University of Cambridge

Overview

The MPhil in Computational Biology at the University of Cambridge is designed to equip students with the skills to apply quantitative methodologies to address complex biological and medical inquiries, including the field of bioinformatics. This program uniquely integrates taught coursework with a practical internship project, providing valuable hands-on experience in both research and industry settings.

What you'll study

• Introductory molecular biology course: This course is typically offered at the beginning of the academic year to prepare students for their studies.
• Taught modules: From October to April, students engage in 3–4 modules each term. Each module includes 16 hours of lectures and is assessed through coursework.
• General examination: In May, students undertake a comprehensive examination that covers the material studied during the taught modules.
• Summer internship project: From May to August, students participate in a supervised project within a university or industrial laboratory, culminating in a project report and at least one formal presentation.

Entry requirements

• Degree: Applicants should possess an Upper Second Class degree or its equivalent in a relevant field.
• Background: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and computational skills, which may include providing a summary of relevant coursework. Additional documentation may be requested during the application process.
• English language requirements: Applicants are required to have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 100.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MPhil in Computational Biology are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities in academia, healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained during the program prepares students for roles that involve data analysis, computational modeling, and research development in various biological contexts.