What are the entry requirements for this course?
Applicants will require a good degree in a biological or related science or a degree in medicine. Applicants from non-English speaking countries will also be required to provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language - click here for further information about our English language requirements.
Applicants will also require competent computer skills, together with access to a suitable computer with internet connection for the duration of the course - click here to test the suitability of your computer.
When does the course start?
The course commences in early September of each year.
How is the course taught?
The course is taught via on-line distance learning (as opposed to the traditional campus-based method of teaching). This innovative teaching model uses the internet to deliver lectures, discussions and assessments and gives students the flexibility to study at their own pace and in their own environment.
How long does the course last?
The course can be studied on either a full-time or a part-time basis. The full-time option takes one year to complete and the part-time option takes two years to complete.
Do I need to live in Bristol to complete the course?
No. Our on-line method of teaching means that you are not required to base yourself in Bristol for your studies. However you will be required to visit Bristol to sit your final exams. Final exams are held over a one to two week period in September of each year.
What is the course structure?
Students undertake 7 taught modules and a research project - a total of 180 credit points. In some cases, students may wish to opt for a less intensive programme of study in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate. The full range of course options is listed below:
More information about the taught modules and the research project is available here.
What are the tuition fees?
The tuition fees you are charged will vary depending on your citizenship status (home/EU or international) and on which course option you choose. The fees for the 2013/2014 academic year are shown in the table below. Please note that the fees quoted are subject to annual review and are therefore only current for the 2013/2014 academic year.
| Cost per year (2013/2014) Home/EU students |
Cost per year (2013/2014) Overseas students |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time | Part-time | |
| MSc | £6,950 | £3,475 | £17,500 | £8,750 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £6,950 | £3,475 | £17,500 | £8,750 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £3,475 | £1,738 | £8,750 | £4,375 |
Please note that if you are an overseas student wishing to accept the offer of a place on the course, you will need to pay a non-refundable course deposit of £1,000. Once you commence the course, the £1,000 deposit will be deducted from the tuition fee amount payable.
I am interested in this course but I also want to gain some practical lab-based experience. Is this possible?
Yes. Although the course is taught on-line, we offer a small number of opportunities each year for students to undertake lab-based research projects here in Bristol. These projects are offered during the last few months of the course and are only available to full-time students who have been making good course progress. Students who undertake one of these projects will incur an additional cost of £2,000 to help cover the cost of lab consumables.
Are there any scholarships available?
The number of scholarship opportunities available to taught postgraduate students is very limited and so our students are generally self-funded. The University of Bristol's International Office does offer a small number of taught postgraduate scholarships to international students across the University each year although competition is extremely strong.
How do I apply for this course?
Please click here for instructions on how to apply.
Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader