Medical Biotechnology MSc



Explore the key biotechnologies that underpin research and product development in the medical and pharmaceutical industries

Course overview

Biotechnology has transformed medicine and pharmaceutical science, from drug and vaccine development to diagnostics and personalised treatments.

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and critical understanding of biological systems and their applications essential for a rewarding career in medical or pharmaceutical biotechnology, whether that’s in a research, product development, or leadership role. There is a strong focus on enhancing your practical laboratory skills and there are many opportunities to learn and apply relevant techniques. You will be supported by an internationally recognised team of experienced staff with varied research interests.

Our MSc in Medical Biotechnology achieved 100% overall student satisfaction in the most recent PTES (2026).

Typical entry points are in January and September. Please enquire for more information (Biomol-PLTeam@napier.ac.uk).

 
Medical Biotechnology lab

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

Jan

Course details

This course provides detailed knowledge of key concepts in cell technology, bioprocessing and molecular analysis and how these approaches are applied in areas of specific relevance to medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug design and discovery, immunology and microbial infection.

You’ll explore and critically evaluate the technologies driving discovery and modification of natural compounds for use in medicine, the relationship between progress in our understanding of disease and the development of diagnostics and treatments, as well as the application of theoretical concepts to the use of biological systems for production of drugs.

Business and entrepreneurship are also a core feature of this programme.

You’ll address themes that influence the success of any biotechnology venture such as intellectual property, bioethics, sustainability and public perception through the development of a novel business concept.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices such as mammalian cell culture and fermentation. In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project externally in a relevant organisation or bio-industry.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership.

“This programme explores biotechnology from the core science to the translation of a novel concept into a real world commercial venture with biomedical application and looks at how this impacts society.” Dr Fiona Stainsby, lead academic for the course.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    This is a full-time course and takes place across three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:
    o September starts: 12 months
    o January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)

    You’ll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study supported by resources on the virtual learning environment, Moodle. The programme is predominantly based around face-to-face learning on campus, but we also use technology-enhanced learning. Site visits and/or guest lectures may be arranged for some modules. A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning. These are designed to prepare you for your future career and/or further study.

    You will also have a Personal Development Tutor - an academic closely involved with this programme who will help you steer your individual development as you progress through the course. We have a policy of mainstreaming reasonable adjustments which makes the most common adjustments offered to disabled students in teaching/assessment available routinely to everyone.

    The academic year is split into three trimesters with the taught modules running in the spring and autumn trimesters only.

    September-starting students

    Follow this route:

    Trimester 1 (September - December)
    - Cell Technology
    - Business & Bioethics
    - Option Module: Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology OR Applied Immunology OR Current Practice in Drug Development

    Trimester 2 (Jan - April)
    - Research Skills
    - Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infection
    - Biotechnology & Drug Discovery 

    Trimester 3 (May - August)
    - Research Project (60 credits)   

    January-starting students

    Follow this route (which takes 18 months because there is no teaching in the summer of the first year; this can be a useful period to gain additional work or voluntary experience during your MSc).
     
    Jan-April  
    - Research Skills
    - Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infection
    - Biotechnology & Drug Discovery  

    May-Aug
    No teaching, but this period can be used to gain additional work or voluntary experience.

    Sept-Dec
    - Cell Technology
    - Business & Bioethics
    - Option module: Applied Immunology OR Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology OR Current Practice in Drug Development

    Jan-Apr 
    - Research Project (60 credits)

    A link to the descriptor for each module can be found by using the module code to search on the Module Search. Note that info on the learning, teaching and assessment strategy is revealed by clicking on the ‘View Full details’ link within each descriptor.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    Your assessments are mapped out across your programme and include formative work to help practice your skills, as well as summative work which will build on this preparatory work. These are carefully spaced out across each trimester to avoid clashes and include many different types of assessment such as essays, lab reports, posters, oral presentations, short discussions, class tests and exams. 

    Some of these assessments involve group-work, whilst others are individual. 

    For example: In the Business and Bioethics module, you will work on a business plan and are required to prepare an oral pitch and a written report. In the Cell Technology module, you will be assessed on practical lab skills and also via a class test.
  • library

    Facilities

    The MSc Medical Biotechnology programme is delivered at our landmark Sighthill Campus where students learn in state of the art laboratories equipped with, for example, cell tissue culture hoods; category II microbiology facilities; anaerobic chambers; bioreactors; confocal microscopy and molecular biology equipment, to ensure we meet the needs of students entering employment and research roles in the healthcare and life science sector.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Biotechnology and Drug Discovery ( MIC11108 )

You will be introduced to emerging technologies in the Biomedical Sciences discipline (e.g. Stem cells, Genome editing, Immunotherapy) and learn how they are being applied to transform drug development and delivery. You will develop important, transferable scientific communication skills by presenting a seminar and by synthesis of written reports.

Further information

Business and Bioethics ( MIC11104 )

This course covers various topics that are essential for understanding the development of biotechnology and its impact. Through the development of your own business venture concept, you will explore key concepts including innovation and invention, intellectual property rights (IPR), patents, and licensing, as well as business models and commercialisation strategies. We will delve into the national and global context of biotechnology, examining sectors, markets, trends, and emerging technologies. You will also learn about the regulatory framework governing risk management and explore bioethics and the history of ethical regulation in biotechnology. We will also discuss the legal implications of unethical behaviour, corporate responsibility, and society's perception of biotechnology. Sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic aspects, will be explored, and you will have opportunities to discuss current topics like personalised medicine, stem cell research, genetics and the use of animals or human subjects in research.

Further information

Cell Technology ( MIC11103 )

In this module you will be introduced to various techniques and strategies used in handling microorganisms and mammalian cell lines that are important in cell technologies. This will include different methods and approaches for culturing, preserving, and manipulating various cell types including microbial, human/animal primary, and immortalised cell lines. Key aspects of cell handling will be explored including media design, isolation and purification, sterility, inoculum development, and cell quantification. We will delve into different approaches for manipulating cells and improving strains for bioprocessing, including genetic modification and stress fermentation, illustrated through case studies. You will develop an understanding of bioprocessing technologies, the units of operation and factors influencing optimisation, including bioreactor design, mode of operation and scale-up, as well as product separation and analysis. Both theoretical and applied aspects of fermentation growth kinetics will be explored, providing you with a comprehensive understanding. You will also explore commercial aspects including regulatory requirements and quality assurance processes involved in cell technologies, including COSSH, GMP, GLP, biosafety and containment, as well as product approval, validation, and auditing. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations will complement your theoretical learning and enhance your practical skills and confidence in the laboratory. Your practical sessions will cover various aspects of cell technology and bioprocessing, such as cell culture methods, media preparation, fermentation set-up, operation and monitoring, product separation and analysis, experimental design, and data-handling.

Further information

Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infection ( MIC11100 )

In this module you will compare and contrast ways in which different microbial pathogens cause infection in human hosts. Through critical appraisal of current scientific literature, you will broaden your understanding of microbial pathogenesis and evaluate how we apply such knowledge to solve global problems, such as the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. Throughout the module, you will develop skills to communicate complex scientific information about relevant mechanisms of pathogenesis.

Further information

Research Skills ( MIC11107 )

The module will include an overview of the research process including hypothesis and research question design and the role of the research literature as evidence to assist in the development of research ideas relevant to practice. You will also learn about analysis and interpretation of data and how to ensure data generated is robust and scientifically valid and will explore aspects related to the importance of research governance and ethics in research design. You will gain practice in scientific writing and have the opportunity to develop a research proposal designed to tackle a specific scientific problem in your field of study. You will learn about some of the tools used in research in the fields of biology and chemistry, and how the research process links across multiple disciplines to solve specific scientific challenges, by gaining an appreciation of how this works in the real world using examples from current research. You will also have an opportunity to develop your skills in the laboratory through hands on practical experience.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Get a tour

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Medical Biotechnology?

The entry requirements for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in bio-molecular sciences such as: biological sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, human biology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic biology in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may consider degree equivalent or lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience.

Can I get admission into Medical Biotechnology based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,030 tba
Overseas and EU £22,290 tba

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online degrees. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers & employability

  • Laboratory-based or research management and product development work in a variety of industries ranging from multi-national companies to smaller biotechnology enterprises in the medical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biochemical sectors.
  • Opportunities may also exist in contract research companies and service providers to the biotechnology sector, in addition to research institutes and local government.
  • Further study in a research setting: graduates will be qualified to continue to PhD studies in the bio-molecular sciences.
Researcher working in one of the laboratories at Sighthill campus