Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes
Unlock the secrets of biotech innovation with our Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes. Design and engineering expertise come together to develop new biotechnological processes and products.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2025
Overview
Are you a science graduate eager to make a difference in the world? Our MRes in Biotechnology and Biodesign could be for you.
This programme combines innovative design thinking with the latest techniques in:
- biotechnology
- synthetic biology
- automated labs
You’ll learn how to create biological systems that are more efficient and sustainable.
You’ll explore the creation of groundbreaking sustainable products such as:
- synthetic meat substitutes that are kinder to the planet
- dairy-free milk reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming
- adaptive building materials making buildings smarter and more efficient
- petroleum-replacement products as an alternative to fossil fuels
- designer antimicrobial compounds to fight infections more effectively
- smart drug delivery systems to deliver medications precisely when and where they are needed in the body
Throughout this MRes, you’ll be taught by industry-experienced and research-active lecturers at the forefront of their field. You’ll develop:
- Design thinking foundations: Learn to approach problems creatively and develop innovative solutions.
- Cutting-edge biotechnology knowledge: Learn more about the latest advances in the field.
- Hands-on lab skills: Develop and refine your practical skills in a laboratory setting.
- Research skills: Design and execute your own research project, paving the way for future innovations.
If you’re aiming for a research-focused career or looking to enter the biotechnology industry this programme will provide you with an excellent foundation. You’ll be prepared to address critical global challenges related to:
- sustainability
- food security
- environmental protection
- healthcare
Our programme brings together knowledge from different fields, making it a great choice for science graduates who want to expand their expertise and research skills. If you're passionate about solving critical global issues and making a meaningful impact, this programme is the perfect next step in your career.
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Important information
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Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
An MRes is available in various subject areas. This award combines taught modules, research training and a dissertation.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you'll learn
Throughout the programme, you'll gain an advanced understanding of the scientific concepts and practices that underpin industrial biotechnology, along with the principles of design thinking and project design.
You'll delve into the role of recombinant DNA technology in both fundamental and applied research and explore the significance of microorganisms in the search and discovery of commercially valuable natural products.
Additionally, you'll examine the impact of biotechnology in agriculture and commercial enterprises. The curriculum also covers control and modelling concepts and their application in bioprocessing systems, as well as statistical approaches to experiment design and its use in screening and process engineering.
Finally, you'll develop advanced practical skills in molecular biological techniques, including handling microorganisms and conducting data analysis.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Practical Techniques in Molecular Biology | 20 |
| Biotechnology: Advanced Topics | 20 |
| MRes Research Dissertation Project | 120 |
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a variety of teaching methods including:
- lectures
- seminars
- computer workshops
- computer-based and problem-solving exercises
You'll complete the 12-month-long programme between September and August of the following year. It consists of two strands:
- a taught component, which runs from late September until the end of March
- a project, for which a dissertation is submitted by the end of August
You'll develop and complete independent research within the Biodesign cycle of ‘Design, Build, Test, Learn’.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Lab exercise
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
You'll be taught and mentored by academics from these research groups:
Our research interests range from:
- natural product and antimicrobial discovery
- cell-free synthetic biology
- molecular diagnostics
- protein and enzyme engineering
- bioinspired materials and living buildings
- plant productivity improvement
Our researchers regularly publish in high-impact general science and specialised journals. They also hold research funding from the main UK research councils, including:
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Our research groups have strong industrial links and global research collaborations.
Your development
You'll cover the foundational principles of design thinking in the context of biodesign. You'll also develop skills in:
- handling microorganisms and plants
- molecular biology techniques
- data analysis
- preparation of research proposals and product pitches
- laboratory automation
During the MRes, you’ll participate in research group meetings and the seminar programme within the school. You'll join a large cohort of PhD students, allowing you to experience a research-intensive study environment.
Your future
This degree provides a solid understanding of biotechnology and biodesign. It’s the perfect first step towards an exciting career in biotechnology and other related fields.
Previous graduates have gone on to roles in biotechnology research and development, and operational roles. Some have even founded biotechnology start-ups.
Some of our graduates choose to continue studying for their PhD in biotechnology and related fields.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching including:
- fully equipped teaching and research laboratories
- lab-scale fermentation of novel biological compounds
- mini bio-foundry with commercial and open-source laboratory robotics
- fabrication laboratory with 3D printers, electronics, and laser cutters
- access to bioinformatics software, GPU computing, and literature resources
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
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Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
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Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5498
Email: snes.programme.enquiries@ncl.ac.uk
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