Bioinformatics MSc

The course covers working in a Linux environment, programming in Python, "Big Data", learning about Bioinformatics algorithms and cutting edge topics in genomics, transcriptomics and protein bioinformatics. During the course you will work on a Linux laptop on which you install and develop your own Bioinformatics toolkit. This laptop is provided as a loan by the University of Leicester, but ownership of the laptop will be transferred free of charge to you on successful completion of the course. Our MSc in Bioinformatics course culminates in your independent research project where you will apply the skills you have acquired in the taught phase on one of our many exciting research topics with internal and external contributions on offer., Building on the skills you have acquired in the taught modules and the steered research project, you will undertake a three month individual research project typically in research groups at the University of Leicester, though some will have external collaborations.Examples of recent projects:

• Comparative genomics of blood flukes
• Identifying the transcriptional start sites of L1 retrotransposons
• Natural variation in miRNA target sequences
• Unravelling the significance of bidirectional promoters and the function of 'unknown' genes in genomes
• Constructing whole genome recombination maps from Next Generation Sequencing Data
• Trawling for satellites and transposons in living fossil genomes, Saunders GI, Wasmuth JD, Beech R, Lainga R, Hunt M, Naghra H, Cotton JA, Berriman M, Britton C, Gilleard JS. (2013) 'Characterization and comparative analysis of the complete Haemonchus contortus β-tubulin gene family and implications for benzimidazole resistance in strongylid nematodes'. Int. J. Parasitol. vol.43 no.6 pp.465-475 doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.12.011
• Ray J, Dondrup M, Modha S, Steen IH, Sandaa R-A, et al. (2012) 'Finding a needle in the virus metagenome haystack - Micro-metagenome analysis captures a snapshot of the diversity of a bacteriophage armoire'. PLoS ONE 7(4): e34238. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034238
• Malone J, Badarinarayan N, Ison J, Stevens R, Parkinson H. (2010) 'An ontology of bioinformatics software' Bio-Ontologies 2010, a Special Interest Group meeting at ISMB 2010. Boston, MA.
The modules listed reflect those currently available to students. Every year, we review our modules and their content to ensure that our courses maintain the best academic and student experience possible. Whilst this does mean elements of your course may change in future academic years, it ensures your course is giving you a research-inspired education and preparing you for your future.Why Leicester? Hear from three international students about their experiences studying Molecular and Medical Biosciences postgraduate courses at the University of Leicester. Bioinformatics is a very practical subject and from day one of the course you will start working on your Linux laptop to develop your own bioinformatics toolkit. Ownership of the laptop is transferred to you, free of charge, on successful completion of the course. The course is run in dedicated teaching labs which are ideally suited for working in small groups to ensure optimal student experience.Teaching and learning The course material is taught using a combination of lectures, problem-solving, small group work, drop-in sessions and self-directed learning. The taught modules are assessed by in-module assessments (e.g. practical reports, programming assignments, presentations) and by exams. In your research project you will develop independence, initiative and understanding whilst performing the project and present your results in a thesis and a final oral presentation. To bring you right up-to-date with your chosen topic, you can attend departmental seminars and College research days dedicated to specific topics that include both visiting and internal speakers.

2:2 degree (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences or related discipline. We will also consider appropriate experience in industry., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard., Course Bioinformatics Qualification MSc Duration 1 year, full-time Start Dates September each year Availability Apply Now

Starting in September 2026
• £11,200
An additional fee will be charged if a placement is secured. If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee. Find out more about tuition fees, scholarships and funding.International StudentsStarting in September 2026
• £24,250
An additional fee will be charged if a placement is secured. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.