Genetics and Genomics PhD, MScR

Research in the field of Genetics and Genomics aims to advance the understanding of complex animal systems and the development of improved predictive models through the application of numerical and computational approaches to the analysis of the genome.

This includes analyses and interpretation, modelling, and prediction of complex animal systems at multiple levels, from the sequence and behaviour of DNA, RNA species, proteins and other molecules, through cellular and gene networks, tissues and organs right up to whole organisms and interacting populations of organisms.

The biology and traits of interest include:

• growth and development
• body composition
• feed efficiency
• reproductive performance
• greenhouse gas emissions and other indices of sustainability
• environmental adaptation
• responses to infectious disease and the interactions between host and pathogen
• population responses to selection
• inherited diseases
• behavioural and welfare-associated traits

Research ranges from basic bioscience, computational and mathematical biology to strategic research intended to address grand challenges, e.g. food security.

Research is focussed on, but not restricted to, target species of agricultural importance including:

• cattle
• pigs
• poultry
• sheep
• farmed fish such as salmon or tilapia
• other aquaculture species such as oysters and mussels
• companion animals
• organisms of emerging agricultural interest, for example insect species

These are studied together with associated pathogenic and commensal microorganisms, parasites and vectors that infect, colonise, or interact with these hosts.

The availability of genome sequences (both new and pre-existing) and the associated analysis toolkits for genome assembly, annotation, and interrogation enable genetics and genomics research in all these species.

Expertise includes:

• genetics (molecular, quantitative)
• physiology (neuroendocrinology, immunology)
• ‘omics (genomics, functional genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, epigenomics, metagenomics etc.)

Particular strengths are in computational and mathematical biology (quantitative genetics, epidemiology, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, modelling).

(Revised 26 October 2023 to include more detail on the research topics)

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which 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 6.5 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 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 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

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:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

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).

• Approved universities in 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.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme