MSc Quantitative Genetics Suite

Programme Directors' Welcome

Edinburgh has maintained a world-leading reputation in the field of quantitative genetics for over 50 years. The postgraduate programmes within the Quantitative Genetics suite reflect the scale and diversity of our community’s international expertise. The courses are taught by members of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and the Roslin Institute within the University of Edinburgh together with members of Scotland’s Rural College, also based at the Roslin Institute Building. This partnership provides the breadth of experience to offer specialisations in Evolutionary Genetics, Human Complex Trait Genetics and Animal Breeding.

You will benefit from the combination of advanced teaching and project work based in leading research groups, and you become well equipped to start PhD research upon completion of the MSc programme (many of our graduates hold academic positions in the UK and around the world). In addition, we will equip you with strong transferable skills that will make you attractive to a wide range of other employers.

We have extensive links to the commercial animal breeding industry: the headquarters of the world leading poultry breeding company Aviagen is located near Edinburgh and, along with other companies, provides projects for the MSc students interested in Animal Breeding and Genetics. Several of our graduates work for this and other companies in the sector.

Many of our students find the summer research project (running from May to August) to be the most satisfying and enjoyable component of the Programme. This provides you with the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a world-ranked research group while developing your skills in data analysis, interpretation, and communication.

We look forward to seeing you in September.

- Dr Jacob Moorad

Programme Director (MSc in Evolutionary Genetics, MSc in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis, MSc in Human Complex Trait Genetics)

- Dr Sara Knott

Programme Director (MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics)