Genetics and Molecular Medicine (MRC Human Genetics Unit) PhD, MScR
Awards: PhD, MScR
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Genetics and Molecular Medicine (MRC Human Genetics Unit)
The MRC Human Genetics Unit discovers how changes in our DNA impact our lives.
Research excellence
We combine the latest computational and experimental technologies to investigate how our genomes work to control the function of molecules, cells and tissues in people and populations.
For more than half a century our research has been dedicated to understanding human genetic disease.
Today we continue to apply our clinical and scientific expertise, harnessing the power of complex data, to improve health, and the lives of patients and their families.
As well as delivering outstanding research, the institute creates a vibrant scientific community and a friendly research environment rich in both scientific and social opportunities.
What will I learn?
Our PhD and MSc programmes harness strengths in different research disciplines:
- genetics
- molecular biology
- biochemistry
- cell biology
These are tied to our scientific themes:
- disease mechanisms
- biomedical genomics
- genome regulation
Our programmes also provides a strong focus on computational biology, and state of the art imaging as part of the Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium.
Over 30 principal investigators based in the MRC HGU contribute to these cross-disciplinary programmes spanning fundamental to clinical research.
Further information can be found on our Graduate Research and Training website:
Self-funded applicants
We also accept all self-funding/external funding applicants.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible, at least one month prior to entry.
Applying
To apply for any of our PhD programmes please select one of the buttons and dates in the Applying section.
For 4 year programmes, please select '3 Years (Full-time)'.
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:
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.
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.
Find out more about our 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.
Tuition fees
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Genetics and Molecular Medicine | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| PhD | Genetics and Molecular Medicine | 6 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Genetics and Molecular Medicine | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Genetics and Molecular Medicine | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
borrowing money
taking out a loan
family support
personal savings
income from work
employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
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:
- Postgraduate Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5771
- Contact: student-admin@igmm.ed.ac.uk
- Professor Nick Gilbert
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 8551
- Contact: nick.gilbert@ed.ac.uk
- MRC Human Genetics Unit
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer
- Crewe Road
- Edinburgh
- EH4 2XU
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Genetics and Molecular Medicine - 3 Years (Full-time)
PhD Genetics and Molecular Medicine - 6 Years (Part-time)
MSc by Research Genetics and Molecular Medicine - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc by Research Genetics and Molecular Medicine - 2 Years (Part-time)
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 two references with your application.
Before making your application, you must make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:
You will be formally interviewed (in person, by video-conferencing or Skype).
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5771
- Contact: student-admin@igmm.ed.ac.uk
- Professor Nick Gilbert
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 8551
- Contact: nick.gilbert@ed.ac.uk
- MRC Human Genetics Unit
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer
- Crewe Road
- Edinburgh
- EH4 2XU