MSc Industrial Biotechnology
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
About this course
LJMU's MSc in Industrial Biotechnology develops the skills and knowledge required for a career in this rapidly expanding field.
- Unique in the North West, this course prepare to work in biotechnology (one of the world's top five growth industries) and 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
- Benefit from strong links with industry and the potential to complete an industrial-based research project
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.
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.
Lucinda talks about the benefits of studying MSc Industrial Biotechnology.
Go on a tour of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Advanced Biotechniques
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of some of the cutting-edge techniques and their applications currently used in biotechnology and the biomedical sciences.
Cell Technology
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an insight into the principles and practical techniques involved in the commercial exploitation of animal cell processes. It aims to provide an understanding of cell culture as a technological component of biological research and commercial exploitation.
Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of microbiology and biochemistry principles in industrial biotechnology applications. It shows how fundamental principles can be applied to industrial processes and examines the wide range of microbial processes and products.
Biomolecular Research Skills and Data Analysis
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively search for information, critically appraise and analyse data, report scientific data and communicate research findings.
Principles and Applications of Synthetic Biology
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides in-depth knowledge of current concepts and applications of synthetic biology and bioengineering in tackling specific industrial, biomedical and environmental challenges.
Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
20 credits
20 credits
This module will generate a strong awareness of novel developments in the field of biotechnology and how these concepts could lead to real-world applications. It will also equip you with the necessary skills to identify new research areas that will impact the field.
Optional modules
Research Project in Biotechnology
60 credits
60 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner over a 12-week period.
Placement Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
In semesters 1 and 2, most of the teaching will take place Monday to Thursday. The Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology and Principles and Applications of Synthetic Biology modules each include a mini project these are essentially week long laboratory-based research projects, with one running in each semester. You will be required to attend the classes for the mini projects Monday to Friday. The aim of the mini projects is to help prepare you for your independent research project and is a key component of the employability curriculum of the university. For the Research Project in Biotechnology module (May to August), you will be expected to attend full time between 9.00am-5.00pm.
Teaching methods
The stimulating and challenging curriculum of this Masters course is supported by a structured lecture programme, tutorials, workshops, seminars, laboratory work and a 12-week research project with expert supervision. The programme is delivered by research-active lecturers with strong industrial links.
Applied learning
This stimulating course includes a 12 week, full-time research project.
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.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
On this Industrial Biotechnology course you will be assessed by: examination, scientific reports, poster and oral presentations, paper reviews and your project dissertation.
Where you will study
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.
Course tutors
Dr Olorunniji has a degree in Biochemistry and PhD in Molecular Biology. His areas of expertise cover biotechnology, synthetic biology, genome editing and protein engineering. Dr Olorunniji's current research project is on protein engineering of serine recombinases to develop more versatile and flexible molecular tools for genome editing and other synthetic biology applications. His research activities feed directly into curriculum design and delivery and he uses research-led and research-based strategies to prepare students for careers in industry or research in the field of biomolecular sciences and their applications. As well as teaching on the MSc Industrial Biotechnology programme, Dr Olorunniji also lectures on BSc (Hons) Biotechnology and BSc (Hons) Biochemistry.
I enjoy using relevant research-led and research-based strategies to prepare students for their future careers
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
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.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £11,150
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Full-time per year:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Biological Sciences
or
- alternative qualifications, coupled with a significant period of relevant work experience
Further information
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this course
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)
Other international requirements
- 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. Contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance
Further information
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this course
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because 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. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.