Systems and Synthetic Biology MSc, PgDip
Awards: MSc, PgDip
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Systems and Synthetic Biology
We offer an opportunity to train in one of the newest areas of biology: the application of engineering principles to the understanding and design of biological networks. This new approach promises solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges in environmental protection, human health and energy production.
This MSc will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the primary design principles and biotechnology tools being developed in systems and synthetic biology, ranging from understanding genome-wide data to designing and synthesising BioBricks.
You will learn quantitative methods of modelling and data analysis to inform and design new hypotheses based on experimental data. The University’s new centre, SynthSys, is a hub for world-leading research in both systems and synthetic biology.
The programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project and dissertation, which can be either modelling-based or laboratory-based.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 |
The programme is designed to give you a good basis for managerial or technical roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. It will also prepare you for entry into a PhD programme.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: bioinformatics, computer sciences and modelling, molecular biology and related sciences, engineering or biotechnology.
We may also consider your application if you have a background in physics or mathematics.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each section.We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
For 2022 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module).
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Featured funding
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Programme Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5988
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Systems and Synthetic Biology
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Biological Sciences prospectus (PDF)
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Systems and Synthetic Biology - 1 Year (Full-time)
PgDip Systems and Synthetic Biology - 9 Months (Full-time)
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
You must submit one reference with your application.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Programme Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5988
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Systems and Synthetic Biology
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Biological Sciences prospectus (PDF)