Course Highlights

MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics are a 12-month full-time, Masters's level course & here are the top reasons to pursue this course.

• Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics is an interdisciplinary field at the heart of biomedical research, discovery, and practice.
• With its challenging and rewarding content, this Masters's degree will provide students, with a background in computational or life sciences, with the opportunity to move into an exciting new area of discovery, technology, and application.
• This conversion course provides a solid foundation in data analytical skills which will enable graduates to make the transition into careers in bioinformatics.
• The analysis of ’Big Data' provides the key to unlocking the cause and development of various diseases, such as cancer. It offers the prospect of developing new drugs and therapies to prevent and treat conditions and diseases.
• You will be analyzing clinical and genomics data in order to find complex patterns relating to patient response to treatments and prognosis. All this shall be complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators.
• You will discover results that translate to the real world, through clinical trials or commercialization.
• You will use your vision to find unique solutions to clinical and biological problems, and by the end of the degree, you will be ready to work within a multidisciplinary team alongside bioinformaticians, biologists, and clinicians from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research.
• Queens Belfast was ranked 8th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014) and it is the only Russell Group University in Northern Ireland.
• Queen's is ranked in the top 140 universities in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2021.

Course Eligibility

Key Eligibility Requirements: MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics

• Graduate - A 2.1 Honours degree (60% average) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Natural Science subject, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a relevant medical or life sciences subject (e.g. Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physics or Statistics). A medical (MB) or dental degree (BDS) may also be considered
• Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MbChB) or Dental degree at a recognized institution acceptable to the University, may apply.
• Applicants must have passed all assessments at the first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5-year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6-year programme.
• Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS grade - An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification*
• *For admission to most postgraduate degree programmes, the University will generally accept 70% in the English Language in Standard XII in lieu of an IELTS Academic test, if awarded by CBSE, AICSE, or other equivalent Indian examination boards,
• Students with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Selection & offer is at the sole discretion of the university.

Course Fees

 Course Fees: MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics - For the intake 2022-23

Note:

• The above values are approximate and are subject to change.
• The hostel charges may vary depending on the choice of accommodation opted by the student.
• The above-mentioned fees and expenses are only for the 1st Year of the course duration.
• Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2022-23 and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise.
• Students have the option to hire a locker, at a cost of £5 per student per year.
• Students will need access to their own computing facilities as part of this programme is delivered online.

Career Prospects

Career Opportunities with this unique course at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

• The rapid production of 'omics' data within medicine and the life sciences has meant that individuals with analytical experience in this field are highly sought after.
• Recent graduates have gone on to work in the industry in companies such as Almac Diagnostics, Randox, Biokinetic Europe, and Fios Genomics and some have gone on further Ph.D. level research.
• Many of the students go on to pursue further Ph.D. studies in Bioinformatics at Queen’s. Others go on to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sectors in Northern Ireland and internationally.
• Queens University Belfast's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster their commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts help their students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Some of the jobs previous graduates have been offered include:

• Bioinformatician at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
• Application Scientist at Dotmatics
• Network and Security Engineer at Darktrace
• Junior Bioinformatics Scientist at Almac Group
• Bioinformatician at Fios Genomics Ltd
• Biomedical Scientist and Junior Bioinformatician, BioKinetic Europe

Key Learnings

​​​​MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics from Queen's University Belfast will definitely help you in your overall development & learning of extraordinary skills.

• The past decade has seen enormous advances in molecular and biomedical technology resulting in an ‘omics’ revolution.
• Bioinformatics covers the application of mathematics, statistics and computing to biological and clinical scenarios. Algorithms and software tools are used to understand and interpret patient-derived ‘Big Data’.
• You will be taught by subject experts from the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, the Centre for Experimental Medicine, and the Centre for Public Health. This is complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators.
• During the research projects, you may have the opportunity to work alongside PhD students in an open-plan environment on-campus.
• You’ll be taught by active researchers including biologists, clinicians and bioinformaticians. The University also has teaching input from their industrial partners.
• You will have a combination of practical assignments, assessment, assessment of data analysis portfolio and a dissertation.
• Make use of innovative technologies and a world-class McClay library at Queens that shall enhance your development as an independent, lifelong learner.

Study Benefits

Amazing benefits to study ​​​​MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics from Queen's University Belfast.

• You'll be involved with the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, which works with partners around the world in developing cancer treatments and pioneering advances in patient care.
• The Centre has an international reputation for the successful dissemination and application of cutting-edge research, knowledge transfer, and the commercialization of research ideas and innovations.
• The modules are delivered by research-intensive academics with industrial and clinical collaborators, ensuring that the course content is kept up to date on cutting-edge techniques.
• The university provides a broad learning base and offers training in open-source programming languages commonly used in academia and industry.
• After completion of the taught modules, research academic supervisors will help you in the design and realization of the research project.
• Queens University Belfast provides a range of learning experiences that enable the students to engage with subject experts, and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in an advanced society making use of innovative technologies.
• Enormous learning opportunities are provided across classes, lectures, practical experiences learning technologies, and self-directed study to enhance employability.
• The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules and a dissertation, in case only taught modules are completed, you will be eligible for a diploma qualification.

Core Modules

Key Modules: MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics

There is an introductory module to Cell Biology and Computational Analysis during the first two weeks, following that compulsory modules shall be taught on the following topics:

• Analysis of Gene Expression
• Genomics and Human Disease
• Scientific Programming and Statistical Computing
• Health and Biomedical Informatics and the Exposome
• Systems Medicine: From Molecules to Populations
• Applied Genomics
• Biostatistical Informatics

Research Project: Dissertation

• A major component in the MSc will be the successful completion of a research project or dissertation- Translational bioinformatics and technology development research projects are mainly split between the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology and the Centre for Experimental Medicine.

• You will be working with supervisors who are actively conducting research into the causes and treatments of disease. There will be opportunities to work on industry projects with the university’s partners.

Scholarships

Queen’s University, Belfast offers many exciting scholarship opportunities for International postgraduate students, some of which are mentioned below.

International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarships

• The International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship is exclusively for new international students beginning their first year of full-time postgraduate study at Queen's University Belfast with one award of £2000 (fee rate 1) or £3000 (fee rate 2) (Including advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3).

Selection Criteria 

• For the international students enrolling in the academic year 2022-23 who meet the conditions of their academic offer.
• No separate application for this scholarship is required.
• If you are holding an offer for an eligible programme and meet the criteria as set out in these terms & conditions, you will automatically be awarded an International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship upon enrolment.

Queen's Loyalty Scholarship

• The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is a 20% fee reduction for first-year tuition fees.
• Available for Queen's University alumni returning for a full-time postgraduate taught to study or Exchange and Study Abroad students progressing to a full-time postgraduate taught programme at Queen’s University Belfast.

Selection Criteria 

• Available for eligible international students enrolling 2022/23.
• For Queen's University, alumni returning for a full-time postgraduate taught to study and Exchange and Study Abroad students progress to a full-time postgraduate taught programme at Queen’s University Belfast.
• 20% tuition fee reduction in year 1. Exclusions apply, Application is necessary.

Early Confirmation Reward

• The ‘Early Bird Reward ’ is for New International students with unconditional offers  who may receive a discount of up to 10% when paying their fees by the deadline

Selection Criteria

• For new International Students enrolling on a full-time postgraduate programme.
• Exclusions apply. 10% discount on net fees - may be used in conjunction with other scholarships.
• Pay 90% of Year 1 fees by 30 June 2022, or within 5 days of the offer becoming unconditional, and not later than 19 August 2022.
• Students must email proof of transfer to internationalscholarships@qub.ac.uk
•  Deadline of 30 June 2022 or 19 August 2022.

Queen's Family Scholarship

• The Queen's Family Scholarship is a 20 % fee reduction on first-year tuition fees.
• Available for children, grandchildren or brothers and sisters of Queen’s alumni and current students beginning a full-duration course at Queen’s University Belfast.

Selection Criteria

• Available for eligible international students enrolling 2022/23.
• For children, grandchildren or brothers and sisters of Queen’s alumni and current students beginning a full-duration course at Queen’s University Belfast.
• 20% tuition fee reduction in year 1. Exclusions apply, Application is necessary.

Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship

• The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is a 50% discount on tuition fees for four new international students enrolling on a full-time postgraduate programme.

Selection Criteria

• Exclusions apply. 50% discount on tuition fees paid for all years of the programme.
• Application is necessary. VALUE: 50% discount. Please adhere to the application deadline.