If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Master of Science - Biotechnology Biotechnology enables humans to improve practices in diverse fields including genetics, agriculture, bioremediation, immunology, diagnostics, energy production, and age-assisted living. This University of Essex course provides students with knowledge, understanding and hands-on experience in modern biotechnology, and with practical insights into current commercial applications. It creates access to a broad range of career opportunities in this rapidly growing key technology.

Students will learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address the challenges facing our planet, including: the development of biofuels, pharmaceuticals and crops to support and feed the growing human population; industrial, plant and medical biotechnology; gene and protein technology; synthetic biology; bioinformatics.

The course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for student's careers. Essex's research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore, to ensure the course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, the module structure may be subject to change. Student's research projects will immerse them in a research environment, allowing them to conduct their research alongside Essex's expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.

Two-thirds of Essex's research is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, and students learn from and work alongside expert staff.

Graduates are well-placed to find employment in the ever-growing bio-based economy, and postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and to work in some public bodies or private companies.