Master's in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) (MPhil)  Master's in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) (MPhil) University of Cambridge ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1565243338University-of-Cambridge-2.jpg

The Master's in Bioscience Enterprise (MBE) programme is an intensive, taught science and business course intended for those who have the ambition to found technology companies or take up leadership, executive or consultancy roles in the life science sector. Students are based at the Institute of Biotechnology, part of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and also have a close affiliation to Judge Business School. Learning is based on real business scenarios and lectures and case studies are frequently delivered by senior company executives from the regional and national life science business sector. This combination provides an opportunity to learn from leading scientists, entrepreneurs and academics. The intensive nine-months taught programme comprises a series of interdisciplinary modules that cover the commercial exploitation of the latest advances in biotechnology (small molecule and biotherapeutic drug development, medical devices, diagnostics, agbiotech) together with the business (finances and valuation, partnerships and alliances, accounting and finance, regulatory affairs, law and intellectual property, healthcare economics) and management skills (strategy, decision-making, financial analysis, innovation, marketing) associated with bringing scientific opportunities to market .There is a significant focus on understanding how biotech businesses are created, funded and successfully developed in a global context. Practical experience is gained through team-working class activities, University business plan competitions and a consulting project, in addition to which students also undertake a two-month internship with a life science company. There is an optional opportunity to gain an international perspective of the industry sector during a faculty-led study tour to Boston, USA and students frequently organise an additional visit to a European or other life science business cluster at the conclusion of their formal studies. Attainment is continuously assessed and there is a particular emphasis on class participation and learning through team-work in the research, preparation, and delivery of presentations. Written submissions include science and technology in business papers, a number of short reports, analyses and critical appraisals, a consulting project report and a dissertation of 10,000 words based on research conducted during the internship placement. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular enterprise activities including business plan competitions and submit a business development plan as one of the course assignments. All components and modules of the MBE programme are compulsory and students should expect to immerse themselves in programme activities for the duration of the course.