Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine

Course overview

Our Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc at Aston University is a new programme for 2025.

In a world where genomics is revolutionising our understanding of diseases, treatments, and personalised healthcare. The demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between biological science and data-driven insights has never been greater. Bioinformatics integrates biology with computational and statistical techniques to analyse complex biological data, while genomic medicine applies genetic insights to advance healthcare and develop targeted treatments. This MSc will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Designed for both graduates and professionals from backgrounds in biology, medicine, or data science, this programme will provide you with expertise in data analysis, disease mechanisms, and translational genomics. You will gain key skills in computational biology, statistical modelling, and cutting-edge genomic technologies, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to the future of precision medicine.

“Are you are passionate about the future of healthcare and life sciences? This course is designed to equip you with cutting-edge skills at the intersection of biology, data science, and technology. Whether you’re looking to advance your research, dive into the biotech industry, or explore new frontiers in personalised medicine, this programme offers the tools, knowledge, and real-world experience to get you there. Join us at Aston, and let’s shape the future together!”

Dr Mo Elasrag

Lecturer in Medical Genomics and Bioinformatics

Why study Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine at Aston University?

World-Class Research and Teaching Excellence

Learn from research-active academics with specialist expertise in bioinformatics, genomics, and precision medicine

Internationally recognised research

100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

Hands-on Research Experience

Gain practical, real-world expertise through an independent research project, where you will apply cutting-edge techniques to address real biomedical challenges.

Course description

Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc

Our new Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc programme will equip you with the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving fields of genomics, data analysis, and precision medicine.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience and years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
You will learn the skills to work as a competent specialist in the area of bioinformatics and genomic medicine, gaining an understanding of how biology merges with data science when analysing complex data, and how genomic medical genetic data can improve healthcare delivery and treatment.

Career prospects
This is a new course for 2025. Career prospects include roles in health and life sciences sector such as working in the NHS as a data scientist or working in independent sector providing analytical analysis to support healthcare treatment.

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is modern, innovative, dynamic, and hands-on, ensuring that you gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, this programme is designed to equip you with the expertise needed for success in academia, industry, and healthcare.

The MSc is a full-time programme, delivered through a blend of:

Lectures providing core theoretical foundations
Practical sessions for hands-on experience in data analysis and bioinformatics tools
Tutorials and seminars fostering discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving
Independent research project allowing you to apply your learning to a real-world genomics challenge

Teaching will take place on-campus two days per week, offering flexibility for self-directed study, research, and professional commitments.

During the dissertation phase, you will receive dedicated research supervision, benefiting from expert guidance and mentorship tailored to your project needs, ensuring you develop independent research skills while receiving structured support from experienced faculty.

You'll learn by a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, seminars, and a research project.

Course directors:

Dr. Mohammed Elasrag (Lecturer in Medical Genomics and Bioinformatics, Aston Medical School)
Prof. Eamonn Maher (Dean of Medicine and Head of Aston Medical School)

What you will learn

By studying Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MS, through our comprehensive curriculum, you'll gain:

Advanced understanding of genomics: Explore the fundamentals of genomic technologies, from DNA sequencing to gene editing, and their applications in precision medicine.
Bioinformatics skills: Learn how to analyse big biological data, using computational techniques and algorithms to make data-driven decisions.
Gain insights into the latest trends in molecular biology, genetics, and the clinical applications of genomics in medicine.
Practical experience: Our hands-on approach ensures you develop real-world skills.

Training in bioinformatics and advanced data analysis is an essential skill set for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, and industry. The MSc in Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine equips students with the computational expertise and analytical techniques required to navigate the rapidly evolving fields of genomics and precision medicine, preparing them for roles in academia, clinical research, and the biotech sector.

Facilities

Students have access to a range of specialist facilities that reflect the hands-on learning within the field. In these settings, you gain practical experience alongside like-minded students, with workshops and lectures guided by industry professionals.

At Aston University, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide a hands-on, immersive learning experience in bioinformatics and genomic medicine. Our cutting-edge resources ensure that you gain practical expertise in data analysis, computational biology, and genomics research, working alongside like-minded peers and industry professionals.

Cutting-edge facilities and equipment

Advanced Data Analysis Laboratory – Equipped with high-performance computing resources for large-scale genomic data processing and analysis.
Industry-Standard Specialist Software – Access to cutting-edge bioinformatics tools, including Galaxy, GATK, Nextflow, R, Python, and AI-driven genomic analysis platforms.
Genomics Experimentation and Testing Rooms – Dedicated spaces for hands-on practical sessions, allowing students to explore real-world applications of bioinformatics in research.
Collaborative Research Labs – Larger lab spaces designed for team-based genomic data analysis, fostering collaboration on research projects and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

These facilities ensure that students develop real-world skills in data-driven research, genomic interpretation, and precision medicine applications, preparing them for careers at the forefront of healthcare and biotechnology.

Course objectives

Deliver advanced, state-of-the-art education in bioinformatics and genomic medicine, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to address challenges in health and disease.
Prepare graduates for future careers in academia, healthcare (e.g., NHS), or the life sciences industry, or for further academic training such as PhD studies.
Provide comprehensive training in programming languages and computational tools essential for bioinformatics analyses, enabling students to work across genomics and other omics disciplines.
Explore the role of bioinformatics in genomic medicine, with a focus on the transformative potential of personalized medicine for improving patient outcomes.
Develop expertise in pharmacogenomics, cancer genomics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, enabling students to apply these technologies to analyse healthcare data, identify drug targets, and advance precision medicine.
Foster independent research skills through hands-on experience in genomic analysis, culminating in a 60-credit research-intensive project that integrates ethical research practices, critical analysis, and effective communication.

Modules

Taught stage modules

In your taught stage, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Fundamentals of Genomics in Medicine Explore the core principles of genomics and their applications in understanding human health and disease.	15
Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools and Programming Languages Gain hands-on experience with bioinformatics software, algorithms, and programming techniques for genomic data analysis.	15
Advanced Genomics and Omics Techniques Dive into cutting-edge multi-omics approaches, covering diverse biological data types to enhance integrative biomedical research.	15
Computational Biology and Health Genomics Develop computational skills to analyse and interpret large-scale genomic datasets for clinical and research applications.	15
Machine Learning and AI in Healthcare Learn how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming medical genomics, from disease prediction to personalized medicine.	15
Genomics in Disease Mechanisms and Applications Understand the genetic basis of diseases and explore how genomics is applied in diagnostics and targeted therapies.	15
Genomics, Epigenomics, and Bioinformatics of Cancer Investigate the genomic and epigenetic alterations driving cancer progression and how bioinformatics aids in precision oncology.	15
Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine Discover how genetic variation influences drug response, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.	15
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In your dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation Conduct an independent research project, applying bioinformatics and genomic medicine techniques to address real-world scientific challenges.	60
Total	60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course web pages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2.2 degree in a subject aligned to health, biosciences, mathematics/data sciences.

If you have a science, data or medical background and wish to advance your career, or looking at a career change this might be the course for you.

This programme is also an opportunity for intercalated medical students.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students to many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2025/26)

Tuition fees:

£22,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of project work, assignments and group work.

Career prospects

The global demand for bioinformatics and genomic medicine professionals is rapidly growing as genomic data continues to reshape healthcare and medical practices. Whether you aim to work in research, clinical settings, or the biotechnology industry, this programme opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities such as:

•   Bioinformatics analyst
•   Genomics data scientist
•   Clinical bioinformatician
•   Genomic medicine specialist
•   Research scientist in genetics or biomedical informatics

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work in environments such as hospitals, private practice, specialist clinics, education, rehabilitation centres, or private sector business.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine MSc at Aston University?

Throughout your time at Aston, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand how genomic data is revolutionising healthcare, enabling more precise diagnoses, treatments, and preventive measures.

With teaching delivered by passionate research active academics, access to a range of specialist equipment, this could be the right choice for you.

How is the course delivered?

The course is full-time, and delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, workshops and independent study. All lectures happen on campus on two days per week. Everything else can be organised to fit your personal circumstances.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham