MSc Applied Bioinformatics and Genetic Epidemiology

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MSc in Applied Bioinformatics and Genetic Epidemiology from Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers across the fields of bioinformatics, genetics, epidemiology, and public health. The program’s interdisciplinary nature provides graduates with the skills needed for research, clinical, and industry-based roles.

Genetic Epidemiologist: Graduates can work as genetic epidemiologists, applying statistical and computational methods to study the genetic basis of diseases. In this role, they may work with large datasets to identify genetic risk factors for complex diseases, contributing to the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Bioinformatician: With strong training in bioinformatics, graduates can become bioinformaticians, analyzing genomic data to interpret biological processes. They may work in research institutions, healthcare settings, or biotechnology companies, utilizing software tools to manage and analyze vast amounts of genetic data for insights into disease mechanisms.

Biomedical Researcher: Many graduates opt for careers as biomedical researchers, investigating the genetic factors that influence human health. These professionals contribute to advancing medical knowledge by conducting studies that link genetic variations with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular conditions.

Healthcare Data Analyst: Graduates are also prepared for roles in healthcare data analysis, where they apply statistical and computational skills to interpret clinical and genetic data. By working with large health datasets, these analysts help healthcare providers improve patient outcomes through data-driven insights.

Pharmaceutical Scientist: With the increasing integration of genetic data in drug development, graduates can pursue careers as pharmaceutical scientists. These professionals may work in pharmaceutical companies, applying their knowledge of bioinformatics to discover new drug targets, develop treatments, and support clinical trials.

Epidemiologist in Public Health: The MSc program prepares graduates for careers in public health, where they can apply genetic and epidemiological research to improve population health. Public health epidemiologists work on projects such as the genetic epidemiology of infectious diseases or chronic health conditions, with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion.

Clinical Bioinformatician: In healthcare settings, graduates may work as clinical bioinformaticians, interpreting genetic data to support clinical decision-making. They collaborate with clinicians to provide genetic counseling and guide treatment strategies, particularly in the context of personalized medicine.

Biotech Industry Professional: The biotechnology industry offers various career opportunities for graduates, particularly in roles related to genetic research, product development, and bioinformatics software development. Graduates can contribute to the development of genetic testing, genomic medicine, and new therapeutic products.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Graduates with expertise in both genetics and epidemiology may choose to work as regulatory affairs specialists in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. In this role, they ensure that genetic testing and treatment products comply with regulatory standards, providing oversight for clinical trials and product approvals.

Genomics Consultant: Graduates can also work as consultants, advising healthcare organizations, biotechnology companies, or governmental agencies on genomics, genetic epidemiology, and public health issues. Consultants provide expert guidance on genetic data analysis, epidemiological study design, and the integration of genomics into clinical practice.