Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences

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 Biological Sciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study location

King's Buildings campus

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

Synthetic biology, also referred to as engineering biology, is a multidisciplinary area that seeks to provide novel solutions for medicine, manufacturing and agriculture, by creating new biological components and systems.

Synthetic biology strives to make the engineering of biology easier and more predictable by applying key engineering principles to biology, such as standardisation and modularisation, thereby accelerating the creation of novel products, services and industries.

Our Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology MSc is a fast-paced and dynamic programme of study. Your studies will draw on the latest research in the fields of synthetic biology, (bio)engineering and biotechnology.

Throughout this programme, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for developing innovative solutions and tackling the pressing global challenges we are facing, such as:

  • rapidly changing human demographics and resulting health pressures
  • growing demand for more and healthier food
  • resource shortages
  • sustainable fuel transition and a cleaner environment

You will be encouraged to engage with academic experts from different disciplines, as well as industry experts, who contribute to discussions and provide guest lectures. You will also engage in practical learning, participate in group activities and offer your critical analysis of the topics.

We aim to equip graduates with the skills required for further education and research, and for employment in the growing synthetic biology sector and other related industries.

Programme rankings

  • 5th in the UK and 23rd in the world for Biological Sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • 4th in the UK and top-ranked in Scotland for research power by Times Higher Education (based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework)
  • 90.6% overall student satisfaction in Biological Sciences in the latest Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (response rate 45%)

Programme benefits

  • Develop interdisciplinary skills, learning from experts from different fields including biology, engineering, chemistry and medical and social sciences. We are one of the largest concentrations of biologists in the UK.
  • Benefit from training in some of the newest and leading areas of biology
  • Tailor your learning to suit your background and areas of interest
  • Gain postgraduate level scientific and experimental skills, suitable for PhD research and beyond; Entrepreneurial skills training for future synthetic biology and biotechnology leaders; and transferable skills suitable for R&D or project management careers in industry
  • Get involved with our research during your dissertation. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework 94% of our research activity was classed as ‘world-leading’ and 'internationally excellent'
  • Take opportunities to engage with industry professionals, and potentially undertake an industrial research project

It was a wonderful experience and greatly helped me in deciding what to focus on in the future. It allowed me to cultivate a passion for the crop improvement side of Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology, which is now what I would like to further specialise in. The masters programme prepared me very well for this path – through the masters project and also through the various courses that invited us to show our creativity and to "design with life", which are skills at the core of crop improvement.

Henrik MSc Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology, graduated 2022

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

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place:

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

How and when to pay the deposit

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, with a strong background in molecular biology. You should also have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics or related sciences, with evidence of quantitative and computer science skills.
 
We may also consider your application if you have a background in engineering (particularly bioengineering), physics or mathematics and can show evidence of molecular biology knowledge.

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

This programme combines the teaching of theory and academic knowledge with the development of applied and practical skills. The programme draws on the latest research in synthetic biology and biotechnology, and involves a 3-month research project.

The programme consists of:

  • two semesters of taught courses
  • a research project and dissertation, completed in the summer

You will be taught various synthetic biology-related topics across the compulsory courses, and will select your option courses to tailor your learning to your own education or career goals.

Research and dissertation

You will carry out your own research project at the frontier of knowledge and can make a genuine contribution to the progress of original research. This also involves reviewing relevant papers, analysing data, and writing a dissertation.

We work with a wide multidisciplinary network of academics to propose diverse research topics, and also with external organisations and companies, to offer a wider range of project opportunities and enhance the real-world relevance of your degree.

Compulsory courses

Semester 1
  • Tools for Synthetic Biology (20 credits)
Semester 2
  • Research Project Proposal (Biotechnology) (10 credits)
  • Engineering Biology (10 credits)
  • Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology (10 or 20 credit option)
Semester 1 or 2

You must also take at least one lab course, choosing from:

  • Automation and Industry (10 credits) - Semester 1
  • Principles of Biotechnology (10 credits) - Semester 1
  • Metagenomics (10 credits) - Semester 2

It is not possible to take both 'Principles of Biotechnology' and 'Metagenomics'.

Dissertation
  • MSc Project and Dissertation (Synthetic Biology & Biotechnology) (60 credits)

Option courses

You can choose from a variety of option courses in biological areas beyond the core synthetic biology and biotechnology theme, allowing you to tailor your degree to your personal interests and future plans. This can include courses focusing on:

  • drug discovery
  • biochemistry
  • bioinformatics
  • genomics

If you are interested in a specific course not listed in the Degree Programme Table, please get in touch with the programme director to discuss your options.

Some option courses are compulsory for other MSc programmes, and these students will have priority for places.

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.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

On taught courses, you will learn through a variety of activities, including:

  • lectures
  • workshops, tutorials, practicals
  • presentations, seminars
  • group discussions and group projects
  • problem-based learning activities
  • research projects

Assessment

Learning is assessed through a variety of assignments, including:

  • reports
  • presentations
  • essays
  • proposals
  • projects
  • dissertation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, you will:

  • have developed a strong background knowledge in the fields underlying synthetic biology and biotechnology
  • be able to explore the possibilities surrounding the future development of research and technology, its implementation and its implications
  • recognise and appreciate how synthetic biology can be applied to real-world biological problems
  • comprehend the limitations and public concerns regarding the field of synthetic biology, including a thorough examination of the philosophical, legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the area
  • be able to approach the technology transfer problem, equipped with the skills to analyse the problem in scientific and practical terms
  • have honed and developed a broad understanding of research responsibility including the requirement for rigorous and robust testing of theories and the need for honesty and integrity in experimental reporting and reviewing

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

Our academic staff

You will be taught by experts from different fields and research areas, such as academic researchers and industry experts.

Our teaching team includes many researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Engineering Biology, who use synthetic biology to address pressing global challenges and translate their research into real-world solutions.

Some of the demonstrators and tutors on our courses are alumni from this Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology MSc programme.

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of teaching and research project work will be carried out at the University's King’s Buildings campus. With over 100 years of scientific history, King's Buildings is the centre of science and engineering teaching at Edinburgh.

The School of Biological Sciences is based in several buildings around the campus and you will visit these throughout your studies.

Depending on your choice of courses, some of your classes may be based in other university venues in Edinburgh or online. 

Some research projects may be performed at other university sites or companies in the local area.

Academic facilities

From the more traditional styled Ashworth Building to the modern Nucleus Building you will learn in a variety of teaching spaces, including: 

  • lecture theatres
  • tutorial rooms
  • well-equipped teaching laboratories
  • collaborative learning spaces for group work
  • computing suites

You will have access to libraries and other study spaces across the University and its campuses. Including a dedicated study room for MSc students in the School of Biological Sciences. There are a variety of physical textbooks and scientific papers available to borrow, as well as a range of online resources that you can use.

Career opportunities

This programme aims to provide businesses, industry, academia and governments with an annual cohort of graduates with the high-level knowledge necessary to promote innovative bio-based solutions to pressing global challenges.

You will enhance your career prospects by acquiring current marketable knowledge and developing advanced analytical and presentation skills, within the social and intellectual sphere of a leading European university.

The programme offers a wide range of research projects that can be tailored to best suit your career goals, in areas such as academic research, industry with companies and start-ups, and science communication.

Our graduates have been successful in securing employment in the synthetic biology and biotechnology sector. In addition, some alumni have gone on to create their own successful businesses. Many of our alumni are pursuing further research at postgraduate level, with some of them based in labs here at the University of Edinburgh.

Although there is not a 'typical' job our graduates go on to do, they work or study in a variety of organisations around the world.

Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Professional links

The School of Biological Sciences provides a research-rich environment in which you can develop as a scientist and an entrepreneur. We offer fantastic resources through the University's Edinburgh Innovations service, to help you successfully nurture your entrepreneurial ideas and launch your own enterprise.

Learn more about Edinburgh Innovations

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

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 3 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, we encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

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 must submit one reference with your application.

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:

What our students say

Hear from Zachary, one of our MSc Bioinformatics students who also studied with us for his Undergraduate degree.

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

Please note that as this is a 12-month programme, you will need to be in Edinburgh from the start of your studies through to the end of the following August, when you will submit your research project/dissertation.

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

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Email us

Academic contact

Dr Elise Cachat

Programme Director

  • MSc Synthetic Biology & Biotechnology
  • School of Biological Sciences

Contact details

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