Big Data Biology (MRes)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as:

• biomedical science
• data science
• biological science
• computer science
• statistics

EU and international applicants will need to have a minimum of 4 years in higher education.

We might consider your application if you have a 2:2 degree.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.  

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. As part of this, you’ll study 2 skills-based modules and choose additional optional modules.  

Each semester has 12 weeks of study and a 2-week period of exams.  

You'll work on your research project for the whole year 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• lectures 
• tutorials 
• coursework 
• research project (you’ll have regular supervisory meetings) 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• exams 
• coursework in the form of: 
  • data analysis projects  
  • written critiques of scientific papers 
  • summaries of seminars 
  • discussions of methodology 
• your research project 

Dissertation

You'll undertake an extensive research project in a specialist area of your choice. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor. This will be a tutor will research expertise in your chosen specialism. 

Academic Support

Your supervisor will help you select the best module options for your career and research goals.

This master’s research degree prepares you for careers in: 

• bioinformatics or the data science-related industry 
• biotechnology, biomedical or pharmaceutical industries 
• scientific officer in research or computational environment 
• research science
• data analysis
• artificial intelligence research
• postgraduate research training 
• teaching 
• law 
• business management 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

To register interest or to be sent more information please contact: 

Postgraduate Admissions Office: 

+44(0)23 8059 4348
fels-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk 

When you submit your application, you’ll need to include the area of research you want to work in. You’ll need to provide a background in this subject to prepare you for master’s level research. 

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000