School of Biological Sciences

We are one of the largest biology departments in the UK.

As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world.

The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences.

We offer twelve on-campus taught masters programmes spanning the breadth of the Biological Sciences, taught by world-leading academics.

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh has one of the largest concentrations of biologists in the United Kingdom, with cutting-edge research in a wide range of disciplines. Our postgraduate teaching derives from our research strengths, and you will be taught by scientists of international repute.

Our on-campus, masters programmes span the breadth of the Biological Sciences. We continually seek to provide a rich student experience, and opportunities to grow and progress in whichever ways benefit your future. We regularly review our courses and programmes so as to keep abreast of major advances in biology and to provide you with a range of desirable graduate attributes.

The world is facing increasingly complex challenges. By studying with us you will be in an exceptional position to help make the future better. Through our world-leading research, teaching, innovation and impact, we strive to solve real-world problems of local, national and international relevance.

Our programmes include:

• Biochemistry
• Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants
• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology
• Drug Discovery and Translational Biology
• Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
• Quantitative Genetics
• Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology
• Systems and Synthetic Biology

Find out more about our postgraduate taught programmes including information on programme structure, optional courses, learning outcomes, career opportunities, field trips, entry requirements, and fees and funding.