About this course
Become an expert in research on our MRes Big Data Biology degree. Develop your quantitative and computational biology skills, and grow your knowledge of bioinformatics, biological science and computer science. With these skills you'll be able to shape the approach to data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the biomedical and biological fields.
This master's degree is for you if you studied biological science, or a quantitative or computational subject at undergraduate level.
You'll develop quantitative and computational biology skills and learn how to apply them in the area of large-scale biology.
Advances in life science rely on scientists from different areas working together. You’ll learn from experienced academics across different areas of life science including:
- experimental biologists
- computer scientists
- mathematicians
- engineers
An MRes course differs from an MSc in the balance of teaching to research. You'll focus on an independent research project on a subject of your choice, closely supervised by an academic.
On this big data in biology degree, you’ll study 4 taught modules: 2 on programming, statistics and machine learning, and 2 optional modules on subjects that complement your research interest in biological or biomedical science.
You'll also gain subject-specific and employability skills that shape your next steps into teaching, industry, research, further study or a non-science based career.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
The course leader is Dr Rob Ewing. Dr Ewing is Associate Professor in Proteomics and Systems Biology within Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. Visit Dr Ewing's staff profile to find out more about their research.
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following module :
You must also choose from the following modules :
Applied Plant Biology
The module provides a broad outline of the applications of plant biotechnology in the modern world. Where possible, general principles are developed alongside specific examples rather than giving exhaustive lists of detailed information. Plants are incr...
Biodiversity and Conservation
This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...
Biofilms and Microbial Communities
BIOL6047 ‘Biofilms and Microbial Communities’ aims to provide an understanding of bacterial biofilms and the environmental, industrial and health care problems related to complex microbial consortia of societal importance. Students will learn to describe ...
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of bio...
Biological Data Science in R
Biological data science is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of biology, statistics, and computer science. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in analysing and interpreting data as well as an expectation that students will be fa...
Biomedical Parasitology
The aim of this module is introduce third year students to the main clinically relevant parasite classes, it will consider their lifecycles, the human/veterinary pathology caused and the treatment methods both of the primary and where applicable intermedi...
Biomedical Technology
This course is designed to illustrate the ways in which the theoretical principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology presented in previous courses can be applied to yield important commercial or therapeutic products or processes.
Cancer Chromosome Biology
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechan...
Cellular Signalling in Health and Disease
The module comprises an introduction/revision to inflammatory mediators and a detailed survey of the way that they interact in different diseases. This information is integrated in the context of a number of human diseases affecting a range of different t...
Cellular and Molecular Pathology
The module will cover recent advances in selected areas of molecular cell biology explaining key aspects of cell and molecular biology required to understand these studies. The relevance of these studies to advancement of medical science will also be exp...
Current Research
This module will support the student's Masters project work, and is centred around existing seminar series and other activities within the School of Biological Sciences and other Academic Units. It exposes students to current research and aims to enforce ...
Current Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology
This module provides a detailed and up-to-date study of a small number of topics in modern cell biology
Evolution and Development
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of the topics associated with evolutionary developmental biology. This will involve exploring the theory of evolution; embryology and molecular pathways of development; what the fossil record tells us abou...
Evolution and Genetics
Evolutionary processes impact on individuals, populations, and communities. Evolution typically happens over long time periods, but this is not always the case. Strong selection can result in rapid evolution. This is underpinned by understanding the genet...
Fluxes, Cycles and Microbial Communities
Microorganisms are key players in all the major biogeochemical cycles on Earth. Fluxes, Cycles, and Microbial Communities explores the microbial influence on the biological, chemical, and geological processes that shape natural environments on our planet....
Foundations of Machine Learning (MSc)
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...
Genomic Technologies and Basic Informatics
This module explores the state-of-the-art genomics techniques used for DNA sequencing (e.g. targeted approaches, whole exome and whole genome sequencing) and RNA sequencing, together with current technologies routinely used to investigate genomic variatio...
Global Challenges in Biology
This module will consider human-caused global challenges and their impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We will discuss the main causes of global change, including greenhouse gases, changes in temperature and rainfall, and human land use, as well ...
Immunology
This module covers the major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation to B and T cells, the molecular events leading to the generation of antibody and T cell receptor diversity, antibo...
Machine Learning
The purpose of the module will be to introduce students to the fundamentals of machine learning, i.e. computational methods for statistical learning, prediction and decision-making using data. The basic principles of predictive modelling will be outlined,...
Molecular Cell Biology
The organisation of the eukaryotic cell has always fascinated researchers. This module illustrates the upkeep of cellular structure and function.
Molecular Pharmacology
This module provides fourth year students with an introduction to the molecular basis of receptor pharmacology. The module detailed analysis of the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level through the application of biochemical and molecular biolo...
Molecular Recognition
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. It is the aim of this module to illustrate the nature of these interactions with selected examples.
Neurodegenerative Disease
This module describes the neurobiology that underpins the aetiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease that has been a focus of intense and exciting research activity over the last several decades. The course is largely a research-led unit wher...
Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
This module is to describe basic concepts in neuropharmacology e.g. on the localisation and putative function of neurotransmitter pathways in the brain, and to use this knowledge to consider different theories relating to the biochemical basis of action o...
Plant Cell Biology
This module explores current topics in plant cell biology. It provides an understanding of the unique features of plant cells and of the cellular mechanisms that allow plants to interact with their environment. Responses at the cellular level to important...
Quantitative Cell Biology
It is important that we provide bioinformatic cell analysis training to students in order to significantly improve research possibilities in their future careers in Biomedical Sciences. The quantitative cell biology (QCB) module will focus on the practica...
Selective Toxicity
This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various organisms and disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, insecticides, antibacterial and antiviral agents, and cell...
Skills in Biological Optical Imaging
Students will gain an understanding of the components and optical pathways used in core biological imaging systems which will enable them to efficiently operate advanced microscopes and to understand the theoretical concepts, capabilities and limitations ...
Skills in Molecular Bioscience
Skills in the molecular biosciences are rapidly developing. This course will prepare students for several common techniques, giving them a grounding in experimental design so that they can use these new skills in their current and future research career.
Skills in Structural Biology
Student will acquire a foundation in the theory underpinning a range of biophysical techniques used to study structure and function of biomolecules. The students will have the opportunity to learn at a practical level how these techniques are employed, le...
Structure and Dynamics of Networks
Networks are ubiquitous in the modern world: from the biological networks that regulate cell behaviour, to technological networks such as the Internet and social networks such as Facebook. Typically real-world networks are large, complex, and exhibit both...
Structure and Function of the Nervous System
This module will provide a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. Starting with nervous system development and then focusing on the adult nervous system, students will learn about the gross anatomy of the human brain a...
Systems Neuroscience
This module seeks to expose students to research level studies in a number of areas related to the function of the nervous system, necessary to understand the pathophysiology of neurological conditions. The course will describe CNS development, and the s...
The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
The course provides an insight into how molecular studies can be employed to further medical research and aid in the development of novel treatments and therapeutics. The course will cover a number of areas including the role of epigenetic in disease, amy...
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Communication
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Bioinformatics and data science-related industries,
pharmaceutical industries,
Computational environment,
Teaching,
Law,
Business management.
- Bioinformatics developer
- Biotechnologist
- Biomedical scientist
- Research scientist
- Data analyst
- Artificial intelligence researcher
- Computational scientist
- Big data engineer
- Data governance consultant
- Data scientist
- Biologist
- Business intelligence analyst
- Business manager
- Database administrator
- Ecologist
- Lecturer
- Researcher
- Science writer
- Technical recruiter
- Scientific researcher
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Data analyst
- Algorithm developer
- Business consultant
- Data architect
- Data warehouse engineer
- Head of data
- Financial systems officer
- Systems analyst
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,700.
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. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
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.
How to apply
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
- International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
- International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
- UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
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.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
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