MSc Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis

Postgraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the Master of Science (MSc) in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis program at The University of Edinburgh are well-positioned to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in academia, industry, government, and healthcare sectors. With a comprehensive understanding of genetics, genomics, statistical genetics, and computational biology, graduates possess specialized skills and expertise that are highly valued in the fields of genetics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and personalized medicine.   

1. Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist: Graduates may work as bioinformaticians or computational biologists in academic research institutions, biotechnology companies, or pharmaceutical firms, applying their expertise in genomic data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and computational algorithms to study genetic variation, gene expression, and molecular pathways underlying human traits and diseases. They may develop bioinformatics pipelines, algorithms, and software tools for processing and analyzing large-scale genomic data sets, and for identifying genetic variants associated with complex diseases or drug response.

2. Geneticist/Genomic Data Analyst: Graduates may pursue careers as geneticists or genomic data analysts in research laboratories, healthcare organizations, or government agencies, conducting genetic and genomic research, analyzing genomic data sets, and interpreting genetic findings in the context of human health and disease. They may contribute to research projects investigating the genetic basis of common and rare diseases, designing genetic studies, performing statistical analyses, and identifying genetic risk factors and therapeutic targets for precision medicine applications.

3. Biostatistician/Bioinformatics Specialist: Graduates may work as biostatisticians or bioinformatics specialists in academic research centers, hospitals, or public health agencies, applying statistical and computational methods to analyze biomedical data, including genomic, clinical, and epidemiological data. They may collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design research studies, analyze data, and interpret results, helping to identify genetic risk factors, biomarkers, and predictive models for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

4. Clinical Geneticist/Genetic Counselor: Graduates may pursue careers in clinical genetics or genetic counseling, working in hospitals, genetic clinics, or healthcare organizations, providing genetic testing, counseling, and education to patients and families affected by genetic disorders or at risk of inherited diseases. They may interpret genetic test results, assess genetic risks, and provide personalized recommendations for disease prevention, management, and family planning, helping individuals make informed decisions about their genetic health.

5. Pharmaceutical Scientist/Biotech Researcher: Graduates may work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, conducting research and development activities related to drug discovery, precision medicine, and genomic medicine. They may contribute to drug development projects, target identification, and validation efforts, leveraging genomic data and computational approaches to prioritize drug targets, optimize drug candidates, and develop personalized therapies for genetically defined patient populations.

6. Academic Researcher/Educator: Graduates may pursue further studies or research careers in academia, pursuing doctoral degrees or research positions in universities, research institutes, or academic medical centers. They may conduct independent research projects, publish scientific papers, and mentor students, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in genetics and genomics, and training the next generation of scientists and researchers.

7. Policy Advisor/Regulatory Specialist: Graduates may work in government agencies, regulatory bodies, or policy think tanks, providing expertise on genetic and genomic technologies, and informing policy decisions related to healthcare, research ethics, and genomic privacy. They may contribute to the development of regulations, guidelines, and policies governing the use of genetic information in healthcare delivery, research, and public health initiatives, ensuring ethical, equitable, and responsible implementation of genomic technologies.