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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 Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement (Part time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why MSc Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement at UEA?
Explore the science of plant breeding and discover how emerging technologies are helping develop crops for a changing world. All while studying part-time at the John Innes Centre(opens in a new window), a global leader in plant science.
Why Choose UEA
- Career focused: Build the knowledge and research experience needed for PhD study or a career in plant breeding and genetics
- Expert Teaching: Learn from internationally recognised plant scientists and professionals at the forefront of the field
- Practical experience: Gain hands-on experience with modern plant science techniques through a six-month laboratory-based research project
What is MSc Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement?
Explore plant breeding, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and statistics while learning from internationally recognised experts on this two-year part-time course. By combining traditional breeding approaches with the latest technologies, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving field.
You'll develop both theoretical understanding and practical expertise, preparing you for careers in plant science, crop improvement, and agricultural innovation. During your research project, you'll apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Working alongside leading researchers, you'll develop the confidence to work independently while gaining experience as part of a collaborative research team. This hands-on experience will help you build the practical skills, scientific expertise, and professional experience valued by employers and research organisations.
Visits to UK plant breeding companies will give you first-hand insight into how new crop varieties are developed and brought to market. These experiences will help you understand the industry in practice and expand your professional network.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement, you could launch a career as a:
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Plant Breeder: Develop improved crop varieties to support sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental resilience
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Plant Science Researcher: Contribute to scientific discoveries in genetics, crop improvement, and plant biology
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Plant Biotechnology Scientist: Apply innovative technologies to solve challenges in agriculture and plant production
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University Researcher: Conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to advances in plant science and breeding
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Data Analyst: Use biological, genetic, and genomic data to support research, innovation, and decision-making across industries
Career Support
Your training and research project will help you develop specialist knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence. The UK is a world leader in these subjects and experienced researchers from across JIC, UEA and the Norwich Research Park are ready to support your development. Input from UK plant breeding companies will give you first-hand understanding of the crop improvement industry while helping you build professional networks. You'll also benefit from support from UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, applications guidance, and interview preparation.
After the Course
After graduation, you’ll be ready to enter a career in the plant breeding industry or pursue further research studies, such as a PhD. Your studies could also support a successful career in plant science or in the wider business world or teaching in secondary or higher education.
Study and Modules
Structure
On this two-year part-time course, you’ll cover important topics such as genomics and bioinformatics, providing you with a Masters’ level introduction to the structure and function of DNA. You’ll study the mechanisms of inheritance in eukaryotic organisms, especially plants, and their genomes. You'll also explore the use of contemporary ‘omics’ technologies for the analysis of whole genomes, gene functions and expression. In further lectures and seminars, you’ll study the role of bioinformatics in contemporary research on plant genomes and crop improvement.
You'll also learn about the principles of plant breeding and the role of newer technologies in the manipulation of traits in crop improvement. You'll study the relevant statistical methods for analysing data from many experiments in plant science and crop plant improvement.
Further teaching on genetics and biotechnology looks at how these disciplines have played a significant role in understanding fundamental aspects of plant biology, and their potential to expedite crop plant improvement in the future.
There is also an opportunity to learn key practical skills in plant breeding using molecular genetic approaches. This links the theory of bioinformatics, plant molecular genetics and marker-assisted selection together with their practical application. You'll utilisemolecular markers to determine the genotypes of F2 plants segregating for distinct morphological characters in pea. You’ll then use this to predict the phenotypic characters exhibited by mature plants, and select ones with specific combinations of traits, which is a key feature of contemporary breeding programmes.
Other important teaching will cover identifying key target traits for crops. Future crop Improvement will depend upon new varieties expressing a number of key traits, introduced by either conventional plant breeding, genetic modification or genome editing.
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.
Structure
In your second year, you'll be guided in your selection of an appropriate laboratory-based research project supervised by a principal scientist at John Innes Centre, or within an industry setting. Prior to commencing the research project, you’ll research your chosen topic and prepare a comprehensive research project plan.
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
This MSc programme is taught by expert academics at the John Innes Centre and UEA bringing their research experience in this subject to your learning. This means that throughout your MSc you’ll benefit from the expertise of an enthusiastic team with world-leading research reputations in plant genetics, plant breeding, crop pathology and plant science.
You’ll also gain insights from industry experts from the UK plant breeding industry, ensuring that the latest developments and technologies used to improve crops are embedded into the course.
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory-based classes, where you’ll hone your practical skills. The research project forms a major part of your course. You’ll undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice, culminating in a written dissertation and presentation of your findings. This project enables you to explore an area of research that interests you while developing practical research skills, critical thinking, and independent learning, supported by an experienced academic supervisor.
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, essay assignments, data analysis exercises, problem-based learning papers and presentations. Formative assessments are embedded throughout the course, providing constructive feedback to help you monitor your progress and develop your skills before completing thew related summative assessments.
You’ll also complete a research project on a topic of your choice, which will be assessed as a formal written dissertation and research presentation.
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 - 2.1.
Degree Subject
Biological Sciences or Plant Biology. Employment experience with a plant breeding company or related research experience also considered.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to submit two references with their application - at least one of these must be related to your most recent academic study.
- 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 - 2.1 or equivalent.
Degree Subject
Biological Sciences or Plant Biology. Employment experience with a plant breeding company or related research experience also considered.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to submit two references with their application - at least one of these must be related to your most recent academic study.
- English Foreign 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):
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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 2 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.
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- 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 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £14,450
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International Students: £28,250
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
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.