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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Evolution and Genomics with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why MSc Evolution & Genomics with a Placement Year at UEA?
Discover how evolution and genomics are transforming our understanding of life through cutting-edge research at the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). Develop advanced research skills and scientific expertise for careers in science, biotechnology, healthcare, and innovation.
Why Choose UEA
- Evolutionary expertise: Develop advanced knowledge of evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, molecular laboratory techniques, and bioinformatics
- Real-world learning: Use genetic and genomic approaches to investigate research questions in areas such as population biology and microbiology
- Research readiness: Gain insight into the opportunities, challenges, and realities of a scientific research career
What is MSc Evolution & Genomics with a Placement Year?
Explore the science behind evolution, genetics, and genomics on a course designed to prepare you for the future of biological research. You'll develop expertise in modern approaches to evolutionary biology, from experimental design and data analysis to genomics, phenomics, and bioinformatics.
A highlight of the course is an extended eight-month research project, giving you the opportunity to work within a research group at UEA or across the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing advanced practical and analytical skills.
By graduation, you'll have a strong portfolio of research experience and highly transferable skills, preparing you for PhD study as well as careers across biotechnology, healthcare, research, and the wider biosciences sector.
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Placement Year
Your placement takes place in year two. During the first semester of your second year, you’ll continue the structured employability development programme, which includes an intensive period dedicated to securing an industry work placement.
Your placement is typically undertaken with a UK company for eight to ten months. We work in partnership with a specialist, award-winning provider to deliver a tailored package of support, giving you the strongest possible opportunity to secure a paid role.
While comprehensive support is available throughout your studies, securing a placement in a relevant sector is ultimately your responsibility. You’ll need to engage fully with your academic programme and with our specialist partner to maximise your chances of success.
If an industry work placement isn’t available, or you don’t meet the academic requirements, you’ re guaranteed the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations. These give you the opportunity to build real-world experience across multiple companies. These placements are available in different formats depending on your preference.
As a result, you’ll complete the course with practical, career-relevant experience that strengthens future employment prospects.
Find out more at Postgraduate Placement Year(opens in a new window).
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Evolution and Genomics, you could pursue careers as a:
- PhD Researcher: Build on your research experience and progress to doctoral study in evolution, genetics, genomics, or related fields
- Research Technician: Apply your laboratory and analytical skills in academic research institutes, biotechnology companies, or industry laboratories
- Data Scientist: Use bioinformatics, genomics, and data analysis skills to solve complex problems in industry, healthcare, or non-government organisations
- Genomics Scientist: Apply genetic and genomic approaches to research, healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences innovation
- Scientific Research Assistant: Contribute to cutting-edge projects across universities, research institutes, and the biosciences sector
Career Support
The course is designed to help you develop the research, technical, and analytical skills valued across academia, industry, and the wider biosciences sector. Through your extended research project, you'll work alongside leading scientists, gain hands-on experience, and build professional networks across UEA and the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). You’ll also have access to support from UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and resources to help you achieve your goals.
After the Course
You'll graduate with advanced knowledge of evolution, genetics, and genomics, alongside extensive research experience and highly transferable skills. The course provides excellent preparation for PhD study, with many graduates progressing into doctoral research in the UK and internationally. You'll also be well placed for careers across biotechnology, healthcare, research, data science, and the wider biosciences sector.
Study and Modules
Structure
First, you’ll participate in core taught modules and workshops that will provide an in-depth introduction to a diverse range of key concepts within evolution and genomics. You’ll also take part in high-level training in data analysis and bioinformatics. You’ll gain exposure to world-leading scientists, research programmes and systems – while participating in state-of-the art training in the fields of evolution and genomics.
For the rest of the year, you’ll engage in science communication activities within the vibrant research community across the UEA/NRP, including seminar series, journal clubs and research discussion groups. These will broaden your horizon and familiarise you with a wide range of research areas and controversial topics related to evolution and genomics.
Most importantly, you’ll run your own extensive research project in a research lab of your choice at UEA/NRP.
You’ll also take part in a year-long Employability Skills module which will equip you with the relevant skills you’ll need to seek, secure and undertake your placement. You’ll benefit from workshops on CV writing, interview practice, and use of LinkedIn. You’ll also have one-to-one meetings that will help you plan your application strategy and give you opportunities for mock interviews. Sessions will be a mixture of online and in-person. This is a pass/fail module, and you’ll need to pass to progress to the placement year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Year two provides you with the opportunity to undertake a placement aligned to your discipline. In the first semester, you'll undertake an intensive period of placement search. You’ll have dedicated support for this search, along with six broader workshops held in-person at UEA to give you the opportunity for critical reflection on your placement search. At the end of your search, if you’re unable to secure an industry work placement, you’ll undertake a series of three industry projects.
At the end, you'll be required to submit the assessment. This will consist of the portfolio of materials relating to your job search (in the first semester) and a reflective report on your placement. You’ll highlight skills learnt, increased sector awareness, and development needs for the future. This will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. By the end of the placement, you’ll have enhanced your career confidence, strengthened your CV and professional network, and will be ready for the next stage of your career, whether in the UK or elsewhere.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll be taught by expert academics who are actively involved in world-leading research in evolution, genetics, and genomics. Their research-led teaching ensures you'll engage with the latest scientific discoveries and developments.
Learning takes place through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, helping you build both specialist knowledge and practical research skills.
A major part of the course is the independent research project, where you'll investigate a topic that matches your interests and career ambitions. Supported by an experienced academic supervisor, you'll gain valuable experience in research design, data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific communication.
Throughout the course, you'll develop a range of highly transferable skills, including scientific writing, bioinformatics, data visualisation, critical thinking, and independent learning, preparing you for careers in research, industry, and beyond.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to evaluate both your subject knowledge and research skills. Assessment methods vary according to the module and learning objectives and as such assessments may include examinations, coursework assignments, data analysis exercises, and presentations. Formative assessments and feedback opportunities are embedded throughout the course, helping you monitor your progress and develop your skills before completing summative assessments.
In addition, you'll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you'll submit as a formal written dissertation. You'll also have the opportunity to present your research findings orally, demonstrating your ability to communicate scientific concepts and results effectively.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- English Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills necessary for successful postgraduate study.
- Online Pre-sessional English
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £14,450
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International Students: £28,250
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.