Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Evolution and Genomics
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Our MSc Evolution and Genomics course will provide you with both extensive conceptual understanding and diverse practical experience within evolutionary biology and genomics.
At UEA and across the Norwich Research Park (NRP), you'll benefit from our strong academic expertise in evolutionary biology and genomics. You'll receive comprehensive training in modern evolutionary studies, including genomics and phenomics, covering experimental design, bioinformatics, and spanning field and laboratory systems.
Topics covered by research in the different labs include the following examples:
- Evolutionary biology of ageing
- Sexual selection and sexual conflict
- Evolutionary genetics and genomics
- Conservation genetics/genomics
- Microbiology and microbiomics
- Plant genetics/genomics and crop breeding
- Population genetic/genomics
- Evolutionary ecology
- Biodiversity research
On this course, you’ll join our vibrant cohort of students, embedded within a dynamic research community. A major component of your studies will be performing an independent research project with a research leader of your choice.
Upon completion, you'll be exceptionally qualified as a PhD candidate for national and international research in this field. You'll also gain a diverse range of transferable skills that will enhance your employability in industry, government, and NGOs. These skills will include project management, data analysis, and bioinformatics, invaluable qualities that are applicable to a diverse array of areas from human health to conservation biology.
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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.
Compulsory Modules
OPTIONAL A MODULES
(Credits: 20)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
Some of your modules will consist of a series of lectures, workshops and practicals, which will introduce you to key concepts in evolution and genomics and present an overview of current cutting-edge research taking place in the different research institutions across the NRP including UEA. The lectures and practicals are taught by internationally leading researchers, so you’ll receive state-of-the art training in the fields of evolution and genomics.
You’ll be trained in planning and executing an extensive research project. You’ll also be taught to communicate science in a written and oral form. This involves participating, as part of the research community at UEA/NRP, in the various seminar series, the weekly Research Discussion Group (where topics relevant to careers in academia and beyond are discussed in an informal and friendly environment) and in regular journal clubs where recently published articles are analysed. In addition, you’ll go through the process of a mock interview preparing you for the next steps. Furthermore, you’ll carry out an extensive, independent research project under the supervision of the researcher of your choice and as part of their group. This will give you a unique opportunity to embed yourself within the research environment of top research groups.
Assessment
Assessment is varied and comprises essays, literature reviews, analytical assignments, conduct during research, research reports and oral presentations.
Each module contains several items of summative assessment proceeded by formative work. You’ll complete formative assessments early in all four modules and receive extensive feedback as soon as possible thereafter, so that you’re able to act on this when submitting the related summative work.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in journal clubs, group meetings, or individual feedback from supervisors, or research team members. Grid-based proformas that provide you with a profile of your individual performance will be employed so that you can see where you’ve done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. You’re also invited to learn through providing and receiving anonymous feedback from peers through online tools (e.g. Turningpoint, DIaNa).
The results from the research project will be written up in a final dissertation.
Employability
After the Course
The course will put you in an excellent position to apply to the multiple different local doctoral training programmes on the NRP, but also more widely for PhDs at the national and international level. If you’re more interested in a scientific career outside academia, the skills you’ll learn on this course will be extremely relevant and highly beneficial to apply for such positions in the bioscience industry, government and non-government organisations.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter after graduation include:
- PhD (DTP)
- Bioscience Industry
- Health sector
- Government
- Non-Government Organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £13,750
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International Students: £26,900
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see our additional course costs pages for more information.
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.
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
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.