Metadata
Title
Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc
Category
graduate
UUID
f80071a55f5c49af93d988c8c9899731
Source URL
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/5547f/
Parent URL
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/
Crawl Time
2026-03-19T01:39:44+00:00
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Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc

Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/5547f/ Parent: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/

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Top 95 for Life Sciences and Medicine

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Top 125 for Life Sciences

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Top 170 for Computing Science and Information Systems

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Overview

Harness the power of biological data to drive innovation. Gain hands-on expertise analysing real-world bioscience data, in demand across the biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sectors.

Biology is at the heart of society’s grand challenges, from food security and global health to biodiversity loss and climate change.

Addressing these complex issues increasingly relies on data-driven solutions.

As bioscience industries undergo rapid digital transformation, a skills gap has emerged in data handling, modelling, and interpretation. Our Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc is designed to close this gap.

We will prepare you for a career at the cutting-edge of industrial biotechnology, bioinformatics, environmental monitoring, or health innovation.

During your studies, you’ll learn how to turn complex biological and environmental data into meaningful insights. You’ll work with genuine datasets to solve authentic challenges, from modelling microbial communities to predicting bioprocess yields.

You’ll be taught by leading academics from our Centre for Industrial Biotechnology. Our researchers are at the forefront of applying data science to real-world biological challenges. This ensures your learning is shaped by pioneering science and industry insight.

What sets our course apart is the strong connection to industry. You’ll work on live project briefs, co-designed hackathons, and applied assessments that mirror real-world practice. You’ll graduate with a portfolio that showcases actual skills to future employers.

Who this course is for

This MSc is ideal for graduates looking to transition into data science but have an interest in biotechnology.

Applicants should not have a degree in computer science or a course with significant computational content.

The programme is particularly suited to those interested in applying data science techniques in bioscience and industrial biotechnology contexts. This MSc offers a structured, supportive route into data-driven roles with real-world impact, whether you aim to work in:

Aspects of this course are delivered by expert data scientists from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). You’ll immerse yourself in their leading-edge techniques, practical implementation, and ethical considerations of data science. NICD will help you learn with data bootcamps and learning through experience.

Whether you are looking to transition into data science or apply it more effectively in a life sciences context, this course is well suited. The programme will equip you with the practical, analytical, and professional expertise employers are looking for.

Additional information

This Data Science Master's degree is part of a suite of Data Science conversion degrees. You may also be interested in:

How to apply

Quality and ranking

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.

\

[## Funding and scholarships webinars

Join our funding and scholarship webinars.](https://belong.ncl.ac.uk/pg-online-webinar)

Next: Course details

What you'll learn

Phase one: Core foundations in Data Science

In phase one, you’ll build a solid foundation in:

You will develop confidence in using tools such as R, Python, and Jupyter.

Once you’ve mastered these core skills, you’ll explore the theory and applications of data science in greater depth. In a module delivered by the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), you’ll work on solutions to real challenges drawn from NICD’s client projects.

You’ll also develop your legal skills, ensuring you’re up to date with:

Phase two: Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology

In phase two, you’ll apply your data science skills to industrial bioscience applications.

You’ll learn to retrieve, curate, and harmonise biological and environmental data from public sources. You’ll then apply statistical and machine learning techniques to genuine datasets. You’ll develop workflows to support industrial research challenges such as bioprocess optimisation, metagenomics, and AMR prediction.

Phase 3: Capstone project

In phase three, you’ll complete a three-part capstone project that mirrors the full research and innovation cycle:

This final phase allows you to apply your skills in authentic industrial or research contexts, creating a portfolio that showcases your employability for data-driven bioscience roles.

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.

Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc modules

You take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules Credits
Data Visualisation and Data Handling 20
Programming and Machine Learning 20
Foundations of Data Science 20
Data Science Skills 20
Data Driven Analysis for Industrial Bioscience 20
Hypothesis-Led Data Analysis and Modelling for Industrial Biosciences 20

You also take one of the following optional modules:

Optional modules Credits
Case Study Project in Applied Data Science 60
Individual Project in Applied Data Science 60
Industrial Biosciences Project Module 60

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

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

Assessment methods

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

Additional assessment information

Some assessments will be completed on our specialist software Numbas, which will test your mathematical knowledge.

Support

Data Science resources

Before the course begins, you’ll receive a set of resources designed to support your transition into data science. These materials provide a fast-paced refresher on key mathematical concepts, helping bridge the gap between what you learned at school and what you'll encounter on the course. You’ll start your course with confidence and be able to refer to the resources as your learning progresses.

Numbas learning software

You'll have access to specialist learning software called Numbas. Developed at Newcastle University, it's now used by mathematicians and statisticians worldwide. This innovative software allows you to work on interactive code worksheets, enabling you to test and refine the mathematics skills you’ll need for data science.

Maths-Aid

All students on our Data Science conversion degrees can make use of Maths-Aid, a team of experts who provide support and advice on all aspects of maths and statistics.

Statistics and Data Science clinic

During your capstone project, you’ll be supported by our Statistics and Data Science Clinic, where you can book one-to-one sessions with our expert data scientists. Whether you need support with a technical

Our staff

This course is delivered by:

You'll be taught by experts working at the frontier of data science. You'll work alongside academics from the following research areas:

We're home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). This gives you unique opportunities to collaborate with industry partners across multiple sectors.

Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)

Your development

Professional skills

Through a module delivered by the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), you’ll develop key professional skills by working through genuine innovation processes. You’ll take a problem from initial formulation through to a practical, client-focused solution.

You’ll also strengthen your project management, teamwork and communication skills by working on a group project and learning how to present your complex data to non-specialist audiences.

Research skills

You’ll learn to design, implement, and report on data-driven research projects. This includes:

The capstone project provides extensive experience in independent and team-based inquiry.

Practical skills

You’ll become proficient in coding with R and Python, using tools such as Jupyter and R Markdown to develop reproducible workflows. You’ll work with genuine datasets, learning to source, clean, integrate, and analyse data from public bioscience databases and industrial case studies.

Work experience opportunities

Although this course doesn’t include a formal placement, you’ll gain practical experience through project-based learning using real-world industrial scenarios. The final group hackathon is co-delivered with industry partners, allowing you to work on live briefs and engage directly with employers.

There are a number of opportunities to secure work experience and placements with support from our Careers Service.

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: OverviewNext: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 BSc honours degree in Biology, or international equivalent

GCSE Mathematics grade 6 in Mathematics (or equivalent)

Applicants from a non-standard background and individuals with strong relevant work experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

Qualifications from outside the UK

Select your country

English Language requirements

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

Previous: Course detailsNext: Careers

Your future

Your career

The course prepares you for a wide range of careers in roles that bring together life sciences and data science, which might include:

You’ll graduate with a portfolio of applied work that showcases your technical skills, biological understanding, and ability to deliver data-led solutions.

You’ll be prepared to work in a variety of industries, including:

This course builds on those pathways with a stronger focus on industrial application and technical fluency.

Further study

This course provides a strong foundation for PhD-level research in areas such as:

The structured dissertation pathway equips you with the critical and technical skills needed for advanced academic study.

We have strong industry links through our research collaborations and curriculum design. Our industrial partners help shape assessment briefs, contribute to group projects, and co-deliver the final hackathon challenge. These relationships provide you with:

Industry collaborators have included:

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

If students apply to Newcastle University, they will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the National Innovation Centre for Data. The main thing students will gain is the practical application of fundamental data science that they'll learn throughout their course. They'll understand the business domains and problems that the real world is facing and how these techniques and methods can resolve those problems and help to create new products and services that will dominate the market.

Previous: Entry requirementsNext: Facilities

Facilities

The School of Computing also has a state-of-the-art data visualization lab which may be used for project work. It includes:

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. Newcastle Helix brings together:

The USB is a living laboratory and has over 4,000 sensors that record detailed research data, which can be used in student projects.

As a student, you'll have access to facilities including:

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Newcastle University's Urban Sciences Building Tour

Herschel Building

You'll join the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics based in the Herschel Building.

A well-equipped learning environment will support your studies, and you'll have access to extensive IT facilities for teaching and self-study, including:

The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.

Previous: CareersNext: 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) £14,500
International students Full time: 12 months Tuition fees (per year) £31,700

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:

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

Select your country

Previous: FacilitiesNext: 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

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

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

Programme codes

Qualification: MSc Full time
Full time: 12 months Programme Code: 5547F

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 & fundingNext: Get in touch

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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

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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.

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