Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Science, Technology and Innovation

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Social and Political Science

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

This programme responds to the rapid growth in the global bioeconomy by providing the core knowledge and skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving, highly skilled workforce.

The Masters in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance (MSc MBIG) is an innovative and dynamic postgraduate qualification designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled people in the growing global bioeconomy.

The programme responds to a number of key challenges:

  • developing innovations in life science responsibly
  • identifying and exploiting value throughout innovation ecosystems
  • bringing new technologies to existing and emer ging markets

To meet these modern challenges, this programme provides you with a dynamic set of competencies and knowledge about life science innovation, as highly desired by prospective employers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Our programme takes a qualitative approach and teaches customised methods to deal with complex issues such as:

  • foresight and innovation systems analysis
  • strategic decision making in companies
  • value chain analysis and business model development
  • product and process regulation
  • ensuring ‘responsibility’ in research and innovation

This MSc programme is a conversion course, designed to help people change career direction. All disciplines are welcome, but applicants must show they have a personal interest in bioeconomy, rather than sustainability, finance or business management.

Study options

This programme is offered as a one-year full-time programme.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Courses

You will complete four core courses (80 credits) and a selection of option courses (40 credits). 

Areas covered by the programme

Areas covered by the programme include:

  • agricultural biotechnology
  • sustainable food and animal production
  • synthetic biology
  • pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial resistance
  • stratified medicine
  • industrial biotechnology
  • genetic databases
  • biofuels and energy-related developments

Dissertation

You will also be required to write a 15,000 word dissertation which is worth 60 credits. The dissertation can be a conventional academic dissertation or a placement-based project.

Placement-based dissertation

The aim of the placement-based dissertation is to provide you with the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.

The placements generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:

  • NGOs
  • charities
  • social enterprises
  • think-tanks
  • government bodies

Placements can either be in person, hybrid or undertaken remotely. You are also able to source your own placements subject to university approval.

A placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and are by competitive application.

Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option on our website:

Compulsory courses

Innovation Systems and Risk Management (20 credits)

This course is designed to introduce you to concepts and methods at the centre of contemporary studies of technological change and innovation including technological systems, industrial clusters and sectoral, regional, technological and national innovation systems.  

Delivering the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy (20 credits) 

This course introduces the concept of the circular economy and the role of the bioeconomy in delivering it for applications in agriculture, health, energy and manufacturing sectors. It teaches a 'total systems approach' to managing the interactions across a broad range of components to deliver, where appropriate, a viable circular bioeconomy.  

Innovation in Sustainable Food Systems (20 credits)

This course considers sustainable food systems and food security from a wide range of perspectives, examining farming as a social practice, as commercial food production, as a contribution and challenge to environmental policy, and as an integral part of sustainable and healthy consumption. Innovation is examined in both its scientific and social aspects. 

Biobusiness (20 credits)

This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of and the ability to assess how innovation in the life sciences is changing production methods, industrial structures, market dynamics and strategic decision making.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

The MSc programme offers you various opportunities to visit and undertake work with industry partners through field trips and the placement-based dissertation.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You benefit from the programme's unique position within the University. MSc MBIG benefits from its strong association with the Innogen Institute - a research institute renowned for its interdisciplinary study of the life sciences, proximity to world-leading science and medicine, government, and key policymakers; and long-standing collaborations with commercial and not-for-profit sectors within the bioeconomy. 

The programme draws upon real life case studies and the latest research findings from the Innogen Institute.

The programme is delivered by the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) subject group within the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science, allowing you to take full advantage of the vibrant community at one of Europe's leading centres for social science research.

Experiential learning is encouraged, and is accomplished through:

  • problem-based group work activities
  • presentations
  • interactive seminars
  • conventional lectures

Find our more about STIS at the School of Social and Political Science

Learning outcomes

MSc MBIG graduates will excel in strategic thinking that brings globally contextualised solutions to practical problems relating to:

  • innovation and firm strategy
  • policy and regulation
  • collaborative R&D models
  • governance and intellectual property

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Career opportunities

Basic scientific knowledge is no longer sufficient for building a successful career in the growing bioeconomy.

There is a high demand for trained professionals in this area, and this degree is an opportunity to impress prospective employers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors with expertise in life science innovation.

We will enable you to take an active role in the workforce, contributing to development of the bioeconomy in industry, policy, regulatory, not-for-profit or academic capacities. You learn how to respond to globally important challenges by contributing to innovative developments in, for example:

  • healthcare
  • agriculture and other land uses
  • energy
  • industrial biotechnology and environmental remediation in developed and developing economies

The transferable skills you gain in areas such as communication and research will give you an edge in the employment market, whatever your eventual career.

You may also choose to continue your studies and pursue an academic career in this rapidly growing field.

Edinburgh Enterprise Award Scheme

Students who aim to leave the masters degree with practical entrepreneurial skills are encouraged to apply for the Edinburgh Enterprise Award Scheme. 

This scheme, which is highly complementary and runs parallel to the MSc MBIG programme, helps you to identify relevant skills and foster reflective practice. It is run by the Edinburgh Careers Service and Launch.ed.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Carolyn was the 2020 joint winner of the David Edge Award in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies.

It's the perfect symbiosis between policy, science, technology and innovation, and that's exactly what I was looking for.

Carolyn MSc Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance, graduated 2020

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Graduate School of Social & Political Science
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Central Campus
Edinburgh
EH8 9LD

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086

Academic contact

Dr Farah Huzair

Programme Director

  • School of Social and Political Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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