MSc Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The MSc in Synthetic Biology & Biotechnology at Edinburgh is all about learning how to design and engineer living systems to tackle real-world challenges, from healthcare to sustainable industry. It’s perfect for students who want hands-on lab experience, computational modelling skills, and the tools to turn biological ideas into practical solutions.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year programme combines taught modules with a major research or industrial project, giving you both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Semester 1: You’ll start with core modules like Tools for Synthetic Biology, where you get hands-on with molecular techniques, DNA assembly, and building biological circuits. Computational modules teach you to understand and model complex biological systems, giving you the skills to predict how engineered networks behave in living cells.

Semester 2: You’ll move on to Applications of Synthetic Biology, exploring real-world examples in medicine, bioenergy, and industry. Modules such as Metagenomics for Industrial Biotechnology help you apply sequencing and data analysis to microbial communities relevant to biotechnology. You’ll also engage with Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology, exploring the ethical, societal, and philosophical aspects of engineering life.

Final Project: The year culminates in a 60-credit Dissertation or Industrial Project, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a university lab or industrial setting. This gives you hands-on R&D experience and the chance to work individually or in teams, building skills that employers value.

Focus Areas

Synthetic biology, systems biology, molecular engineering, biodesign, bioethics, metagenomics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to design and implement molecular biology tools, build and model synthetic biological circuits, apply metagenomics to real biotech problems, and critically assess the societal impact of engineered biological systems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While there isn’t formal professional accreditation, the programme is closely aligned with industry needs, preparing you for careers in R&D, biotechnology startups, and advanced research.

Reputation & Employability

Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences is ranked 5th in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
You’ll learn from internationally recognised experts in synthetic biology and engineering biology.
Alumni include graduates working in biotech startups and innovative projects in areas like therapeutics and bioremediation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this programme, you’ll be doing far more than just reading about synthetic biology — you’ll be creating it. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, learning to design, build, and test living systems. The programme gives you the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate on group projects, and even apply your skills in real research or industrial settings, making sure what you learn in class translates to real-world biotech challenges.

Here’s how your practical experience unfolds:

Edinburgh Genome Foundry (EGF): Use automated platforms to assemble DNA constructs, design genetic parts, and run mini-fermentations, supported by advanced design software.
Protein Production & Biophysical Analysis: Access the Edinburgh Protein Production Facility to purify and analyse proteins using tools like spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and calorimetry.
Sequencing & Genomics Tools: Work with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines through Edinburgh Genomics, giving you hands-on experience with genomic and metagenomic data.
Metabolomics & Proteomics (EdinOmics): Analyse metabolic and protein-level responses of engineered systems using high-throughput mass spectrometry.
Microscopy & Single-Cell Analysis: Take advantage of advanced microscopes and single-cell analysis platforms for detailed cellular studies.
Controlled-Environment Facilities: Test your engineered microorganisms or plants in growth rooms and greenhouses, simulating real biological conditions.
Field Trip to Firbush: Engage in sampling and field activities, blending scientific learning with practical, hands-on experiences outside the lab.
Group Projects & Collaborative Learning: Work in teams on real-world synthetic biology challenges, combining lab experiments, computational modelling, and design thinking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc often move into exciting careers as synthetic biology researchers, biotech R&D scientists, bioprocess or development engineers, or even founders of biotech startups. With hands-on lab experience, industry-focused projects, and training in the ethical and societal aspects of biotechnology, you’ll be ready to make a real impact, whether in industry, academia, or your own venture.

Here’s how Edinburgh supports your career journey:

University Careers Service: You’ll have ongoing guidance from Edinburgh’s Careers Service, including help with CVs, interview preparation, internship and networking opportunities, and access to the alumni network.
Graduate Destinations: Many alumni have gone on to roles in industrial biotech (bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, environmental biotech), academic research, or even started their own companies.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to contribute to, or launch, innovative biotech start-ups.
Long-Term Relevance: Beyond lab skills, the programme teaches systems-level thinking, design, and the social, ethical, and legal aspects of synthetic biology, making your profile highly attractive to employers in the innovation-driven biotech sector.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc provides an excellent foundation for a PhD in Synthetic Biology, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, or related fields. The research project experience and connections you build in Edinburgh’s world-class labs make you a strong candidate for competitive doctoral programmes.