Triangle

Course overview

Every field in life sciences has been transformed by the use of computers. Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing field at the interface between life sciences, statistics and computational science focused on addressing key questions in biology through the development and application of methods, data analytics, and software. The ability to develop and apply computational methods to large and complex datasets will be a key driver of biological innovation in the next decades.

MSc Bioinformatics at Nottingham is aimed at students with a background in biological sciences who wish to develop skills in bioinformatics, statistics, computer programming, and data analytics skills for industry, future research careers, and more. The course is not aimed at students with a background in computer science.

The study programme incorporates the areas of:

  • computational biology, programming, and practice
  • evolutionary and comparative genomics
  • genomics and bioinformatics
  • cutting-edge technologies
  • advanced experimental design and analysis

The taught part of the course is supported by a project preparation skills module, to consolidate your subject-specific skills in addition to training on advanced statistical analysis. You will then complete a substantial individual research project over the summer, utilising these essential employability skills. 

View our graduate profiles to see what they think of this course, and how it will shape their futures. 

Why choose this course?

World-leading research

84% of our Biological Sciences research is known to be “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Top 100

university in the world

QS World University Rankings 2026

3rd in the UK

for top employers

The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2024

Record holders

Nottingham holds the record for longest DNA sequence read

BBC News

Research project

Develop practical laboratory experience, data analysis and science communication skills 

Expert teaching

Learn from internationally recognised academics

Course content

​​This course is for students who are looking for in-depth knowledge and practical training in bioinformatic approaches, and their application across biology and biomedical sciences.

​The course consists of four taught modules including a group project and an individual research project.

​In the autumn semester, you’ll learn how to apply bioinformatics to all areas of biological research by using various tools including Unix, R, Python and high-performance computers (HPC). Alongside practical software use, you’ll become well-versed in topics such as evolutionary genomics, sequence assembly and statistics.

​Modules in the spring semester will give you various opportunities to put theory into practice. You'll work in groups to complete a group research project, as well as starting to prepare for your individual research project with the project preparation skills module.

​In the summer, you will carry out a substantial individual research project, where you will narrow down your research area and apply it to an industry-relevant challenge. The research project combines laboratory training, data collection and analysis, and oral presentation on top of a traditional dissertation project. This is an exciting opportunity to investigate a real-world problem under expert supervision within a working laboratory.​

Modules

Computational Biology, Programming and Practice 20 credits

Learn to code for biology. This module introduces you to Unix, Python and R – all essential tools for bioinformatics. You'll practise writing and running scripts, manipulating large datasets and creating reproducible code. By the end, you'll be able to write simple programmes to solve biological problems. This is a foundational module for building your coding and data analysis skills. 

Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics 20 credits

Explore how genomes evolve and what they can tell us about life. This module covers evolutionary biology and bioinformatics topics like phylogenetics, pan-genomes and population genomics. You'll use cutting-edge tools to analyse large datasets and uncover evolutionary patterns. It’s an essential part of understanding genome-level evolution and analysis. 

Sequence Assembly and Statistics: Concepts and Practice

Master the tools used to decode genomes and for advanced statistical analysis. This module covers how scientists assemble DNA sequences and identify important features using bioinformatics. You'll get practical experience with software used in real research, learning both the theory and the hands-on skills needed to work with complex genomic data. It’s a key module for developing your expertise in genomic and statistical analysis. 

Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis 10 credits

This module explores the statistical basis behind experimental design and analysis. You will be taught how to evaluate experimental design and analysis from the perspective of those analysing the subsequent data, a key step often overlooked. Assessment will be by examination.

Bioinformatics Group Research Project 60 credits

This semester long full-time module consists of three independent research projects carried out in groups/teams. This module is worth 60 credits and consists of instructor lead group analysis of exemplar problems in bioinformatics analysis. Here you will practice your newly acquired bioinformatics skills with the support of academics and your peers. You will work on these projects in small groups with individuals taking responsibility for different components of the analysis and presentation. This allows you to learn from one another to experience the working environment often found within real projects, and develop and fine tune your skills. There are three rotations, each of which will be led by a different academic and will last for three weeks. The module is assessed in three parts, each contributing equal weight to the final mark. The three assessments are a presentation, a GitHub page, and a project report.  

Research Presentation Skills 20 credits

The module aims to provide students with a range of presentation and IT skills that are essential for modern biological researchers. The workshop content will provide a conceptual framework, while journal clubs and coursework will deliver the hands-on experience required to develop appropriate practical skills.

MSc Research Project 60 credits

This module tackles real-world research data through a hands-on approach. You'll work in groups to analyse a large, pre-existing dataset, aiming to reproduce and improve the original findings. With support from tutorials and workshops, you'll build your skills in data analysis, collaboration and scientific communication. It’s a practical experience that will strengthen your research and teamwork abilities. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Bioinformatics Group Research Project 60 credits

This semester long full-time module consists of three independent research projects carried out in groups/teams. This module is worth 60 credits and consists of instructor lead group analysis of exemplar problems in bioinformatics analysis. Here you will practice your newly acquired bioinformatics skills with the support of academics and your peers. You will work on these projects in small groups with individuals taking responsibility for different components of the analysis and presentation. This allows you to learn from one another to experience the working environment often found within real projects, and develop and fine tune your skills. There are three rotations, each of which will be led by a different academic and will last for three weeks. The module is assessed in three parts, each contributing equal weight to the final mark. The three assessments are a presentation, a GitHub page, and a project report.  

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Bioinformatics Individual Research Project 60 credits

After the group project, you will complete an individual project. These projects will be embedded within a working laboratory. However, although supervision will be available, you will be expected to plan and deliver the work yourself. The project will be assessed by thesis and viva.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Problem-based learning
  • Small group learning
  • Computer-based exercises
  • Project work
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Independent study

​​You’ll learn through a variety of methods including lectures, workshops, computer labs, practical sessions and independent study.

​For your individual research project, you'll learn how to collect and analyse data from existing research to conduct your own research in a specialist area.

​There will be a range of optional seminars within the School of Life Sciences and across the university to help you become familiar with cutting-edge research and develop advanced research techniques.​

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Dissertation
  • Viva voce
  • Presentation

Contact time and study hours

As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. For the taught stage of the course, you will spend approximately a third of your time (around 400 hours) in lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes, including the directed study which is necessary in preparation for workshops/practical classes.

The remaining time will be completed as independent study. Personal tutor meetings occur throughout the year and additional meetings can be requested as needed.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 in a relevant degree subject like sports science, human biology, epidemiology or human nutrition.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Where you will learn

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £14,100
International £33,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

One key focus of this course is the use of open-access software and tools. As such, you do not need to consider costly software subscriptions. However, you are expected to provide your own laptops which will enable you to connect to central servers for data analysis. Recommended minimum specifications are available from the course director.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles as appropriate. The course relies heavily on online course materials which are free to access for students.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

We have designed this intensive taught course to deliver a wide range of bioinformatics skills grounded in a solid understanding and appreciation of the underlying biology sciences. Graduates of the course are equipped with the skills to pursue employment or further study in a variety of areas.

We anticipate that many of our graduates will go on to undertake PhDs applying their bioinformatics skills to a wide range of problems and questions. In addition, we anticipate students will go on to a wide range of bioinformatics careers in industries such as healthcare and basic science research.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
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MSc Bioinformatics - what does it look like in practice?

An in-depth talk with Matt Loose about Bioinformatics

This content was last updated on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.