Analytical Biotechnology MSc/ PgDip

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to the questions that we are more frequently asked by potential students. If you need further information, or have a question that isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us at enquiries.health@cranfield.ac.uk.

Q. What sort of background do I need?

A. This unique course is suitable for new graduates from a chemical or life sciences background wishing to kick-start their career in the field of Analytical Biotechnology. It is also ideal for experienced professionals looking to widen their skill sets and develop their careers. Available on a full and part-time basis the course offers flexibility and support for those who wish to study whilst remaining in employment.

Q. The courses are in English. What if English is not my first language?

A. Where applicable, students must achieve a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 92. For further information click here. Our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses offer pre-sessional training in English.

Q. How much time will I need to spend at the University?

A. For full-time students the taught part of the course runs from early October to late March, and takes place at the University. There is a break of 3-4 weeks over Christmas. Projects run from late April to late August, and these can be carried out anywhere, depending on which project you choose. For part-time candidates modules of five days in length can be studied across three years. The research project may be spread over three years.

Q. Why is there a difference in course fees for International and UK/EU students?

A. Course fees for international students are higher than those for UK/EU students because UK/ EU students are subsidised by the government (The Higher Education Funding Council for England) HEFCE)). The government subsidises the difference between UK/EU fees and international fees for UK/EU students.

Q. Where are projects carried out?

A. Projects placements can be carried out within the University, in an external company, at another European institution, or even at home. Projects have previously been in places as diverse as Vienna, Oslo, Cambridge, Madrid, London and Amsterdam.

Q. Are projects arranged by the University?

A. The University arranges the majority of project placements, in collaboration with our extensive network of contacts. We also typically offer a small number of projects embedded in research groups within the University, and are also very happy to help a student find their own project, if they want to work in a specific scientific or geographical area.

Q. Are project placements funded?

A. Some external projects carry funding, but this depends on the project, and varies from year to year.

Q. Where is the course based?

A. The course is based at Cranfield campus, about an hour from London and just 10km from the city of Milton Keynes. Good quality student accommodation is available on site. For professionals attending the course on a part-time basis good quality, reasonably priced short term accommodation is available on site which means you can work to lectures instead of having to arrange transport or taxis. There are also several hotels in the area should you prefer to stay off campus.

Q. What is the mix of students like on the course?

A. We typically have a mix of male and female students from around the world. Approximately half are usually from the UK, with the remainder from other European countries, and a handful of people from outside the EU. We normally have a number of mature students, who have been working in related fields and decided to return to education to update their skills.

Q. How does the part-time option work?

A. Part-time candidates normally have up to three years to complete the course (instead of the usual one year). The research project must be presented before the end of the third year. The research project may be spread over three years, and is normally associated with the candidate's place of work.

If you are interested in the part-time option, it is usually a good idea to contact us first at enquiries.health@cranfield.ac.uk to see how best we can fit the course around your existing commitments.