Entry year
2023
2023
Entry requirements
2.1
2.1
Duration
4 months (Part Time)
4 months (Part Time)
Places available
15 (Part Time)
15 (Part Time)
The past decade has seen enormous advances in molecular and biomedical technology resulting in an‘omics’ revolution.
Bioinformatics covers the application of mathematics, statistics and computing to biological and clinical scenarios. Algorithms and software tools are used to understand and interpret patient-derived ‘Big Data’
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
You will be analysing clinical and ‘omics data in order to find complex patterns relating to patient response to treatments and prognosis. You will discover results that translate to the real world, through clinical trials or commercialisation. You will use your vision to find unique solutions to clinical and biological problems, and by the end of the degree you will be ready to work within a multidisciplinary team alongside bioinformaticians, biologists and clinicians from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/cancer-research/, the Welcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/wwiem/), and the Centre for Public Health (http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforPublicHealth/).
This is complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics highlights
The analysis of ’Big Data' may provide the key to unlocking the cause and development of various diseases, such as cancer. It also, offers the prospect of developing new drugs and therapies to prevent and treat conditions and diseases.
Global Opportunities
- You'll be involved with our Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, who work with partners around the world in developing cancer treatments and pioneering advances in patient care. The Centre has an international reputation for successful dissemination and application of cutting edge research , knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of research ideas and innovations.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/cancer-research
Internationally Renowned Experts
- You'll be involved with our Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, who work with partners around the world in developing cancer treatments and pioneering advances in patient care. The Centre has an international reputation for successful dissemination and application of cutting edge research , knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of research ideas and innovations.
qub.ac.uk/ccrcb
This conversion course provides a solid foundation in data analytical skills which will enable graduates to make the transition into careers in bioinformatics. The modules are delivered by research-intensive academics with industrial and clinical collaborators, ensuring that the course content is kept up to date on cutting-edge techniques.
Jaine Blayney, Lecturer in Translational Bioinformatics, Course Director
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Course content
Course Structure
Students may enrol on a full time single semester basis (January – May). There is an introductory module to Cell Biology & Computational Analysis for Bioinformaticians, followed by modules that align to the Masters course, including Scientific Programming and Statistical Computing, Health and Biomedical Informatics and the Exposome, and finally Biostatistical Informatics.
The Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules.
| Course Details | Biostatistcs and Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field at the heart of biomedical research, discovery and practice. With its challenging and rewarding content, this programme will provide students, with a background in computational or life sciences, the opportunity to move into an exciting new area of discovery, technology and application. We provide a broad learning base and offer training in open-source programming languages commonly used in academia and industry. The PgCert in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics contains 4 second semester modules from the established and well-regarded MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics. The aim of the Certificate is to provide a strong foundation in biostatistics and bioinformatics. Essential domain knowledge and context is provided via an introduction to cell biology. The online format and blended-learning delivery of the programme is specifically designed to enable students to access learning materials in a highly flexible manner. Those completing the programme gain key, transferable, statistical, data analytical and scripting skills which will, in turn, provide a springboard into further specialist bioinformatics training and qualifications. Students who wish to proceed to the full-time Masters course are given recognition for the modules taken in the Certificate Students begin with an introductory short course in Cell Biology & Computational Analysis for Bioinformaticians, followed by modules that align to the Masters course, including Scientific Programming and Statistical Computing, Health and Biomedical Informatics and the Exposome, and finally Biostatistical Informatics. You will be taught by subject experts from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/cancer-research/), the Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/wwiem/), and the Centre for Public Health (https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforPublicHealth/). This is complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators. |
|---|---|
| Environment | You’ll be taught by active researchers including biologists, clinicians and bioinformatician. We also have teaching input from our industrial partners. |
My MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics provided me with the opportunity to build highly desirable and transferable skills for today's job market.
Data Manager, New Day (Graduate)
Career Prospects
Introduction
The rapid production of 'omics' data within medicine and the life sciences has meant that individuals with analytical experience in this field are highly sought after. Recent graduates have gone on to work in industry in companies such as Almac Diagnostics, Biokinetic Europe and Fios Genomics and some have gone onto further MSc or PhD level research.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Employment after the Course
Many of our students go on to pursue further MSc or PhD study in Bioinformatics at Queen’s and further afield. Others go on to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sector here in Northern Ireland and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Professional Opportunities
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Learning and Teaching
Learning and Teaching Introduction
Learning and Teaching Introduction
We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in an advanced society making use of innovative technologies.
Content is delivered live (virtually) across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, with classes being recorded, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical experiences learning technologies and self-directed study to enhance employability.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Assessment for the modules will be based on 100% coursework/in-class tests/dissertation.
Students who pass all of the taught modules but who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50 per cent in the dissertation are eligible for the award of a PG Diploma.
Students who pass 60 CATS of modules are eligible for the award of PG Certificate
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Natural Science subject, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a relevant medical or life sciences subject.
Places available on this programme are limited. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available places.
The closing date for applications is Friday 25th August 2023 at 12 noon. Please note this course commences in January 2024.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Modules
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
The rapid production of 'omics' data within medicine and the life sciences has meant that individuals with analytical experience in this field are highly sought after. Recent graduates have gone on to work in industry in companies such as Almac Diagnostics, Biokinetic Europe and Fios Genomics and some have gone onto further MSc or PhD level research.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Employment after the Course
Many of our students go on to pursue further MSc or PhD study in Bioinformatics at Queen’s and further afield. Others go on to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sector here in Northern Ireland and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Professional Opportunities
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | Free for DfE Funded students (see below) |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | N/A |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | N/A |
| EU Other 3 | N/A |
| International | N/A |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Download Postgraduate Prospectus
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