MSC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Queen's University

GENERATING VALUE FOR SOCIETY THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGY

Begin your career-defining education in 2026

Biotechnology is the use of living systems, or the molecules they produce, for practical and commercial benefit. While the term itself is relatively new, humans have harnessed biotechnology for thousands of years through processes such as baking, brewing, and wastewater treatment.

Today, biotechnology is driven by our ability to manipulate organisms at the genetic level. Modern applications range from new pharmaceuticals and innovative diagnostics to enzyme-based ‘green catalysis’, bioremediation, and advanced waste treatments.

Just as information technology reshaped the 20th century, biotechnology is set to transform the 21st. This Master’s degree explores the molecular bioscience at the heart of biotechnology and showcases how it is applied in real-world contexts.

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The reason I chose Queen’s was because this Biology programme was really starting to grow, and I could see the advancements that Queen’s had made. The cooperation between different labs, and the way we share our equipment, is an amazing way to simulate a real-life setting outside of university, reflecting how you would work in a workplace lab.

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

This MSc gives you the knowledge and skills to understand the molecular biosciences driving modern biotechnology. You’ll be taught by research-active academics and explore how biotechnology is applied in real-world contexts. Alongside core molecular biology, you’ll build research expertise and gain insight into bio-entrepreneurship. The course finishes with an intensive three-month lab project at Queen’s, preparing you for a career at the cutting edge of biotechnology.

Student Experience

You’ll spend the summer working full time on a research project in an active laboratory. With a choice of topics across molecular biology and biotechnology, you’ll join a research team, develop practical skills, and contribute to real scientific discovery. Direct supervision from expert staff ensures you gain the confidence and independence to thrive in a research environment.

Career Opportunities

This MSc opens doors to careers in industry, healthcare, and commercial biotechnology, or further study at PhD level. Employers value the practical research experience and specialist skills you’ll gain. Recent graduates have secured roles with leading organisations, including Norbrook (Formulations Analyst), Pfizer (Right First Time Specialist), Zymergen Inc. (Research Associate), Qiagen (Technical Support), and as Validation Scientists.

Why Choose Queen's

Top 200 in the world

(QS World University Rankings 2026)

World-class university

Every school in our Faculty is recognised among the global top 200 in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2026.

Affordable Student Destination

Ranked 3rd in the UK for Value for Money (StudentCrowd University Awards 2025).

Employment potential

Queen's offers opportunities for work placements, industry-led programmes and ground breaking research projects. Queen’s is first in the Russell Group for employability and further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2022/23).

State-of-the-art facilities

Be taught by world-leading researchers and experts in their field in state-of-the-art facilities. 21 Queen’s subjects in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2026)