of Biology is located on Campus West - nearly all of your teaching will take place within the Department. The majority of departments, colleges and facilities are based nearby.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including:
This course is an essential step into further research or a career in industrial biotechnology for students with a BSc in the biosciences. Around half of our students will pursue further study, while the other half go into industry.
You will develop the following transferable skills:
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in bioscience. We also consider applicants with substantial industry experience. If you have completed an integrated Masters, this course is not suitable for you. |
| International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 7 in writing and no less than 6 in all other components |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 459-494, with 426-458 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.
