Animal Breeding and Genetics MSc

The MSc programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project leading to a dissertation. You would usually complete this within one academic year, however, there is the option to apply for a part-time programme, taken over two years.

Full-time MSc programme

The full-time programme takes one year to complete. You will start in September and end in August of the following year.

Two semesters of taught courses totalling 120 credits underpin a three-month research project for an additional 60 credits.

Dissertation

If you successfully complete the taught component of the MSc Programme, you will progress to complete a research project and dissertation.

Projects are decided by the end of semester 1 and during semester 2 you will develop the project to prepare a research proposal, which is carried out during the summer.

Potential projects are offered by research groups throughout the University or Scotland’s Rural Colleges (SRUC). You select your top choices and once all preferences are recorded, projects are allocated.

Alternatively, if you have a clear idea of a project you wish to undertake you can source your own project. We have links with industry and can help organise research projects with industry involvement.

The Programme Directors offer support and ensure the project will fulfil the requirements of the Programme. All projects must have one supervisor based in the University of Edinburgh or SRUC.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

As a result of studying on the Animal Breeding and Genetics Programme you will

• explore and become proficient in the general concepts in population and quantitative genetics and genomics and a solid grounding in the statistical methods required
• obtain an in-depth knowledge of their application in animal improvement and complex trait analysis
• develop and hone research skills
• develop excellent oral presentation skills through student seminars and scientific presentations and scientific writing skills, through essays and report writing
• gain expertise in generic skills including computing and IT, communication of ideas and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration.

Many of our graduates go on to work in the animal breeding industry, and some choose to follow the MSc with further study to obtain a PhD before pursuing a career in industry.

You will find our graduates in leading roles in major breeding companies, 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 the animal breeding sector 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.

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.

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:

• 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

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

Featured funding

• School of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Bursaries

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.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding