Increased accuracy in disease analysis and diagnosis. Improved tracking of contaminated foods. The ability to map which genes are responsible for certain traits. Applied Bioinformatics is revolutionising modern biology and medicine – breaking down the barriers between data and knowledge – and now you could play a part in this too. Our MSc in Applied Bioinformatics is delivered by bioinformatics experts and clinicians. Not only that, but we’re the largest provider of healthcare education in Europe. With such a high concentration of expertise in one place, you’ll get to hear about the latest research in the field and progress your career.

Key benefits

• King's is ranked 6th in Europe for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University 2024) and 5th in the UK for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
• Complete projects alongside our bioinformatic experts, with direct access to King’s clinicians and our cutting-edge research
• Contribute to research projects with the Centre for Translational Informatics, South-East Genomics Service, MRC eMEd Lab, Guy’s Cancer Centre, and Francis Crick Institute
• Access our new Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (HAB), which offers seminars, data clubs and training workshops, giving you excellent networking opportunities
• Get hands on with modern techniques and technologies in our state-of-the-art facilities

“Our strength in this field provides a dynamic environment in which to study and thrive.  We are also launching a King’s Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (HAB) which will facilitate connections across all of King’s computational groups and wet-lab groups. The Hub will have dedicated student space offering excellent networking opportunities.”

Dr Alessandra Vigilante, Course Director

Course essentials

Our MSc in Applied Bioinformatics starts with an Introductory module that is tailored to the needs and academic background of our students. Students can select either 'Fundamentals of Programming for Biologists' OR 'Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists'. This Introductory module is followed by four modules covering advanced programming and cloud computing, fundamentals of statistics, omics techniques, data management and stewardship. Students will also take one optional module, choosing from AI and Machine Learning or System Biology. Finally, students will apply their skills in an extended research project (6 months). They will be able to select their topic from a broad catalogue, reflecting the breadth of bioinformatics expertise within King’s. Aims of the course are: • Develop the skills you need to analyse, interpret, and integrate biological data • Explore how to apply methods from information technology, maths, computer science and statistics to solve problems in biological science • Understand how data and bioinformatic skills can be applied in both industry and academic settings – including gene therapy, cancer studies and drug discovery • Gain transferable core skills such as data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming that can be applied to careers in data science across many different sectors

Base campuses

Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

Standard requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Biological or Computational disciplines with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a country

English language requirements

English language band:

D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

We aim to process all applications within eight weeks. Therefore, early applications are recommended to maximise your chances of selection. You are encouraged to attend our open days which usually take place in December and June.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required, answering the two questions detailed on the application form: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? How does your educational background or professional experience make you a suitable candidate for the programme? What challenges do you anticipate with this programme?
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References	Yes	One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other	Optional	You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Tutorials

Workshops

Self-Study

This practically oriented program will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. The course also requires a significant element of self-study. 

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. 

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams
• Group projects

Performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework, group projects and written examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include presentations, short-answer questions, practical  write-ups and written examinations. Most 15-credit modules are assessed by coursework only or examination only. For the remaining modules coursework typically contributes 40% and examinations approximately 60% of the final mark. 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:

Applied Bioinformatics and Cloud Computing (30 credits)

Introduction to Applied Statistical Method (15 credits)

Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits)

Data cleaning and data management (30 credits)

Research project in Applied Bioinformatics (60 credits)

Optional modules

You must take enough modules to bring your total for the year to 180, from a range of optional modules, which will typically include: At the outset of the course, one of:

Fundamentals of Programming for Biologist (15 Credits) *

Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists (15 Credits)*

*These optional modules have to be approved by the programme team which will decide which module the student can attend based on their BSc. Later on, one of:

System Biology (15 Credits)

AI and Machine Learning (15 Credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Careers

Employability

Designed for graduates of life sciences and physical sciences, our course is perfect if you have a background in science, medicine, computer science or maths. And as the content applies to careers across the world, students join us from various countries including the UK, China and India.

With plenty of practical sessions, workshops, research projects and networking opportunities, you’ll have developed a wide variety of core transferrable skills. Data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming are just a few of the new skills you’ll have learnt that can apply to careers across many sectors.

The career possibilities are endless with such rapid growth in this field. You could step into positions in data science, biotechnology, and bioinformatics engineering. Or how about making a difference in drug design and development, bio-analytics, proteomics, and pharmacogenetics? You could also progress your knowledge further by studying for a PhD and pursuing a career in academia or clinical research.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

• If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Stationery
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
• Graduation costs
• Accommodation fees

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

• Course essentials
• Entry requirements
• Teaching & structure
• Careers
• Fees & Funding

Our MSc in Applied Bioinformatics starts with an Introductory module that is tailored to the needs and academic background of our students. Students can select either 'Fundamentals of Programming for Biologists' OR 'Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists'. This Introductory module is followed by four modules covering advanced programming and cloud computing, fundamentals of statistics, omics techniques, data management and stewardship. Students will also take one optional module, choosing from AI and Machine Learning or System Biology. Finally, students will apply their skills in an extended research project (6 months). They will be able to select their topic from a broad catalogue, reflecting the breadth of bioinformatics expertise within King’s. Aims of the course are: • Develop the skills you need to analyse, interpret, and integrate biological data • Explore how to apply methods from information technology, maths, computer science and statistics to solve problems in biological science • Understand how data and bioinformatic skills can be applied in both industry and academic settings – including gene therapy, cancer studies and drug discovery • Gain transferable core skills such as data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming that can be applied to careers in data science across many different sectors

Base campuses

Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Biological or Computational disciplines with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a country

English language requirements

English language band:

D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

We aim to process all applications within eight weeks. Therefore, early applications are recommended to maximise your chances of selection. You are encouraged to attend our open days which usually take place in December and June.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required, answering the two questions detailed on the application form: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? How does your educational background or professional experience make you a suitable candidate for the programme? What challenges do you anticipate with this programme?
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References	Yes	One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other	Optional	You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Tutorials

Workshops

Self-Study

This practically oriented program will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. The course also requires a significant element of self-study. 

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. 

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams
• Group projects

Performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework, group projects and written examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include presentations, short-answer questions, practical  write-ups and written examinations. Most 15-credit modules are assessed by coursework only or examination only. For the remaining modules coursework typically contributes 40% and examinations approximately 60% of the final mark. 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:

Applied Bioinformatics and Cloud Computing (30 credits)

Introduction to Applied Statistical Method (15 credits)

Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits)

Data cleaning and data management (30 credits)

Research project in Applied Bioinformatics (60 credits)

Optional modules

You must take enough modules to bring your total for the year to 180, from a range of optional modules, which will typically include: At the outset of the course, one of:

Fundamentals of Programming for Biologist (15 Credits) *

Principles of Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists (15 Credits)*

*These optional modules have to be approved by the programme team which will decide which module the student can attend based on their BSc. Later on, one of:

System Biology (15 Credits)

AI and Machine Learning (15 Credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Designed for graduates of life sciences and physical sciences, our course is perfect if you have a background in science, medicine, computer science or maths. And as the content applies to careers across the world, students join us from various countries including the UK, China and India.

With plenty of practical sessions, workshops, research projects and networking opportunities, you’ll have developed a wide variety of core transferrable skills. Data management, data wrangling, data visualisation and programming are just a few of the new skills you’ll have learnt that can apply to careers across many sectors.

The career possibilities are endless with such rapid growth in this field. You could step into positions in data science, biotechnology, and bioinformatics engineering. Or how about making a difference in drug design and development, bio-analytics, proteomics, and pharmacogenetics? You could also progress your knowledge further by studying for a PhD and pursuing a career in academia or clinical research.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

• If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Stationery
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
• Graduation costs
• Accommodation fees

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

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