Postgraduate qualifications to provide the next generation of breeders and geneticists with the skills to design and implement sustainable genetic improvement programmes. Why study this programme? This programme explores the application of breeding and genetic knowledge to animals – including fish, insects and companion animals – and plants.Teaching content provides the statistical foundations which underpin current breeding methods and the computational literacy to apply them, with a strong focus on the importance of co-ordinated international efforts in tackling global challenges.Graduates are prepared for a range of industries and academic fields and gain the critical thinking skills to better address the challenges of producing more feed, food, fuel and fibre in a sustainable and interdisciplinary way.Professionals already working within the industry can upskill, or reskill, with short courses from within the degree. Qualification MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD Online distance learning Online, part-time teaching is particularly suited to students with busy lives. The flexible learning environment can be adapted to suit individual needs and online study allows you to study at a location that is convenient for you.The School has been teaching online taught postgraduate programmes since 2008 and online learning is treated as seriously as in-person. Our digital teaching platform has a dedicated e-learning team to ensure the teaching runs smoothly and students have access to support and welfare staff throughout their studies.This programme will be supported by an experienced team of a programme director, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a student adviser.Key features of the programme are pre-recorded lectures that you can view at any time, study guides, textbook and journal excerpts and interactive online discussions, enabling students from a range of disciplines to bring their unique perspectives to build a community of online students.How online learning works at the University of Edinburgh HTML Structure MSc programmes begin in September, run part-time over a period of 3-6 years and are delivered in three 12-week terms. This programme will be delivered using a blend of online learning methods, supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments. Students enrolling on standalone short courses may have start dates throughout the academic year.The programme is structured to allow sequential progression from short courses* to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases however, there are exit points after successful completion of each phase. Students can opt to take time out from learning if work or family life is impacted too much. It is also possible to pay per course** to help spread the cost of your studies.*also referred to as the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme**The University uses the terminology 'course', and sometimes 'module', to refer to the individual components that make up a degree programmePostgraduate Professional Development (PPD)This scheme is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level learning, without the time, or financial commitment, of a full award.You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years and gain a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.You can also choose to continue your studies after one year and put credits towards a postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters degree. Any time spent taking courses through the PPD scheme will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award.Certificate and DiplomaThe Certificate and Diploma phases are comprised of core and elective courses (see Content tab). Masters (MSc)The dissertation element gives students the opportunity to further develop scientific skills and apply scientific theory, in a less structured learning environment. The dissertation is designed to advance your understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop your scientific written communication skills, research ethics, statistics and the principle of good research practice.This will be a self-directed course but students are supported by an allocated subject-specific expert supervisor, statistician and experienced researchers from within the programme team. Content CertificateAll core courses, plus one from the elective options*.CourseCreditsSustainable breeding and genetics10 credits - corePopulation and quantitative genetics for breeding10 credits - corePrinciples of genetic evaluation10 credits - coreGenomics and phenomics in breeding10 credits - coreBreeding programmes and their modelling10 credits - coreAn introduction to transboundary diseases and their impact on trade and wildlife populations10 credits - electiveData analysis with R10 credits - electivePopulation Genetics for Conservation Breeding10 credits - electiveQuality Management in Wildlife Forensic Science10 credits - electiveIntroduction to Applied Conservation Genetics Part 110 credits - electiveDiplomaAll core courses, plus two from the elective options* (one from list A, one from list B)CourseCreditsAdvanced modelling in genetic evaluation10 credits - coreFuture breeding and genetics10 credits - coreApplications of data-driven breeding and genetics to real-life challenges10 credits - coreResearch and professional skills for data-driven breeding and genetics10 credits - coreFood Policy10 credits – elective AIntroduction to Wildlife Forensics10 credits – elective AScience Communication and Engagement for Practice10 credits – elective AData visualisation: knowledge transfer10 credits – elective AControl of economically important parasites10 credits – elective ANew developments in epidemiology and the control of vector borne disease10 credits – elective AProject planning and decision support for animal disease control10 credits – elective AControl of economically important parasites10 credits – elective BNew developments in epidemiology and the control of vector borne disease10 credits – elective BProject planning and decision support for animal disease control10 credits – elective BPastoralism and Herd Health10 credits – elective BAdvanced Statistics10 credits – elective BGenetic Data Analysis for Conservation Management and Wildlife Forensics10 credits – elective BEngaging with Digital Research10 credits – elective BThe use and evolution of digital data analysis and collection tools10 credits – elective BDissertationStudents must complete the Dissertation Element in a single academic year by the end of Year 6 of study.CourseCreditsData-Driven Breeding and Genetics Dissertation60 credits*Course availabilityCourse availability will be dependent upon numbers of students and the availability of places on non-programme-owned courses. We cannot guarantee that all courses will be available to all students, each year. Entry requirements The programme would be most suitable for those with an undergraduate Honours Degree (first or 2:1 or its equivalent) in life science, including any relevant agriculture, breeding, genetics, statistical or data-driven background. In circumstances where the background is not specifically related to these disciplines, we may also consider applications from those who have relevant work experience.Applicants can contact the programme team to check before applying. They may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance. Once successfully on the programme, completion of core courses (modules) is a pre-requisite for progression to subsequent courses.English language requirementsRegardless 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 requirements Fees and funding Tuition feesPlease note that you can pay for the programme on a course (module) basis.Tuition fees for online learningTuition fee discount for some of our former graduatesAlternative Guide to Postgraduate FundingThe University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies. The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding OnlineScholarship informationIt is recommended that you conduct your own research on this, but you can refer to the University Scholarship website to view suggestions on Scholarships.Online distance learning scholarshipsITA ScotlandGet up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA).You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer.ITA ScotlandUK government postgraduate loansIf you are planning to study with us, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan towards your fees. From this year, online programmes are also eligible for this funding (please note, restrictions apply)This funding is available for UK nationals, those with settled status, and in some cases, EU nationals not resident in the UK.Learn more about postgraduate loans and submit your application Find out more and apply Online application formApplications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application.Apply for this degreePersonal StatementPlease use the Personal Statement section to outline your motivation to study this programme, the knowledge you hope to gain and how this fits with your future career plans.Contact detailsIf you would like more information on applying for this programme, please contact our team by email at ddbg@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-09-02
