Bioinformatics & Computational Genomics

The past decade has seen enormous advances in molecular and biomedical technology resulting in an ‘omics’ revolution.



Bioinformatics (health data science) covers the application of mathematics, statistics and computing (including AI and machine learning) to biological and clinical scenarios. Algorithms and software tools are used to understand and interpret patient-derived ‘Big Data’



WHAT'S INVOLVED?

In this conversion course, you will be using data science tools to analyse clinical, omics and other data in order to find complex patterns relating to patient response to treatments and prognosis. You will discover results that have the potential to translate to the real world, through clinical trials or commercialisation. Using the skills and tools developed in the course you will derive unique solutions to clinical and biological problems. This is a challenging, cutting-edge, fast-paced course. By the end of the degree you will be ready to work within a multidisciplinary team alongside bioinformaticians, biologists and clinicians.



You will be taught by active researchers from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/cancer-research/, the Welcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/wwiem/), and the Centre for Public Health (http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforPublicHealth/).



This is complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators.



Intercalated Medical and Dental Students

Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.

Core Modules

Scientific Programming & Statistical Computing (20 credits)

Analysis of Gene Expression (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Genomics and Human Disease (20 credits)

Applied Genomics (20 credits)

Biostatistical Informatics (20 credits)

Health and Biomedical Informatics and the Exposome (10 credits)

Systems Medicine: from Molecules to Populations (10 credits)

Entrance requirements



Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree 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) is also considered.



Applicants must have completed (and passed at equivalent of UK 2:2 standard) a subject/module from any of the following groups:

1. genetics/genomics/molecular biology/biomedical science

2. chemistry/medicinal chemistry/biochemistry

3. mathematics/statistics-related subjects

4. computing/computer science/informatics



In addition to the above qualification requirements, all applicants will be required to pass an online aptitude test. If you are successful in the first stage of the application process, we will be in touch to organise this.



Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:



i) QUB:

Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:

a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent *

b) QUB 4th year students – must pass all 3rd years modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent * and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt.

c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.



ii) External:

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:

a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

b) they have achieved at least an overall Lower Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.

c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.



iii) International:

a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.

b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at 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.

c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

1 year (Full Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

The rapid production of 'omics' data within medicine and the life sciences has meant that individuals with health data science experience in this field are highly sought after. Recent graduates have gone on to work in industry in companies such as Almac Diagnostics, Liberty IT and Fios Genomics and some have gone onto further PhD level research.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers



Employment after the Course

Many of our students go on to pursue further PhD study in health data science at Queen’s and further afield. Others go on to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sector industry here in Northern Ireland and internationally, including the following:



Bioinformatician, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Application Scientist, Dotmatics

Network and Security Engineer, Darktrace

Senior Data Scientist, Liberty IT

Graduate Trainee HPC, University of Bristol

Junior Bioinformatic Scientist, Almac Group

Bioinformatician, Fios Genomics Ltd

Biomedical Scientist and Junior Bioinformatician, Biokinetic Europe

Business/Data Analyst, Diaceutics

Bioinformatics Data Manager, Institute of Cancer Research

Bioinformatician Molecular Scientist, Randox

Associate Consultant, Microsoft

Health Technology Assessment Analyst, Health Information and Quality Authority Ireland

Health Data Science Black Internship, East Suffolk

North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers