Overview
Biotechnology plays a vital role in everyday life. It drives innovation in everything from laundry detergents to biofuels, and even the food we eat.
With our Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc, you’ll:
- refine your molecular biology skills
- explore a wide range of applied biotechnological applications
- develop your independent research skills
The United Nations has identified food security as a key global goal. Our programme investigates how biotechnology can maximise crop yields without increasing agricultural land.
This includes approaches that:
- make crops more resilient
- produce sustainable and environmentally friendly pesticides
The programme fosters the creation of networks that bridge fundamental research with the practical application of biotechnology solutions. This extends to the modelling and implementation of large-scale bioprocess engineering.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MSc – Master of Science
An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:
- subject-specific taught modules
- a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words
You’ll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.
A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll learn
You’ll examine the:
- production of novel biological compounds
- fundamental role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants
- search and discovery of commercially significant natural products
- use and exploitation of genetically modified organisms (GMO)
This Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology Master’s also explores areas related to biotechnology, such as:
- bioethics
- regulatory affairs
- the role of intellectual property and commercialisation
You will also consider how DNA technologies can screen for and improve the action of antimicrobial compounds.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Lab exercise
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
What can you do with a Master’s in biotechnology?
Graduates have been successful in taking PhD studentships at Newcastle and other UK Universities. This has led them to successful academic careers both in the UK and worldwide. In recent years several students have secured places at the Max Planck Institute, a highly prestigious research centre in Germany.
More recently, several graduates have started jobs in the North East and across the UK that directly use the skills developed in their Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc degree.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching including:
- fully equipped teaching and research laboratories
- lab scale fermentation of novel biological compounds
- access to bioinformatics software and literature resources
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject such as:
- biology
- biotechnology
- bioscience
- biological sciences
- pharmacy
