MSc ACS: Digital Biology  MSc ACS: Digital Biology University of Manchester ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1564115975University-of-Manchester1.jpg

These are exciting times in biology and medicine. The genomics revolution is opening up whole new areas of research - from new insights into how organisms function, to new understandings of disease and disease processes. Medicine is currently involved in the largest and most ambitious IT project in the world - the capture and interpretation of electronic patient records. This information will make health care much more effective and can help spot new diseases early - whilst they can still be contained and controlled. At the heart of all these developments are data and knowledge - and a real need and demand for the skills and techniques that computer scientists can bring these problem areas. Biology and healthcare now provide some of the fastest growing and most challenging areas for computer scientists to apply their skills.

The Digital Biology pathway is centered around a central theme of Biohealth Informatics. The theme is specifically designed for computer scientists without any previous experience of medicine or biology and will help you to develop the core skills needed to work or research (as a computer scientist) in these rapidly evolving fields. This core theme is complemented by a range of other themes that allow students to develop additional skills which have important applications in healthcare and biology.

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a First or strong Upper Second class honours degree or equivalent in Computer Science or in a joint degree with at least 50% Computer Science content. Applicants with extensive Computer Science industrial experience and a good honours degree in Computer Science, or its overseas equivalent, may also be considered for admission. We also require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills.

English language

In order to be accepted onto an MSc programme in the Department of Computer Science, applicants need to provide evidence of having achieved the required level in a recognised English language qualification.

• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test below 6.0
• Pre-sessional English run by the University Language Centre

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course. 

Lectures and seminars are supported by practical exercises that impart skills as well as knowledge. These skills are augmented through an MSc project that enables students to put into practice the techniques they have been taught throughout the course.