Course fees (2017/18 entry)
| Option / fee | Value |
|---|---|
| Home full time annual tuition fee: | £6,200 |
| Home cost per credit: | £34.40 Part-time |
| International full time annual tuition fee: | £12,660 |
About your course
Study for a Masters in Industrial Biotechnology at Liverpool John Moores University and develop the skills and knowledge required for a career in this rapidly expanding field. This stimulating course includes a 12 week, full time research project.
- Unique in the North West, this course prepares you to work in biotechnology (one of the world’s top five growth industries) and in other related areas
- Study on a course developed and delivered by leading researchers and industry experts
- Enhance your theoretical knowledge and gain hands-on laboratory experience
- Strong links with industry and the potential to complete an industrial based research project
- Excellent employment opportunities in the field of biotechnology and related industries
- Complete this masters degree in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
This course has allowed me to gain real industrial experience and a clearer vision of the future.
The MSc gave me an in-depth background in molecular biology and microbiology. The opportunity to complete a four month placement at a microbial diagnostics company was invaluable in both gaining laboratory experience and making myself more competitive for a PhD studentship. I would recommend the course to anyone serious about furthering their scientific career.
Introduction to the School
The multidisciplinary School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences is one of the oldest providers of Pharmacy education in the world and has been delivering industry-relevant courses since 1849.
We guarantee all of our students a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured programmes and 24/7 access to extensive resources.
The School offers high quality education and training in areas including Pharmacy, Applied Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Science and Biochemistry.
We also have an established reputation for supporting postgraduate students returning to education after a break and for delivering professionally-orientated courses that can be studied alongside full time employment.
All of our courses are influenced by the latest research, ensuring that course content is at the forefront of developments in the field. Indeed, in the 2014 REF, some 68% of LJMU’s health-related research was considered world leading or internationally excellent.
Why study this course at LJMU?
Unique in the North West, this recently re-launched Masters course prepares you for work in one of the world’s top five growth industries.
"I decided to do the MSc in Industrial Biotechnology at LJMU after a career break when I moved to England. The programme was very interesting and it helped me to update my knowledge in new technologies. The teachers’ support was great and they were always happy to solve any questions I had. It gave me the contacts and experience needed to start a job with Unilever and my PhD."
Sara Filgueira Martinez
"I took the MSc in Industrial Biotechnology after being a school teacher for four years. The topics covered, quality of the course material and relevance to the biotech industry was the right balance for either undergraduate progression or returning/mature students. Since completing the MSc, I have used the skills, methods and knowledge for the completion of my PhD in bioelectromagnetics and various academic and industrial projects in collaboration with national and international research institutes.”
Dr Alexander Stavrinides
Programme outline and structure
Developed to plug a skills gap identified by the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership and associated multi-national businesses, this programme balances theoretical learning and practical skills.
You can study for your MSc full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). The taught element of the programme runs from October to April. Following this, you will go on to carry out a novel, independent piece of research between May and August.
At the beginning of your course you will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide you with pastoral and academic support.
Further academic support is provided via embedded tutorials in the Research Methods module. During your independent research project, you will be appointed a LJMU-based supervisor as well as an industrial supervisor if you are carrying out your project externally.
This Industrial Biotechnology Masters is based at the Byrom Street site of the University’s City Campus, which is equipped with new state-of-the-art laboratories housing a range of advanced analytical and imaging equipment to support biotechnology.
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Level 7
- Fermentation Technology Principles: Gives an insight into Industrial Microbiology and Biochemistry, showing how fundamental principles can be applied to industrial processes.
- Recombinant DNA and Genomics: Provides in-depth coverage of developments in recombinant DNA technology and genomics, using examples from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
- Cell Technology: Provides an insight into the principles and practical techniques involved in the commercial exploitation of animal cell processes.
- Biotechnology: Principles and Applications: Offers an understanding of some of the cutting edge techniques and their applications currently used in the field of biotechnology.
- Research Methods: This area of study equips you with the necessary core skills to effectively design, plan, perform and report scientific research.
- Research Project: This enables you to undertake independent, in depth study on an agreed aspect of biotechnology and related areas.
Further guidance on modules
The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Please email courses@ljmu.ac.uk if you require further guidance or clarification.
How will I be assessed?
The stimulating and challenging curriculum of this Masters is supported by a structured lecture programme, tutorials, workshops, seminars, laboratory work and a four month research project with expert supervision.
A broad range of assessment methods are employed throughout the curriculum, providing ample opportunities for you to develop and practice higher level skills.
You will be assessed by examination, scientific reports, poster and oral presentations, paper reviews and your project dissertation.
Staff research interests
Staff teaching on the course have varied, multidisciplinary research interests.
Specialist topics include:
- Microbiology - Cell wall biosynthesis in Streptomyces sp, biofilm models and detection of pathogens using novel nucleic acid based methods
- DNA Technology - Gene expression systems, cDNA microarrays, bioinformatics, genotyping and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms analysis, mutation analysis and DNA sequencing, human cell culture techniques
- Cellular Biology – stem cell biology, tissue engineering, cell mechanics
Entry requirements (Home)
You will need an Honours degree (minimum 2.2) in Biological Sciences. Alternative qualifications, coupled with a significant period of relevant work experience, will also be considered.
International students will need equivalent qualifications plus a minimum 6.5 IELTS.
Entry requirements (International)
LJMU welcomes applications from international students. In addition to normal entry requirements, you will be expected to demonstrate a very good level of English language competence, for example an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or equivalent. Please note: specific courses may require higher levels of English language competence. If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so please make sure you apply as early as possible. You can find out more on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. Please note: international students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part time. Students entering the UK on alternate types of visa may be in a position to study part time. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details before making your application. In order to obtain a visa you will also need to show evidence that the money required to cover your tuition fees and living expenses has been in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to submitting your visa application. So please make sure that your finances are in place before applying. For more details, go to our international website.
For advice on any aspect of the application process, please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team.
No
6.5 (Minimum of 5.5 in each component)
58-64 (Min. 51 in each component for UKVI Purposes)
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.
Financial support
Tuition fees
All full and part-time students enrolled on postgraduate taught programmes at LJMU are liable to pay an annual tuition fee. You can opt to pay your tuition fees in full at the start of each academic year or pay by instalments. If you need advice about how you will pay your tuition fees, please email LJMU’s Student Funding Team as soon as possible.
Sources of funding
Postgraduate loans for students from England, Wales and the EU
Postgraduate Masters loans are available for those studying in the 2017/18 academic year. The new government loans, of up to £10,280, are available for students attending eligible full and part-time Masters courses. To be eligible part time courses need to be studied at 50% intensity. Personal Eligibility is based on your age, your residency and if you have studied at Masters level previously.
Loan repayments will begin the April after course completion, with the first cohort of borrowers commencing repayments in April 2019. Repayments will be made at a rate of 6% of income above an earning threshold of £21,000. This threshold will be frozen until 2021. For details of loan terms, conditions and eligibility, go to:-
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/fees-and-finance/pg-uk-students-2017-18/funding
Postgraduate Loans for students from Northern Ireland
The Northern Irish government is also introducing a loan for students commencing postgraduate study from September 2017 onwards. Unlike the loan for students from England and Wales this scheme offers a loan for tuition fees only with no funding available from the NI government for living costs. The loan for tuition fees will be paid direct to LJMU.
The maximum loan for those starting in 2017 is £5,500 per course. Please note this means in some instances the loan will not cover your tuition fees in full and you will need to make alternative arrangements to pay the balance as well as source funding for your living costs.
LJMU Alumni Award
Alumni of the University are eligible to apply for a 20% reduction in their postgraduate tuition fees if they choose to progress onto a higher degree programme at LJMU. Both Home and international LJMU students and alumni can apply for this award (subject to eligibility criteria*).
Postgraduate International Scholarships
LJMU offers scholarships for international applicants accepted onto taught masters programmes (excluding distance learning programmes) and research degrees. Current LJMU international students and alumni interested in pursuing postgraduate study and research at the University are eligible to apply for these scholarships along with new applicants.
English for Postgraduate Studies Bursary
A Bursary is also available for international students who need to improve their IELTS score prior to enrolling on their postgraduate course or research programme at the University. This course is run by LJMU’s International Study Centre.
Earn While You Learn
Working while you study means you may be able to pay for your course without taking out any further loans or at least reducing the amount you need to borrow. Working while you study also gives you the skills valued by employers, such as managing your workload and prioritising your time.
LJMU’s Vacancy website can help you find graduate vacancies, sandwich/industrial placements, internships / summer work, part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work-based learning placements. Over 1,000 local and regional employers regularly list opportunities on the website.
Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL)
Many students fund their postgraduate studies via Professional and Career Development Loans. This is a bank loan which you will have to pay back once you’ve completed the course. However, while you are studying any interest on the loan will be paid for you by the Skills Funding Agency. PCDLs worth between £300 and £10,000 are available for eligible postgraduates to fund up to two years of study (three if the course includes work experience). The loan is split into course fees and living costs.
Employer sponsorship
Some organisations and companies fund the cost of postgraduate studies for their employees as they recognise the value of having well qualified staff. Check out our courses and see if there are any on offer that could enhance your current career. Remember, employer support doesn’t always have to be financial; it can take other forms too, such as flexible working arrangements, day release and time in lieu of study.
Support for disabled students
Disabled Students’ Allowances or DSAs are designed to help meet the extra course costs students can face as a direct result of a disability, on-going health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. DSAs don’t have to be paid back and the type of support you receive will be determined by your specific needs not your household income. Please contact LJMU’s Disability team for further advice: 0151 231 3164/3165.
Council tax exemption
All full-time postgraduate students studying courses lasting one year or more are eligible for a council tax exemption certificate.
Graduate employment
By increasing your skills and knowledge, this Masters programme prepares you for work in the fast growing biotechnology sector.
You may go on to work and study in fields such as the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries, recombinant DNA and microbial-related research laboratories.
There will also be the option to work in research and development, study for a PhD or even take up a teaching post.
International Study
International applicants are required to demonstrate equivalent qualifications to the standard requirements for entry when applying for courses at LJMU.
Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example via an IELTS tests or equivalent.
Please note: UK visa restrictions mean that international students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis.
Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.
Scholarships
LJMU has launched a range of generous international scholarships for students enrolling at the University.
These prestigious scholarships take the form of tuition fee waivers and are available for outstanding international students applying for taught postgraduate programmes and research degrees.
You will need to complete an additional application form in order to be considered for these scholarships. Full eligibility criteria and the online application form are available here: www.ljmu.ac.uk/international
Applications for these scholarships are welcomed from:
- new international applicants
- current LJMU international students hoping to progress onto postgraduate study at the University
- LJMU international alumni
English for Postgraduate courses bursary
A bursary will be available for students who must complete the six week English for Postgraduate Studies course to improve their IELTS score by 0.5 prior to enrolling on their postgraduate taught or research degree at LJMU.
This bursary take the form of a tuition fee waiver, which will be deducted from your tuition fee when you enrol on your degree programme. You do not need to complete the online scholarship form in order to receive this bursary. Please note: If you are awarded this bursary you are not eligible to apply for an international scholarship.
The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University.
Further guidance on programme changes
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Faculty of Science
T: 0151 231 2888
E: ScienceAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk