Genomics and Experimental Medicine PhD, MScR

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Part-time
  • PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates
  • MScR | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
Full-time
  • MScR | 1 year | Start date: multiple dates
  • PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates

Key facts

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

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About the degree programme

The University of Edinburgh Centre for Genomics and Experimental Medicine (CGEM) is part of the University of Edinburgh Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC). The work of the centre has a strong translational element and thus the vast majority of our work is diseased focused.  

The diseases we work on range from single gene inherited forms of disease, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, to common causes of ill health in adulthood that also have a genetic component, such has inflammatory bowel disease and dementia.

See the full scope of groups working in the Centre for Genomics and Experimental Medicine

The centre accepts self-funded students, as well as students from other funded programmes for both non-clinical and clinical researchers/medical students. 

MScRs are generally for 1 year and PhDs are generally for 3 years, although some programs are funded for longer due to extra training associated with these programs. 

How to apply

Before making your application, you must make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:

How to apply for a research degree

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

and, if applicable:

  • your research topic
  • details of any published work

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two references with your application.

Interview

You will be formally interviewed (in person or by video-conferencing).

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you need to apply for a student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

We accept all self-funding/external funding applicants who meet our entry requirements.

Funded PhD studentships in the Centre for Genomics and Experimental Medicine are advertised on findaphd.com. These are generally restricted to EU nationals, but we welcome applications from overseas students who have secured funding from other sources.

View details: Findaphd.com - University of Edinburgh

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.

You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time
Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

CGEM’s mission is to use genetics and genomics to understand the mechanisms of disease and design novel intervention strategies. Our research has consistently obtained the highest possible ranking in national assessments of research excellence.

We undertake detailed studies of populations, families and individuals to study a wide range of health related conditions. We use state-of-the-art genetic, epigenetic, genomic, statistical, bioinformatic, biological and molecular approaches in model systems and clinical studies for systematic investigation of disease aetiology.

With this knowledge, we aim to improve disease prediction, prevention and prognosis. Our translational agenda encompasses the development of new medicines and genetically-informed use of existing medicines in clinical trials.

Our research community

There is a thriving postgrad society which runs career-focused and social events.

Support

CGEM offers an exceptional, well-managed and well-equipped laboratory environment for cutting edge research and research training. Within CGEM there are around 25, and within IGC over 100, PhD students, overseen by a well-established graduate school structure.

Training sessions for PhD students are available in a wide variety of topics. These include: 

  • good research practice
  • experimental design
  • data analysis and statistics
  • student-supervisor working relationships
  • research ethics
  • assessment mechanisms
  • lectures/workshops on specific wet and dry laboratory techniques

There is a Postgraduate Studies Committee (PGSC) which is responsible for student training and assessment. Its role is to develop and implement guidelines for optimal student training, and to ensure best practice in monitoring and assessment.

Assessments are carried out by carefully selected thesis committees, who remain with you throughout your PhD. The committees consist of the Supervisors, an External Member (with expertise relevant to the student’s project) and an experienced Chair.

Facilities

A principal aim of both CGEM and the IGC is to develop fully integrated, multidisciplinary research programmes across the whole spectrum of basic, clinical and translational research. We have state-of-the-art imaging, DNA sequencing and drug discovery units, a bioinformatics service and excellent lab facilities.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

Academic contact

Pauline McDonald

Studentship Administrator

Contact details

Dr Kathy Evans

  • Institute of Genetics and Cancer

Contact details

Address

Western General Hospital
Crewe Road
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU

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