The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

MSc Biotechnology offers current theory and practical skills in a range of relevant techniques including microbiology, immunology, and cell culture. It is delivered across three terms containing a mixture of theory and practice core modules. There is flexibility in the sequence of module completion depending on when you join the programme (September or January). There are 60 credits of taught modules delivered in both terms 1 & 2 and a 60-credit experimental research project module delivered during T3.

For the MSc Biotechnology, you will study the following core modules:

Nucleic Acid & Protein Technology (core, 20 credits)
Research Design (core, 20 credits)
Advanced Laboratory Techniques (core, 20 credits)
Bioanalysis (core, 20 credits)
Microbial Technology (core, 20 credits)
Research & Commercialisation in Biotechnology (core, 20 credits)
MSc Biotechnology Research Project Dissertation (core, 60 credits)
Successful completion of the above modules results in the award of MSc Biotechnology.

For those students seeking to undertake the Professional Practice element they would undertake the following core module over one additional term following completion of the MSc

Professional Practice (60 credits)
Successfully completing this module plus the MSc results in the award of MSc Biotechnology (Professional Practice).

Teaching & Assessment
A variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure that you remain engaged, motivated and challenged to learn. This will include:

Enquiry-based learning
Group working
Interactive workshops
Critical thinking and reflection
Data analysis
Problem solving
LEARNING AND TEACHING

Scheduled learning: 40%
Independent study: 60%
Professional Practice placement: optional additional 60 credits (not included in above percentages).

ASSESSMENT

Exam: 22%
Practical: 32%
Coursework: 46%
Assessment across our course will require you to use various forms of written and oral presentation appropriate to a professional scientist. This will include:

Laboratory reports
Log books
Essays
Scientific papers
Case studies
Literature reviews
Research proposals
Posters
Oral presentations
Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

MSc Biotechnology Course Structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it