Evolutionary Genetics MSc, PgDip
Awards: MSc, PgDip
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Evolutionary Genetics
The revolution in genetic mapping technology and the advent of whole genome sequences have turned quantitative genetics into one of the fastest growing areas of biology.
Based in the internationally renowned Institute of Evolutionary Biology, this MSc draws from the wealth of expertise available there, as well as the teaching, research expertise and facilities of:
- Scotland’s Rural College
- the University’s Centre for Molecular Medicine
- the Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Unit
- the Roslin Institute (birthplace of Dolly the sheep)
Each year the syllabus is fine-tuned to suit current issues in evolutionary, plant, human and animal genetics.
This programme forms part of the Quantitative Genetics suite of programmes offering specialist routes, which also include Animal Breeding & Genetics and Human Complex Trait Genetics.
This programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project, leading to a dissertation.
Courses are taught via lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer practicals. Assessment is by written examinations, in-course assignments and project work.
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 2022/23 | |
MSc | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2022/23 | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Programme structure 2022/23 |
You will gain the knowledge and skills required to apply quantitative genetics theory to undertake research in evolutionary and quantitative genetics, population genetics and evolutionary genomics.
- A thorough understanding of general concepts in population and quantitative genetics and genomics
- In-depth knowledge of evolutionary genetics
- A solid grounding in the statistical methods required for quantitative biology
- Development of independent research skills through individual mini- and maxi-research projects
- Development of generic skills (IT skills, experience in writing scientific papers, the ability to work independently)
- Presentation skills through student seminars, scientific presentation of project work and independent research projects.
You will develop the in-depth knowledge and specialised skills required to apply quantitative genetics theory to practical problems, in both the biomedical and animal science industries, and to undertake research in evolutionary genetics, population genetics and genome analysis.
These entry requirements are for the 2022/23 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2023/24 academic year will be published on 3 October 2022.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological or biomedical sciences, medicine, agriculture, or animal sciences, or a degree in mathematics, statistics, or physics from applicants intending to transfer into the biological sciences.
We will also consider your application if you have less than the minimum qualification but can show sufficient additional relevant experience such as significant work history in a related discipline.
Your application must show evidence of an interest in genetics alongside quantitative skills.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
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
We 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 Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.
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, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
(*Revised 17 November 2021 to add accepted PTE Academic qualifications.)
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 | |
MSc | 2 Years | Part-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
- your tuition fee 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 5513
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Jacob Moorad
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5442
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Evolutionary Genetics
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Evolutionary Genetics - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Evolutionary Genetics - 2 years (Part-time)
PgDip Evolutionary Genetics - 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 5513
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Jacob Moorad
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5442
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Evolutionary Genetics
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering