Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis MSc

We offer a group of programmes to enable you to apply quantitative genetics 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
  • genome analysis

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

This programme is the most general of our offerings. It allows the most flexibility in tailoring your course of study to include subjects from our more specialised programmes that include:

• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Human Complex Trait Genetics

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

Is this MSc for me?

This degree could be for you if you are interested in any subject of study that uses quantitative genetic approaches, such as:

• food security
• health of companion animals
• conservation of animals in the wild
• evolutionary biology
• human health

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

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 genetic, evolutionary genetics, and human 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 at 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.

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, 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.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

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 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 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 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

Many of our graduates go on to work in the animal breeding or medical/human health industry, whilst some choose to follow the MSc with further study to obtain a PhD before pursuing their academic or industry career.

You will find our graduates in leading roles in major breeding companies, universities, charities and organisations. Other graduates choose to further their career within academia.

Our programme provides a high level of statistical and computational experience and some of our graduates choose to look for employment outside these sectors 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.