Master of Science in Synthetic Biology

at Newcastle University United Kingdom

This degree explores how cell components are formed and interact at a molecular level. You'll develop your understanding of what causes diseases such as cancer, and how powerful new technologies can be used in drug design and synthesis.

We're a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research and our world-leading, expert staff teach on our degree programmes. This means you graduate with cutting-edge knowledge in human health and disease.

Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level and this degree mainly focuses on human body functions. You’ll also explore the chemical processes that occur in cells of other living organisms, from bacteria to humans.

Alongside improving your knowledge and skills in molecular biology, biomedical sciences and biotechnology, you'll also learn industry-standard analytical techniques, which are used to discover or design new drugs.

BSc or MSci?
Some of our degrees are offers at two levels:

• Three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Four-year Master in Science (MSci)
• Our MSci degrees include an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain additional research and practical experience to increase your employability and have the opportunity to work alongside our world-leading experts.

Our British History MA is the only master's in history of its kind in the UK. It provides you with the opportunity to study the political, social, economic and cultural history of the British Isles. 

This history master's covers a wide range of British history from early medieval to modern periods. It includes:

• Ideas and influences
• Reform and reaction
• Intensive teaching in the methodologies and concepts used by historians

The course is flexible. You can choose taught modules covering the periods of history and subjects that most interest you.

This course provides an understanding of globalisation and development. It places special emphasis on the problem of poverty and its relation to global justice and global politics.

You study the political, social and economic causes, consequences and discourses of poverty and development. You also critically analyse these important global currents.

You'll benefit from rigorous training in:

• Globalisation
• Poverty
• Development
• International relations theory
• theories and approaches to the study of politics

Earth science covers everything from the formation of rocks and minerals to the impact of human activity on the environment.

You'll study the Earth at the molecular, micro and macro-scale, from the chemistry of a single element to the processes that shape the continents.

Your key areas of study include:

• Geology
• Geochemistry
• Geomicrobiology

Understanding how these areas interact and combine to create the complexity of the Earth system is what makes Earth science a fascinating area to study.

The practical skills you develop in geomatics – the fourth element of the degree – allow you to collect and analyse data about the world. This prepares you for diverse and in-demand careers.

Regular field days and residential field courses allow you to experience the Earth in action. You'll develop practical skills and network with Earth science professionals. 

This degree provides a firm foundation in the important field of security and resilience.

You study a broad curriculum in your first two years, developing knowledge in different aspects of computing science, and gaining skills in problem solving, program design and implementation.

In your third year, you move onto specialist topics in security and resilience, developing skills and knowledge for your future career.

Your modules focus on the design and development of dependable software systems, and include:

• cryptographies
• software verification technology

Security and Resilience

Graduates of our degrees in Security and Resilience will have particular knowledge and skills related to the development of dependable software systems.

Armed with knowledge of issues such as security mechanisms for computing, software verification techniques and tools, cryptography, and cryptographic protocols, you will be well placed for employment in technical positions in software houses and with companies designing and deploying dependable software in safety-critical industry sectors.

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Professional accreditation

Following a curriculum review, we are seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for our degrees so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry.

BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional, engineer or scientist.

Our electrical and electronic engineering degrees focus on developing your knowledge and practical skills on topics across the discipline, so you graduate as a well-rounded civil engineer and well-equipped for your future career.

This foundation year will help you build the base knowledge you need to progress to any of our electrical and electronic engineering BEng degrees.

This is a full-time programme of study covering core electrical and electronic engineering topics, including:

• Foundation mathematics
• Applied mechanics
• Material science

Our International Marine Environmental Consultancy course meets the growing demand for marine consultants and coastal managers in UK, European and international business.

The International Marine Environmental Consultancy (IMEC) course brings together core ecological skills and the business elements required to compete in this growing sector.

Our expert academic staff maintain an extensive network of industry contacts.

You'll complete a four-month consultancy project. This provides opportunities for developing a proposal to collaborate with a world-leading marine consultancy.

This interdisciplinary course attracts a wide range of honours graduates. Your background skills may come from:

• Geography
• The law
• Politics
• Marine biology
• The environmental sciences

You should have an interest in the marine environment and its management. You'll also need a professional, committed attitude which is essential.

This course forms the basis of the taught components of the Marine Science suite of postgraduate qualifications, such as our Marine Ecosystems and Governance MRes.

These courses share the same modules in the first semester. This helps create a supportive, collaborative, student cohort that often works together on interdisciplinary projects.

This five-year Civil Engineering with Year in Industry MEng degree focuses on developing your practical and professional skills. You'll gain advanced engineering knowledge through a year of master's-level study, so you graduate equipped for a career in the civil engineering sector.

You'll develop real-world experience – both at University and while on your industry placement in Stage 3 – through our design-intensive programme, hands-on work in our specialist facilities and experience working directly in the sector.

Along with an in-depth knowledge of core civil engineering disciplines, you'll be able to pursue specialities and enhance your research skills through an investigative research project. You can choose to specialise in environmental, geotechnical, transport and water resource engineering.

Our master's inInternational Development and Education with Cross Cultural Communication uses a multidisciplinary approach to international development. It considers contemporary global change through various perspectives, including:

• Social
• Political
• Historical
• Environmental
• Economic

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) run through the modules. This provides a contemporary stance on where the world stands today at building a better world for people and our planet by 2030. You'll gain an understanding of and explore current debates around how education contributes to the development process.

Learning through case studies will cultivate your ability to think critically about development issues. You'll explore data using secondary sources. You'll also carry out your own research study through our unique placement module. This extends your learning into the field of development and education. This hands-on experience is an opportunity to co-create and co-develop impactful change.

Chemistry touches every part of our lives. From food and medicine to biotechnology and renewable energy, its influence is endless. As a Chemist, you can have a great career and make a difference in the world.

Medicinal Chemistry is the discovery, design and synthesis of new clinical drugs.

Our MChem degree follows the normal BSc curriculum, plus a further year of advanced study. The MChem programme is perfect for those pursuing a career within scientific research.

You'll explore the role of chemistry in:

• drug design
• cancer chemotherapy
• enzymology
• toxicology

You'll study organic, inorganic, physical and structural chemistry. You'll investigate modern analytical techniques and computational chemistry. You can create your own distinct learning experience at Newcastle. You'll explore your interests as you discover the subject.

In Stage 3, you'll take your year in industry. Gaining work experience is invaluable for your future career. 

Industrial training year

In Stage 3, you'll take your year in industry. Gaining work experience is invaluable for your future career. You'll experience the modern workplace and explore commercial projects. If you impress your host company, it could even result in a job offer upon graduation.

Our students have completed paid placements in leading companies including:

• Akzo Nobel
• AstraZeneca
• Corus
• GlaxoSmithKline
• P&G

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fully meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).