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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

The Master of Science in Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is a comprehensive one-year programme that prepares students to address real-world challenges using advanced biotechnology solutions. It provides an in-depth understanding of antimicrobial drug resistance, plant and crop improvements, genetic engineering techniques, bioprocessing, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics, with applications across three specialisations: Agricultural, Industrial, and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. With a curriculum designed to combine theory and practical skills, the programme emphasises advanced laboratory techniques, industry-relevant training, and innovative research.

Key highlights include hands-on experience through multidisciplinary research projects, collaborations with industry partners, and exposure to state-of-the-art technologies. The course equips students with essential skills in scientific research, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and healthcare industries or for pursuing further academic research.

 

Why Choose This Course?

  • Specialised Pathways: Tailor your expertise with focused pathways in Agricultural, Industrial, and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, equipping you for diverse and high-demand industries globally.
  • Research Excellence: Conduct multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with industry partners, leveraging cutting-edge facilities and advanced technologies to solve real-world problems.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain hands-on skills through modules in advanced molecular methods, professional skills, and industry-focused studies, designed to meet global biotechnology standards.
  • Industry Alignment: Benefit from practical exposure and off-site visits, learning directly from industry leaders, and enhancing your employability in competitive biotechnology sectors.

Course content

Core Modules

  • Basic laboratory Techniques
  • Advance Molecular Methods in Biotechnology
  • Cell Factories
  • MSc Pre-Project (Yearlong)
  • Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
  • Industry-Focus Studies
  • Postgraduate Research Project

Optional Modules

  • Advanced Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
  • Advance Postharvest Technology
  • Genetics and Advanced Breeding in Crop Plants
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Postharvest Preservation and Technology 
  • Advanced Biochemical Engineering
  • Therapeutic Immunology
  • Cancer and Clinical Genetics
  • Epidemiology, Public Health and Health Informatics

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent in Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences, Microbial Sciences, Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, or related life sciences subjects. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.

Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.

IELTS (Academic):

6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

65 (with no less than 59 in each element)

MUET: Band 4
  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Practical classes
  • Supervision
  • Field trips
  • Lab sessions
  • E-learning
  • Field work

In addition to lectures, some modules have lab sessions, some have workshops and some drop in sessions. Each module is run with the aim of providing best learning experience for students and module objectives are achieved by devising the most appropriate delivery and assessment methods.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation
  • Presentation
  • Essays
  • Research project
  • Practical write-ups

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM50,000 per programme
International studentsRM55,000 per programme

Funding

Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.

Scholarship funding

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Laying a solid foundation in this field, this programme enables our graduates to pursue careers in various roles and industries.

  • Biotechnologist
  • Research scientist
  • Advisor in a management or consultancy firm
  • Intellectual property adviser
  • Science writer

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the University of Nottingham Malaysia, our Careers Advisory Service is here to support your career aspirations. We offer a range of professional services, including résumé writing assistance and interview preparation, to equip you with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Contact careers@nottingham.edu.my to learn more.

This content was last updated on 17 February 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.