Postgraduate Taught Courses in Biological Sciences

The Department of Biosciences provides a choice of two one-year Master's courses, each taught by a team of academics and technicians who specialise in the field. These Master's courses are designed to furnish you with a comprehensive and sophisticated knowledge of biotechnology and its industrial applications. With Durham's expertise in plant sciences, you will benefit from the support and inspiration of experienced and knowledgeable staff.

MSc Biotechnology

Our one-year Biotechnology course will start in October 2025, and is designed to give you a comprehensive view on current technologies used in an academic and industrial setting. For more information and how to apply click here. 

Dr Patricia Muller, Course Leader, welcomes queries by email to [email protected]

MSc Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise

"One of the principal challenges that our society faces, is the need for increased agricultural productivity via improved crop protection and the generation of new plant biotechnology products. We invite you to apply for this course and gain the knowledge and skills you need to join the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs and help shape a positive future.” Dr Miguel de-Lucas, Postgraduate Taught Director and Course Leader.

This one-year course is designed to provide you with the technical and scientific skills necessary to contribute to the crucial task of shaping future food production.

The course aims to impart students with knowledge and hands-on experience in the latest biotechnological innovations, while also offering a commercial perspective through a business-oriented enterprise module.

In addition to five taught modules and hands-on laboratory experience with one-to-one mentoring, this programme provides the opportunity to develop your own research project, gain crucial business development training, and establish connections with top biotechnology firms, all while acquiring key employability skills.

Dr Miguel De Lucas, our Course Leader, invites you to email him if you have specific interests that you'd like to explore whilst studying this course. He will then be able to include these within the teaching content.

"My experience in the MSc Plant Biotechnology & Enterprise program was incredibly rewarding. The blend of cutting-edge science with a focus on innovation and commercialization equipped me with a unique skill set that extends well beyond the lab. Through modules like Agriculture and Biotechnology, I had the opportunity to visit companies in the field and gain first-hand insights into industry practices and innovations. The Technology in the Biosciences module was particularly engaging, where we learned and applied molecular biology techniques in a hands-on setting, which were later useful in our 6-month Research project. The dedicated support and mentorship from my professors and mentors allowed me to push my research boundaries and prepared me for real-world applications in biotechnology. This program provided invaluable hands-on experience, empowering me to make meaningful contributions to the field and confidently tackle future challenges." Carlos Muñoz Vargas, November 2024.

“The Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise course at Durham presented a comprehensive framework that broadened my understanding of the commercial landscape in biosciences. The interactive sessions and real-world case analyses fostered a conducive environment for collaborative learning and critical thinking. This experience has equipped me with a robust set of tools, skills and insights that I am confident will be instrumental in my future career.” Graduate testimonial, October 2023.

"The Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise MSc is a rewarding experience that brings you right to the forefront of innovation in the life sciences. There is significant variation in topics covered and the teaching is very engaging. There is a great balance between hands on practical experience and taught content. I highly recommend this course to anyone considering a career in biotechnology or a related field". Graduate testimonial, October 2023 

Our Masters courses can facilitate advancement into the following career areas:

·      Commercial entities, encompassing multinational corporations as well as SMEs and startups in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

·      Academic positions post-PhD studies

·      Patent law as a patent attorney

·      Research funding bodies such as UK Research & Investment, the European Research Council, and the International Science Council

·      Roles related to science and policy within government departments and executive agencies

·      The biotechnology finance sector, including banking and venture capital