MSc Advanced Biological Sciences and Business

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MSc Advanced Biological Sciences and Business is ideal for graduates who want to combine advanced biological sciences with practical business knowledge, opening doors to careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, and commercial science. The course develops your laboratory and research expertise while building skills in international business, entrepreneurship, and innovation, allowing you to tailor your studies through a range of specialist bioscience and business modules.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You'll begin by building a strong foundation in both biological sciences and business through core modules such as Advanced Laboratory Skills, Professional Skills, and Principles of International Business. These modules help you develop advanced experimental techniques, scientific communication, data analysis, and an understanding of how businesses operate in a global environment.

As the programme progresses, you'll choose from a variety of optional modules, including Bioinformatics, Cellular Basis of Immunity, Ecology of Environmental Change, Bioimaging, or Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation, depending on your interests and career goals. You'll also complete an independent Research Project within a leading research group and prepare an International Business Plan, giving you valuable experience in combining scientific innovation with commercial strategy.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Advanced biological sciences, laboratory techniques, research methods, international business, entrepreneurship, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, ecology, scientific data analysis, innovation, commercialisation of bioscience

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop advanced laboratory and research skills, analyse and interpret biological data, design and conduct independent scientific research, communicate scientific findings effectively, apply international business principles within scientific industries, develop entrepreneurial thinking, solve complex biological challenges, evaluate scientific evidence critically, integrate scientific and commercial knowledge, prepare for research and leadership careers

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The programme is delivered in partnership with Exeter Business School, which holds the internationally recognised triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality business education alongside advanced scientific training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter is recognised for its world-leading biological sciences research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), while Exeter Business School is among a select group of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation. The programme is designed to enhance employability through advanced research training, entrepreneurship, and dedicated career support.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to help you build practical experience in both advanced biological sciences and business, giving you the skills needed for careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, and the commercial life sciences sector. You'll gain hands-on laboratory experience, work on an independent research project, and develop business and entrepreneurial skills through real-world assignments. Throughout the course, you'll learn from leading researchers while using specialist facilities and advanced research equipment, helping you apply scientific knowledge to real challenges.

You'll gain practical experience through a variety of learning opportunities, including:

Hands-on laboratory training through the Advanced Laboratory Skills module, developing practical bioscience techniques.
An independent Research Project carried out within one of the University's leading research groups.
Research projects that may be laboratory-based, fieldwork-based, or bioinformatics-based, depending on your chosen area of interest.
Training in scientific data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication through reports, presentations, and research outputs.
An International Business Plan project that develops commercial awareness, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Group discussions and collaborative coursework that strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Practical learning through lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and independent research.
Professional skills training focused on scientific research, communication, and career development.
Opportunities to learn from academics with strong industry connections and guest speakers from the life sciences sector.
Access to specialist research facilities, including the Bioimaging Centre, Exeter Sequencing Facility, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Exeter Cytomics Facility, Aquatic Resources Centre, Living Systems Institute, and the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology.
Guidance from experienced research supervisors throughout your research project.
Career support through the University's Career Zone, helping you prepare for employment and further research opportunities.
Access to modern libraries, digital learning resources, and online research platforms to support your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Advanced Biological Sciences and Business develop a valuable combination of advanced scientific expertise and business knowledge, making them well prepared for careers across the life sciences sector. The programme equips you with practical research, analytical, and commercial skills that are highly valued by employers in biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and scientific innovation. Typical career paths include Research Scientist, Biotechnology Consultant, Business Development Manager (Life Sciences), and Product Development Scientist.

The University supports your career development through a range of dedicated opportunities:

The Career Zone offers one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview support, employer networking events, and access to graduate jobs, placements, and project opportunities.
Graduates can take advantage of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme, which provides graduate-level employment opportunities, professional mentoring, workplace training, and networking events.
The programme develops transferable skills that employers seek, including scientific research, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Teaching is enhanced by collaboration between the Department of Biosciences and Exeter Business School, with input from academics who have strong industry connections and guest speakers from the life sciences sector.
Exeter Business School holds the internationally recognised triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS), giving the business element of your degree global recognition and long-term value.
While programme-specific employment rates and graduate salary figures are not published, graduates are well prepared for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, environmental science, research organisations, and science-based commercial businesses.
The broad mix of scientific and business skills also opens opportunities in consulting, innovation management, government organisations, and science-focused commercial roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, you can continue your studies with a PhD in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, or another specialist research area. The advanced research training and independent research project also provide an excellent foundation for careers in academic research, government research organisations, and industrial research and development.