The Bioinformatics MSc combines foundational skills in bioinformatics with specialist skills in computing programming, molecular biology and research methods.

It is unique and interdisciplinary, combining biology and computer science to analyse and interpret biological data.

You’ll also explore genome sequencing, post-genomic technologies, and how to apply modern computational and statistical methods to real biological problems.

This degree brings together highly rated teaching and research expertise from across the University. It'll equip you for a successful career in the bioinformatics industry or academia.

This MSc Bioinformatics is designed for students from life science backgrounds. We also welcome applications from students with computing, mathematical, engineering or other scientific backgrounds.

Prior experience with computer programming is not needed. You will build expertise in programming and the core principles of computing.

Research is a large component of this course. Our emphasis is on delivering the research training you'll need to meet the demands of industry and academia now and in the future. Our research in bioinformatics, life sciences, computing and mathematics is internationally recognised and reflected in our syllabus. The School of Computing has an active research community, with several research groups and three research centres.

We are a hub of digital innovation. You'll benefit from our:

leadership of the National Edge AI Hub, next-generation innovations via edge computing
recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the EPSRC
direct link with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Data
partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI

How to apply

Quality and ranking

Global Top 140 UniversityQS World University Rankings 2026
Top 145 for Engineering and TechnologyQS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable developmentTimes Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading researchResearch Excellence Framework 2021
65% increase in research power since 2014Research Excellence Framework 2021
Global Top 145 UniversityTimes Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainabilityQS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
Top 170 for Computing Science and Information SystemsQS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 5 city for affordability in the UKQS Best Student Cities 2026
World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student cityQS Best Student Cities 2026
89th in the worldTIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.

The MSc Bioinformatics course at Newcastle University is a unique combination of biology and computer science. I found the modules very interesting and up-to-date, covering the latest research in the field, and I really appreciated the way the course is delivered, with a strong balance between theory and hands-on teaching.

Next: Course details

What you'll learn

You'll study a range of compulsory modules covering cutting edge topics such as:

genomics data analysis
protein structure prediction
modelling biochemical systems
biological network analysis

You’ll explore modern techniques used in post-genomic research and develop your programming skills using up-to-date languages. You will also learn how to handle and interpret complex biological data.

You'll work on an in-depth bioinformatics research project. You’ll apply your knowledge to a real-world problem, working alongside expert supervisor in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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.

Bioinformatics MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Genome Scale Data Analytics	10
Bioinformatics Theory and Practice	20
Modelling Cellular Systems	10
Advanced Programming for Digital Biology	10
Contemporary topics in bioinformatics with group project	20
Computing Environment for Digital Biology	20
Research Project for Bioinformatics	80
Computing Foundations of Data Science	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

lectures
tutorials
practical sessions
case studies
problem-solving exercises
drop-in sessions and workshops

You’ll be encouraged to deepen your understanding through guided independent reading and study.

In Semesters 1 and 2, you will study a range of taught modules. From Semester 2, you will dedicate your time to a research project. The research project makes up around half of your total credits.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Computer assessment
Design or creative project
Dissertation
Essay
Professional skills assessments
Oral presentation
Practical lab report
Problem-solving exercises
Report
Research proposal
Written exercise

Additional assessment information

Project work

During this five-month project, you'll specialise in a bioinformatics research area. You'll develop your knowledge and skills while working in a research or development team. You'll have one-on-one supervision from an experienced staff member. If needed, you'll also get supervision from industry partners.

The project can be carried out:

with a research group at Newcastle University
with an industrial sponsor
with a research institute
at your place of work

Support

Our experienced and helpful staff will be happy to offer support with all aspects of your course from admissions to graduation and developing your career.

Student Support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

academic staff
personal tutors and research supervisors
our University Student Services Team
student representatives
peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

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

Our staff

You'll be taught by academics who are successful researchers in their field. They regularly publish in highly ranked bioinformatics journals and their leading-edge research is embedded into the curriculum.

Search our academic staff in the School of Computing

Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)

Your development

You will develop your professional skills including written and oral communication, creativity and teamwork.

You will acquire skills in critically evaluating research and literature in bioinformatics. You will also learn to solve computational problems and gain expertise in presenting, storing, modelling, and handling quantitative data.

You'll develop your programming and understanding of the application of computing and statistics to predictive biology.

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: Overview Next: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computing science, a maths based subject or any biological science based subject such as:

genetics
biochemistry
biology

We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with non-standard qualifications and significant industrial or professional experience in biological or computer science related areas.

Qualifications from outside the UK

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English Language requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Previous: Course details Next: Careers

Your future

Graduate destinations

Our MSc Bioinformatics graduates have an excellent record of finding employment, with many continuing in academia as PhD students. Our students have been successful in receiving funding such as:

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

Bioinformatician at the Medical Research Council
Technical Consultant at Accenture
Bioinformatics Technician at Barcelona Supercomputing Centre
Junior Software Developer at National Health Service (NHS) Digital
Ontologist and Software Developer at European Bioinformatics Institute
Bioinformatics Manager at the Natural History Museum
Director of Data Science & Professional Services at SciBite
Research Fellow at Northwestern University
Bioinformatics Scientist at Illumina
Bioinformatics Analyst at University of Hong Kong

Further study

Our comprehensive research training provides a basis for PhD study, offering a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of Bioinformatics. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to pursue advanced research opportunities and contribute to the academic community through doctoral programs.

Explore postgraduate research degrees in computer science

Industry links

The School of Computing and the academics which teach on this programme have industry and research connections with companies such as:

GitLifeBiotech
InvenireX
Nanovery
Prozomix Ltd
Insiligence

Our links with industry ensure our course content stays relevant to current trends and technologies. We also create valuable opportunities for students, such as guest lectures from professionals, industry-led projects, internships, and potential job pathways.

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Previous: Entry requirements Next: Facilities

Facilities

You'll have access to a Linux-based website that you can customise with PHP hosting services.

If lab work is included in your project, you'll have access to Bioinformatics facilities in the Devonshire Building, including:

acoustic liquid handler
incubators
UV transilluminator
gel imaging software

If you choose a pure computational project, you'll use new data directly from our research laboratories. You will also have the chance to visit the labs during the taught component of the course.

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

academia
the public sector
communities
business and industry

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Find out more about our wellbeing and computing facilities

Previous: Careers Next: Fees & funding

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Qualification: MSc Full time
Home students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £15,100
International students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £32,300

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

matriculation
registration
tuition (or supervision)
library access
examination
re-examination
graduation

Find out more about:

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

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Previous: Facilities Next: How to apply

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Closing Dates

There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

All International students

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.

International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

Programme codes

Qualification: MSc Full time
Full time: 12 months	Programme Code: 5198F

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

\ Apply Online

Previous: Fees & funding Next: Get in touch

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary\ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8072 \ Email: computing.admissions@ncl.ac.uk\ School of Computing\ ncl.ac.uk/computing

General enquiries

For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Application enquiries

If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.

If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

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You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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Bioinformatics MSc

Overview

Quality and ranking

What you'll learn

Modules

How you'll learn

Project work

Your development

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Your future

Graduate destinations

Further study

Industry links

Our Careers Service

Facilities

Urban Sciences Building

Postgraduate student facilities

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Scholarships

What you're paying for

Search for funding and scholarships

How to apply

Before you start

Programme codes

Using the application portal

Open days and events

Overseas events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

General enquiries

Application enquiries

Live chat

Chat to our students

Keep updated

Social media