Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Analytical science underpins crucial areas of the bioscience sector, such as biotechnology, brewing and distilling, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, and bioengineering.
Academics at Heriot-Watt University work closely with these industries and, in recent years, leaders from organisations such as the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI), Diageo, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have highlighted the need for graduates who have strong applied analytical science skills.
The MSc in Analytical Science for the Biosciences Industries has been developed in close collaboration with our industrial partners to fill this skills gap and is designed to provide training to accommodate applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in the biosciences industry.
This degree could also benefit professionals already working within the industry, with an option for part-time study over two years. A Postgraduate Diploma is also available, allowing for study over two semesters but does not require you to complete a final dissertation project.
The MSc Analytical Science for the Biosciences Industries will equip you with detailed knowledge of applied analytical science. You will have hands-on access to cutting-edge analytical equipment, learn how to acquire and process data effectively and draw appropriate conclusions. Modern lab regulatory issues, health and safety essentials and project management also form the core of our degree. All content will be delivered in the context of the biosciences industries, informed by our industrial partners.
These learning outcomes are devolved through the following core courses:
- Introduction to Analytical Science for Bioscientists
- Applications of Analytical Science
- Analysis of Colloids and Complex Fluids
- Laboratory Regulation and Project Management
- Research and Professional Practice
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active chemists and life science academics. Research in the areas of Chemical and Life Sciences are conducted by two dedicated Research Institutes:
Across these two institutes staff expertise covers diverse applications of analytical science to materials science, gas-phase spectroscopy, chemical and biochemical analysis, complex fluids and interfacial science.
The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- Analysis of Colloids and Complex Fluids
Optional September
- Introduction to Analytical Science for Bioscientists
- Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
- Concepts in Beverage Science
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Mandatory January
- Applications of Analytical Science
- Laboratory Regulation and Project Management
- Research and Professional Practice
Optional January
- Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions
- Principles of Drug Discovery & Development
- Food Processing
- Chemistry of Food
- Management in the Food and Beverage Industries
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Mandatory May
- MSc Analytical Research Project
Programme Video
Postgraduate Study at Heriot-Watt
Student testimonials
Comfort Williams
Graduate from MSc Analytical Sciences for the Bioscience Industry
Reminiscing on my experiences, I would say that I would always look forward to another day in class or the laboratory, feeling enthusiastic about the new knowledge that I would be learning. I enjoyed learning about and getting to use analytical pieces of equipment. My excitement knew no bounds when I received an award from Charles River Laboratories after completing my dissertation, and a bronze award from the Student Union for participating in volunteering activities and as the vice president of one of the societies. My time at Heriot-Watt University changed me profoundly on an intellectual and personal level. In addition to broadening my understanding in the biosciences, the demanding academic setting and the support and direction from faculty members have given me a strong sense of obligation to use my knowledge for the benefit of society. I am incredibly appreciative of the experiences and possibilities Heriot-Watt provided me, and I am eager to carry on my journey as a member of the prestigious alumni community.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| UK | £12,192 |
| International | £25,480 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in a related subject. Suitable degrees can include Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, but this is not an exhaustive list. Degrees such as engineering, mathematics, geological or environmental sciences will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Work experience will be considered in support of your application.
Applicants may wish to instead apply for the Postgraduate Diploma if they only partially fulfil the above entry requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
"High level Analytical skills are a valuable asset across a wide range of industries being required to meet business priorities. These would include regulatory compliance, assuring quality control, improving process efficiency as well as driving R&D and innovation. For Scotch Whisky, analytical skills would find a home across the industry in maintaining product quality, tackling counterfeiting and careful management of process changes. People joining the industry as Analytical Scientists have successful lab careers but also using their product and data knowledge can translate into other roles including Blending or Production roles. The Scotch Whisky Research Institute has been keen to support the Heriot-Watt MSc in Analytical Science because it not only utilises the capabilities of a well-rounded academic department but embeds every student with an industry partner so that they get the chance to learn how to apply their Analytical skills to real life industry issues". - Scotch Whisky Research Institute
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