Medical Biotechnology MSc



Explore the key biotechnologies that underpin research and product development in the medical and pharmaceutical industries

Course overview

Biotechnology has transformed medicine and pharmaceutical science, from drug and vaccine development to diagnostics and personalised treatments.

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and critical understanding of biological systems and their applications essential for a rewarding career in medical or pharmaceutical biotechnology, whether that’s in a research, product development, or leadership role. There is a strong focus on enhancing your practical laboratory skills and there are many opportunities to learn and apply relevant techniques. You will be supported by an internationally recognised team of experienced staff with varied research interests.

Our MSc in Medical Biotechnology achieved 100% overall student satisfaction in the most recent PTES (2026).

Typical entry points are in January and September. Please enquire for more information (Biomol-PLTeam@napier.ac.uk).

 

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Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

2-4 years

Start date:

Jan

Course details

This course provides detailed knowledge of key concepts in cell technology, bioprocessing and molecular analysis and how these approaches are applied in areas of specific relevance to medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug design and discovery, immunology and microbial infection.

You’ll explore and critically evaluate the technologies driving discovery and modification of natural compounds for use in medicine, the relationship between progress in our understanding of disease and the development of diagnostics and treatments, as well as the application of theoretical concepts to the use of biological systems for production of drugs.

Business and entrepreneurship are also a core feature of this programme.

You’ll address themes that influence the success of any biotechnology venture such as intellectual property, bioethics, sustainability and public perception through the development of a novel business concept.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices such as mammalian cell culture and fermentation. In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project externally in a relevant organisation or bio-industry.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership.

“This programme explores biotechnology from the core science to the translation of a novel concept into a real world commercial venture with biomedical application and looks at how this impacts society.” Dr Fiona Stainsby, lead academic for the course.

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    How you’ll be taught

    This is a part-time course, which you can choose to start in either January or September.

    The number of modules you take each trimester is flexible and the research project can be carried out over one or two trimesters. The course will therefore take between 2 - 4 years to complete, depending on your availability and other commitments.

    You’ll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study supported by resources on the virtual learning environment, Moodle. The programme is predominantly based around face-to-face learning on campus, but we also use technology-enhanced learning. Site visits and/or guest lectures may be arranged for some modules. A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning. These are designed to prepare you for your future career and/or further study.

    You will also have a Personal Development Tutor - an academic closely involved with this programme who will help you steer your individual development as you progress through the course. We have a policy of mainstreaming reasonable adjustments which makes the most common adjustments offered to disabled students in teaching/assessment available routinely to everyone.

    The academic year is split into three trimesters with taught modules running in the spring and autumn trimesters only. An example of a part time study plan follows but this can be adjusted to study fewer modules in certain trimesters if more suitable for your circumstances.

    Year 1
    Trimester 1 (September - December)
    - Cell Technology
    - Business & Bioethics

    Trimester 2 (Jan - April)
    - Research Skills

    Trimester 3 (May - August)
    Summer Break 

    Year 2
    Trimester 1 (September - December)
    - Option Module: Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology OR Applied Immunology OR Current Practice in Drug Development

    Trimester 2 (Jan - April)
    - Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infection
    - Biotechnology & Drug Discovery

    Trimester 3 (May - August, but this can be extended into another trimester and continue to December if required) 
    - Research Project (60 credits)                                            

    A link to the descriptor for each module can be found by using the module code to search on the Module Search. Note that info on the learning, teaching and assessment strategy is revealed by clicking on the ‘View Full details’ link within each descriptor.
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    Assessments

    Your assessments are mapped out across your programme and include formative work to help practice your skills, as well as summative work which will build on this preparatory work. These are carefully spaced out across each trimester to avoid clashes and include many different types of assessment such as essays, lab reports, posters, oral presentations, short discussions, class tests and exams. 

    Some of these assessments involve group-work, whilst others are individual. 

    For example: In the Business and Bioethics module, you will work on a business plan and are required to prepare an oral pitch and a written report. In the Cell Technology module, you will be assessed on practical lab skills and also via a class test.
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    Facilities

    The MSc Medical Biotechnology programme is delivered at our landmark Sighthill Campus where students learn in state of the art laboratories equipped with, for example, cell tissue culture hoods; category II microbiology facilities; anaerobic chambers; bioreactors; confocal microscopy and molecular biology equipment, to ensure we meet the needs of students entering employment and research roles in the healthcare and life science sector.
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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Medical Biotechnology? 

The entry requirements for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in bio-molecular sciences such as: biological sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, human biology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic biology in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may consider degree equivalent or lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

Can I get admission into Medical Biotechnology based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.



Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers & employability

  • Laboratory-based or research management and product development work in a variety of industries ranging from multi-national companies to smaller biotechnology enterprises in the medical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biochemical sectors.
  • Opportunities may also exist in contract research companies and service providers to the biotechnology sector, in addition to research institutes and local government.
  • Further study in a research setting: graduates will be qualified to continue to PhD studies in the bio-molecular sciences.
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