MSc Medical Biotechnology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

This MSc in Medical Biotechnology gives you the practical lab skills and analytical expertise to work at the cutting edge of medicine and biotech. It’s perfect for students who want to apply molecular biology to real-world health challenges, exploring how scientific techniques can be turned into therapies and diagnostic tools.

Curriculum Structure

Core Learning
In the early part of the course, you’ll focus on key areas like Medical Biotechnology: Diagnostics, where you gain hands-on experience with lab techniques used in diagnostic settings, and Medical Biotechnology: Therapeutics, exploring how biotech is used to develop innovative treatments. Molecular Medicine helps you understand disease mechanisms at a cellular and genetic level, giving insight into how therapies and diagnostics are designed.
Research Project
The Medical Biotechnology Research Skills & Project is a major part of the program. You’ll plan and conduct your own research, apply advanced lab techniques, and present your findings, bridging theory and practical experience. This project allows you to explore a topic you’re passionate about while developing real scientific skills.
Optional Modules
You can tailor your studies with modules such as Bioinformatics & Omics, where you learn to work with sequencing data and computational tools, or Biotechnology Enterprise, which introduces you to the business side of biotech, including intellectual property, investment, and startup strategy.

Focus Areas: molecular diagnostics, therapeutic development, molecular medicine, bioinformatics, biotech enterprise
Learning Outcomes: understand and apply molecular techniques for diagnostics and therapy; design and execute independent research; interpret and analyse disease-related molecular data; develop entrepreneurial thinking in a medical biotechnology context
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): the course aligns closely with medical biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry needs, equipping you with skills relevant to diagnostic labs, drug development, and biotech entrepreneurship
Reputation (Employability & Rankings): the University of Portsmouth combines strong research credentials with hands-on, industry-informed teaching, helping graduates move into careers in clinical trials, diagnostics, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical R&D

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you take this MSc, you’re not just sitting in lectures — you’ll be hands-on in modern labs, gaining the kind of practical experience that makes you career-ready. From diagnostics and therapeutics to molecular medicine, you’ll use real-world equipment and techniques, work with real data, and even explore how biotech ideas can turn into actual businesses.

Here’s how your hands-on learning comes to life:

Laboratories & Research Facilities
- Work in purpose-built laboratories for pharmaceutics, biophysics, and molecular studies, using professional-grade equipment.
- Gain experience in sequencing and bioinformatics labs, running experiments and interpreting data as you would in industry or research settings.
Software & Digital Tools
- Analyse DNA and RNA sequencing data using bioinformatics tools and learn computational techniques like R programming and command-line interfaces.
Research Project
- Undertake a major research project where you design, conduct, and present your own experiments, combining independent work with expert guidance.
- Explore a topic that matters to you, whether it’s diagnostics, therapeutics, or bioinformatics applications.
Group & Professional Work
- Participate in collaborative discussions and group sessions that reflect real biotech teamwork.
- Work with mentors to develop and pitch biotech ideas, gaining entrepreneurial insight alongside scientific training.
Support & Mentorship
- Receive guidance from experienced lab staff during practical sessions.
- Access personal tutors and academic support services, including 24/7 library resources and statistics help, ensuring you have all the tools you need to succeed.

This MSc ensures you graduate with practical laboratory skills, computational expertise, research experience, and entrepreneurial know-how — all essential for a successful career in medical biotechnology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this MSc opens doors to exciting roles at the intersection of medicine and biotechnology. You’ll be well-prepared for careers in diagnostics, drug development, clinical research, and biotech entrepreneurship. Typical roles include Research Scientist, Clinical Trials Assistant, Molecular Pathologist, and Data Analyst, giving you a wide range of career paths to explore.

Here’s how the University supports your career journey:

University Services & Careers Support
- The Careers & Employability Centre provides guidance with CVs, interviews, networking, and career planning, supporting you even after graduation.
- Recruitment events, applied project opportunities, and one-to-one mentoring help you build valuable industry connections.
- Entrepreneurial support is available for students who want to explore biotech start-up ideas.
Employment Paths & Industry Links
- Graduates have secured roles in clinical trials, data analysis, molecular pathology, research labs, and biotech sales.
- Alumni work at NHS trusts, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech enterprises, showing the reach of this degree.
- The course equips you to contribute in pharmaceutical development, clinical laboratories, or regulatory roles.
Long-Term Value & Professional Recognition
- You gain practical laboratory experience and hands-on expertise with molecular techniques and diagnostics, highly valued by employers.
- Completing a research project demonstrates your ability to carry out independent scientific investigations and communicate findings effectively.
Graduation Outcomes
- Graduates go into small and medium biotech companies, large pharmaceutical firms, clinical research organisations, or health service providers.
- Some use the skills gained to start biotech ventures or contribute to innovation through applied research projects.

Further Academic Progression:

Many graduates continue their studies with a PhD in molecular biology, drug development, or translational medicine, building on their research experience.
Others pursue postgraduate qualifications in clinical trials management, regulatory affairs, or biotech entrepreneurship, combining scientific training with business insight.