MSc Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management
The MSc in Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management presents you with an opportunity to benefit from the best in green biotechnology research, management and business training, and in-depth industry experience. This course will challenge you to master two complementary but rarely combined disciplines of specialist research and business practice. In doing so, you will carve out a valuable and highly sought-after niche in the employment marketplace.
Two important parts of the course are hands-on work experience and the writing of a specialist dissertation. This applied nature of this comprehensively technical course will have a direct bearing on your career development and professional life. Previous MSc students at Aberystwyth have found this opportunity to direct their studies to be invaluable in establishing a successful career in Biotechnology.
The course will be particularly attractive to individuals passionate about creating green solutions to many increasingly urgent technological and environmental problems in a way that will succeed with the backing of comprehensive training in business.
Overview
The Aberystwyth MSc in Green Biotechnology and Innovation offers you a unique programme of study blending green biotechnology with management training. This dual approach provides our graduates with a competitive edge over graduates of a science-only programme. You will engage with a stimulating programme of study in which you will gain technical and management skills in both biotechnology and business practice. Subjects include: Innovation Management Crop genomics; Genetic Engineering; Industrial Biotechnology; and many more.
You will be trained and mentored by the staff of two internationally recognised departments: the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS); and the School of Management and Business (SMB). These expert tutors and lecturers are all experienced in research and will equip you to rise to the challenge of your final dissertation in the third semester. The dissertation allows you to specialize in a relevant area that excites you. Research can be conducted in the field, in our state-of-the-art laboratories or with a range of external bodies including biotechnology companies, government and non-governmental organisations.
One major ingredient in this course is career-enhancing work experience in green biotech firms. You will also enjoy the opportunity to take ‘The Journey’, a pre-course 6-week summer school involving 50 students from across Europe. This extracurricular course will be highly beneficial for students, providing a thorough context to the MSc as well as providing valuable opportunities for networking.
Please download the Masters in Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management Candidate Guide for more information on this course.
Fact File
| Duration: | Twelve months full-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September. |
| Assessment: | Assessment will be by course work such as essays, seminar presentations, case studies, poster presentations and final examinations in January and May. |
| English Language Requirements: |
If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test. Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University-recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further information please see our English Language requirements page |
| Entry Requirements: | A first or good second class undergraduate degree in Biological Science, Plant Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a closely related discipline. Applications from mature candidates and/or those with a nonstandard degree but considerable relevant experience are welcomed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Course Structure: |
The first part of the course is 100 credits of taught modules plus 20 credits of industrial work placement delivered in two semesters running from September to June, followed by a research dissertation supervised by an expert in their field. |
Funding
There may be some funding available for this course. To check if there is funding available, please use the Funding Calculator.
Contacts
For an informal discussion about this course and for more specific information, you are very welcome to contact:
Dr Kerrie Farrar - Course Director - Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS)
Dr Nishikant Mishra - Course Director - School of Management and Business (SMB)
Dr Nazrul Islam - leading from the School of Management and Business (SMB)
Departmental information can be viewed on following web pages:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS)
School of Management and Business (SMB)
Other important information:
Apply
You can apply online for this course using UKPASS.
Click this link to Apply on-line for MSc Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management
Make sure you understand what you will need to do in order to make a successul application by reading through the steps on this link.
Careers
Qualification: MSc in Green Biotechnology and Innovation
This degree will suit you:
- If you want to the skills and experience needed for a successful career in biotechnology
- If you wish to study a research-led MSc specialising in the entire supply chain from crops to renewable products
- If you want your technical knowledge balanced with business awareness to give you the edge in the jobs market
- If you wish to enhance your employability in this field through work experience with leading green biotech firms
Employability
Every course at Aberystwyth University is designed to enhance your vocational and general employability. Because this course will equip you with the latest in business innovation as well as the best in green biotechnology, you will be ready to outshine single-discipline candidates in any interview situation. The innovative dual-approach also covers a wide range of more general work skills, ensuring your employability is improved across the board.
Key Skills and Competencies
Study Skills
You will develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key contemporary topics within green biotechnology and innovation. You will master the research process and contribute to the knowledge base of the subject through your dissertation. Throughout this you will encounter many opportunities to develop as a reflective, autonomous researcher, with a wide and expert understanding of the environmental and economic impact this technology can have.
Self-Motivation and discipline
Studying at MSc level requires discipline and self-motivation from every candidate. Though you will have access to the expertise and helpful guidance of staff from both departments, you are ultimately responsible for devising and completing a sustained programme of scholarly research in pursuit of your Master’s degree. This process will strengthen your skills as a self-sufficient worker, a trait prized by all employers.
Transferable Skills
The MSc programme is designed to give you a range of transferable skills that you can apply in a variety of employment contexts. The rigorous approach to data-use and developmental thinking are part of a wider collection of transferable skills that you will find invaluable in both specialist and general employment contexts. Regular assessment through reports, essays, seminar presentations, journalistic writing and case studies will prepare you for the many demands of the modern workplace.