Postgraduate study
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Human Complex Trait Genetics MSc, PgDip

Awards: MSc, PgDip

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Human Complex Trait Genetics

We offer a suite of programmes to deliver the knowledge and skills required to:

  • apply quantitative genetic theory to practical problems in both the biomedical and animal science industries
  • undertake research in a wide range of fields in evolutionary genetics, animal breeding, human genetics, and genome analysis

All our programmes offer the same core content, but you can tailor your degree to reflect your interests.

This programme is specifically for those interested in the application of quantitative genetics to understanding the genetics of complex traits in humans. If you are interested in other applications you could consider our alternative programmes in:

  • Animal Breeding and Genetics
  • Quantitative Genetics
  • Genome Analysis
  • Evolutionary Genetics

Students in one Quantitative Genetics programme can change to another provided that prerequisite courses are passed in the second semester.

Why Study Human Genetics?

If you are interested in the genetic underpinnings to complex traits and disease in humans, this degree could be for you. We will provide you with the theory and knowledge of analytical tools so that you can tackle a wide range of problems.

This programme provides essential skills in:

  • quantitative genetics
  • population genetics
  • data analysis
  • statistical methods
  • genome analysis

As a Human Complex Trait Genetics student, you will focus on the application of quantitative genetics to evolutionary biology.

The core course of this specialism is Genetics of Human Complex Traits. Additional courses can be selected from any offered within the suite to build a degree to suit your interests.

Why study here?

Our programme offers a small course experience taught by active members of the quantitative genetic research community.

We are based in the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, part of the School of Biological Sciences, and for this programme we bring together expertise from across the University and SRUC.

This programme emphasises the conceptual underpinnings of the field, with rigorous training in statistical genetics and exposure to other applications of quantitative genetics.

You will study alongside students with a broad spectrum of interests using quantitative genetic tools, including animal breeding and evolutionary genetics. Likewise, the staff involved in teaching will come from different disciplines.

The University has an international reputation as a leader in quantitative genetics. The first genetic department was set up in the University of Edinburgh in 1919. From 1949, the postgraduate Diploma in Genetics was offered to students, with a substantial component of quantitative genetics. The MSc in Animal Breeding started in 1975 through a collaboration with the Agriculture Department.

Edinburgh continues to be at the forefront of research in the genetics of animal breeding, evolution, and human health. Many past students hold positions within the animal breeding industry.

The MSc programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project leading to a dissertation. You would usually complete this within one academic year, however, there is the option to apply for a part-time programme, taken over two years.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) completes after the two taught semesters and does not include the research project.

Full-time MSc programme

The full-time programme takes one year to complete. You will start in September and end in August of the following year.

Two semesters of taught courses totalling 120 credits underpin a three-month research project for an additional 60 credits.

Part-time MSc programme

You may opt to take the Programme over two years.

In Year 1, you attend in Semester 1 only and take compulsory courses totalling 60 Credits.

In Year 2, you attend in Semester 2 and Summer only. You will take compulsory and optional Semester 2 courses totalling 60 credits, then complete a research project for an additional 60 credits.

It is important to note that the part-time programme requires full-time attendance, but for only part of each academic year.

Full-time PgDip programme

This programme takes nine months to complete. It comprises the two semesters of taught courses for 120 credits.

Taught courses

Semester 1 provides core material on population genetics, quantitative genetics, and statistics and data analysis, delivered through three compulsory courses.

Semester 2 provides further compulsory courses, including Genetics of Human Complex Traits. In addition, you will select one 10 credit course.

Dissertation

If you successfully complete the taught component of the MSc Programme, you will progress to complete a research project and dissertation.

Projects are decided by the end of Semester 1. During Semester 2, you will develop the project to prepare a research proposal, which is carried out during the summer.

Potential projects are offered by research groups throughout the University or Scotland’s Rural Colleges (SRUC). You select your top choices and once all preferences are recorded, projects are allocated.

Alternatively, if you have a clear idea of a project you wish to undertake, you can source your own project. We have links with industry and can help organise research projects with industry involvement. The Programme Directors will offer support and ensure that the project will fulfil the requirements of the Programme. All projects must have one supervisor based within the University of Edinburgh or SRUC.

How will I learn?

Our courses are taught through a range of styles, including:

  • traditional lectures
  • recorded material
  • interactive sessions
  • paper discussions
  • computer practicals

Please note that this degree does not include any wet lab experience.

We also use a range of assessment styles including:

  • in-course essays
  • problems and data analysis
  • formal exams

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.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScHuman Complex Trait Genetics1 YearFull-timeProgramme structure 2023/24
MScHuman Complex Trait Genetics2 YearsPart-timeProgramme structure 2023/24
PgDipHuman Complex Trait Genetics9 MonthsFull-timeProgramme structure 2023/24

As a result of studying on the Human Complex Trait Genetics programme, you will:

  • acquire an understanding of the general concepts in population and quantitative genetics and genomics and a solid grounding in the statistical methods required
  • obtain an in-depth knowledge of their application in human complex trait analysis
  • develop research skills
  • be given the opportunity to develop oral presentation skills through student seminars and scientific presentations and scientific writing skills, through essays and report writing
  • gain expertise in generic skills including computing and IT, communication of ideas and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration.

Many of our graduates go on to PhD programmes in the area of human genetics, whilst others choose to apply their quantitative genetic skillset in the medical/human health industry.

Our programme provides a high level of statistical and computational experience and some of our graduates choose to look for employment outside the academic and health sector using these skills.

Our Careers Service will support you throughout your time studying with us and for 2 years after your course finishes. They can provide:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internship and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

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

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 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 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 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.

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 (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Tuition fees

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScHuman Complex Trait Genetics1 YearFull-timeTuition fees
MScHuman Complex Trait Genetics2 YearsPart-timeTuition fees
PgDipHuman Complex Trait Genetics9 MonthsFull-timeTuition 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 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

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 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