Biotechnology Research

Overview

Biotechnology is the application of biology to solve problems and develop novel products, such as therapeutic protein drugs, that enhance human health and society. The purpose of the course is to provide advanced education in biotechnology-related research methods. The main objective of the course is to improve the pool of knowledge and technological skills available to support biotechnology-based industry and research nationally and internationally. In the third semester, students will have the opportunity to undertake their own independent full time research project within one of the research groups in the internationally renowned Biomedical Sciences Research Institute (BMSRI) at Ulster. The BMSRI research covers biomedicine from the molecular to the whole human including disease development, prevention, diagnosis and therapy. https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/biomedical-sciences/about



The course is primarily designed for those who wish to develop their career in the biosciences, with particular emphasis on biotechnology research and including either academia or bio-pharmaceutical and bio-industries.



Work placement / study abroad

No placement possible, as this is one-year full time postgraduate course taught on campus.

Year 1

Research Methods for the Biotechnologist

Industrial Biotechnology

Advanced Research Methods for the Biotechnologist

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Synthetic Biology

Professional Practice

Biotechnology Research Project

Applicants must have gained:

(a) second class honours degree or better in Biology/Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Microbiology from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard;



or an equivalent standard (minimum 50%)



(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);



(c) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Full-time on campus - three semesters.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

This course aims to prepare students for employment in specific bioscience sectors and to equip them for continuing personal, professional and intellectual development throughout their careers. On completion of this course, students will have gained experience of advanced laboratory techniques, problem-solving and research design in a range of biotechnology areas, and will be well prepared to work in research positions or to proceed on to do a higher research degree in a related area.

Research Areas


Gene and Stem Cell therapies for Acute Lung Injury

Therapeutic Hypercapnia and Acute Lung Injury

Postoperative Analgesia

Evaluation of Medical Devices

Critical Care Utilization and Requirement