Biotechnology MSc - 2027/8
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Biotechnology
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Biotechnology |
| PGCert | Biotechnology |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PCD61004 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
AVIGNONE ROSSA Claudio (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
25/12/2025
Educational aims of the programme
- Cultivate and foster a learning environment to provide and enrich knowledge, skills, talents and abilities so the students can integrate, synthesise, and apply biotechnological concepts into the solution of existing and new complex problems.
- Educate and train the new generations of highly skilled biotechnology scientists able to develop and apply knowledge specific to their subject with high level of independence and autonomy in both industrial and academic environments.
- Promote the development of highly trained scientists able to interrogate and merge diverse scientific and technical sources into the design and development of methods for analysis, investigation, and application in new areas, not limited to their existing specialist experience and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
- Inspire the creation and adoption of experimental and investigative skills, planning and management of laboratory work, evaluation of ethics, hazards and environmental impact, and appreciation of costs and material and human resources.
- Encourage and support the need to understand globalisation, diversity, and cultural differences to nurture the ability to work in, and respond to, different multi-cultural landscapes.
- Educate professionals resilient to fast changes and new developments, aware of the environmental impact of their activities, and maintaining sustainability as their leading developmental target.
- Increase employability of graduates by delivering resources and support for the development of experimental competencies, the expansion of digital capabilities, and the acquisition of transferable skills.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Identify, analyse, and evaluate typical practical problems in the different biotechnology sectors. | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultivation approaches for microorganisms and cell lines typically used in the biotechnology industry. | KPT | PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand basic concepts of biochemistry, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms and plant cells, and how they integrate in bioprocesses for the synthesis of molecules of biotechnological, pharmaceutical and (bio)chemical interest (e.g. antibiotics, enzymes, proteins, polysaccharides, organic acids, etc). | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically evaluate important aspects and steps taken in bioprocess development, including upstream and downstream processes and operations | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Acquire basic knowledge and understanding of the most relevant analytical techniques used in bioproduct development, monitoring and control. | KT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Acquire a solid knowledge of statistical analysis, treatment and validation of experimental data | KPT | PGDip, MSc | |
| Obtain working knowledge of current applications and future innovations in the biotechnology industry | KC | PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand the commercial, ethical, legal and professional issues involved in the creation, development, and exploitation of biotechnological processes | KCT | MSc | |
| Demonstrate organisational ability, independent critical thinking and scientific reasoning for methodical and systematic experimental planning and implementation | CPT | MSc | |
| Develop and demonstrate ability to present experimental results in a concise and informative manner, adequate for the target audience | CPT | PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
12-MONTH FULL TIME (PCD61004)
FEBRUARY START
Module Delivery for Year 1 (full-time - 12 months) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (30 credits each):
BMSM044 Cell factories: From Exploration to Exploitation (30 credits) - Compulsory
BMSM045 Current and future trends in Industrial Biotechnology (30 credits) - Compulsory
Second semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (30 credits each):
BMSM046 Bioprocessing and Bioprocesses from Lab to Industry (30 credits) - Compulsory
BMSM047 The Commercial and Industrial Landscape of Biotechnology (30 credits) - Compulsory
Across Academic Years module:
BMSM048 MSc Research Project (60 credits) - Core
12-MONTH FULL TIME ( PCD61004)
SEPTEMBER START
Module Delivery for Year 1 (full-time - 12 months) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (30 credits each):
BMSM046 Bioprocessing and Bioprocesses from Lab to Industry (30 credits) - Compulsory
BMSM047 The Commercial and Industrial Landscape of Biotechnology (30 credits) - Compulsory
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (30 credits each):
BMSM044 Cell factories: From Exploration to Exploitation (30 credits) - Compulsory
BMSM045 Current and future trends in Industrial Biotechnology (30 credits) - Compulsory
Year long module:
BMSM048 MSc Research Project (60 credits) - Core
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/about/facts/key-dates
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.