MSci Biochemistry with Integrated Master's

This is how students on Keele's Biochemistry with Integrated Master's (MSci) gain hands-on, practical experience and real-world skills through outstanding facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and intensive learning opportunities:

• Students begin using techniques from Day 1 in Keele's Central Science Laboratories, which contain research-grade equipment—such as state-of-the-art spectrometers and chromatography systems—for molecular biology, protein chemistry, and enzyme kinetics. They are thoroughly trained in digital technology, including bioinformatics software and data analysis suites, readying them for data-intensive experimental pipelines.
• In your third and fourth years, you will Organize and undertake an individual MSci research project—from hypothesis and grant application to experimentation and reporting final results—supervised by, and in collaboration with, staff and faculty research teams.
• Participate in research-grade seminars from world-leading scientists, refining your ability to critically read primary literature.
• Give presentation of project results both in written (research article style) and verbally/poster formats at an MSci Research Conference.
• Proceeding on to specific experiential learning highlights:
• Laboratories & Equipment: Have state‑of‑the‑art laboratories with fluorescence microscopes, centrifuges, HPLC, mass spectrometers, PCR and gel‑electrophoresis rigs for protein and genetic research.
• Digital & Computational Tools: Learn bioinformatics software for DNA/protein sequence comparison, structure modelling and statistical data tools like R or Python.
• Group Projects & Workshops: Complete small‑group, problem‑based project and wet‑lab experiment work during Years 1 and 2, gaining teamwork and communication skills.
• Internships & Placement Opportunities: The option to take a placement year—organized by Keele Careers—during which you can apply for work in biotech, pharma, NHS labs, or academic research between Years 3 and 4.
• Research Seminars & Networking: Regular attendance at high-level seminars from visiting professionals in the fields of biotech, healthcare and academia, widening your professional network.
• Field & Site Visits: Regular educational site visits—e.g., to pharmaceutical manufacturing plants or research institutions—offered by staff (underpinning prior courses in related Life Sciences).
• Dedicated Research Facilities: Laboratory work within School of Life Sciences research laboratories, with dedicated access to state-of-the-art suites of molecular biology equipment and instrumentation areas—ideal for your MSci project.
• Library & Institute Facilities: Utilization of the 600-acre campus library, web-based journal collections (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science), and support by Keele's research institutes for inter-disciplinary expertise.

You’ll graduate ready for careers such as analytical chemist, forensic scientist, pharmacologist, or physician associate, reflecting exceptional versatility and advanced research expertise — exactly what today’s employers value. Plus, you’re equipped to move into PhD-level study or leadership roles.

• Progression & Future Opportunities: University services: Keele's Careers and Employability service (ranked in the UK top 15 for graduate employability provides mock interviews, CV guidance, career events, alumni mentoring, internship placement, and career guidance in graduate employment on a regular basis.
• Employment statistics & salaries: 95% of molecular biology/biochemistry graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation with median salaries of ~£23 k after 15 months rising to ~£26.5 k after 5 years.
• University–industry partnerships: Access via the Faculties' central science laboratories and workshops with real employers; and Keele's close connections via Midlands Innovation and formal partnerships with local research laboratories and hospitals.
• Accreditation & long-term value: Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, so you can meet academic standards towards Chartered Biologist status.
• Graduation outcomes: Keele graduates achieve "highly skilled employment" in the sciences (70%) and 90% satisfaction in meaningful work.
• Academic Progression: You would readily progress to advanced research or professional qualifications after your MSci — opportunities are:Applying for PhD programmes in molecular biology, pharmacology, forensic science or allied fields.

Continuing clinical training (e.g., as a physician associate) with your solid analytical and lab-based foundation.

Professional qualifying exams (for example, Chartered Biologist via RSB accreditation) or Master's-level specializations in biotech, forensic or pharmaceutical science.