MSc Big Data Biology

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.

The MSc Big Data Biology program at Cardiff University equips graduates with the skills and expertise to enter a variety of high-demand career paths at the intersection of biology, data science, and technology. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to advancements in genomics, biotechnology, healthcare, and data-driven biological research. 

Bioinformatician: One of the primary career paths for graduates is to become a bioinformatician, working in academia, healthcare, or the pharmaceutical industry. Bioinformaticians apply computational tools and algorithms to interpret biological data, such as genetic sequences or protein structures, to provide insights into biological processes, disease mechanisms, and potential drug targets.

Data Scientist in Biology or Healthcare: Graduates of the MSc Big Data Biology program can work as data scientists in biological research or healthcare. In this role, they analyze large biological datasets, using machine learning, statistical models, and computational tools to extract meaningful patterns and inform decision-making in areas such as personalized medicine, diagnostics, and drug development.

Computational Biologist: Computational biologists use quantitative techniques and computational models to simulate biological processes and analyze complex biological data. They work in both academic and industry settings, contributing to research on everything from protein folding to systems biology. This role often involves the use of advanced computational techniques to solve biological problems.

Genomics Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as genomics researchers, analyzing genome-wide data and identifying genetic markers related to diseases, drug responses, or other biological traits. This field is highly relevant to personalized medicine, where genetic information is used to tailor treatments for individuals. Careers in genomics can be found in academic labs, biotech firms, and research hospitals.

Pharmaceutical Researcher: With a background in big data and biology, graduates can work in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of new drugs. They analyze large datasets from clinical trials, genetic studies, and molecular biology experiments to identify potential therapeutic targets, optimize drug formulations, and improve treatment strategies.

Biotech/Pharma Data Analyst: Many graduates choose to work as data analysts within biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. They process and analyze large sets of biological data, using statistical tools and machine learning algorithms to derive insights that guide product development, clinical trials, and regulatory decisions.

Healthcare Informatics Specialist: With a focus on healthcare applications, graduates can work as healthcare informatics specialists, managing and analyzing medical data to improve patient outcomes. They may work with electronic health records, medical imaging data, or genomic databases to provide insights into disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Systems Biologist: Systems biologists use computational models to study the complex interactions within biological systems. They work in both academic research and industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agriculture, helping to identify new biological processes or therapeutic targets that could lead to novel treatments.

Data Engineer in Life Sciences: Data engineers play a crucial role in managing and optimizing large biological datasets. Graduates may work in the design and development of databases, data pipelines, and cloud-based solutions for biological data storage and analysis. They are essential for maintaining data integrity and ensuring that data is accessible and usable by researchers and scientists.

Clinical Data Scientist: In clinical settings, graduates can work as clinical data scientists, analyzing data from clinical trials and patient studies to identify trends, correlations, and outcomes. They collaborate with clinical researchers to optimize trial designs, track patient progress, and identify biomarkers for diseases.

Academic Researcher/PhD Candidate: Graduates interested in further academic study can pursue a PhD in areas such as bioinformatics, computational biology, or genomic data analysis. This path allows them to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of biology and data science.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Some MSc Big Data Biology graduates enter the field of regulatory affairs, where they work to ensure that biotech and pharmaceutical products meet regulatory requirements. They may analyze clinical and biological data to support the approval processes for new treatments or medical devices.

Environmental Data Analyst: Graduates with an interest in environmental science can apply their skills in analyzing ecological or environmental data. This role often involves working with biodiversity databases, climate change models, or environmental impact assessments to inform policy and sustainability efforts.