Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Veterinary Medicine Year of entry: 2026 Study options Mode of study Online learning Part-time intermittent study PgProfDev | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates MSc | 6 years | Start date: September 2026 PgCert (ICL) | 2 years | Start date: September 2026 PgDip (ICL) | 4 years | Start date: September 2026 Part-time MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026 Key facts School Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Programme website Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics website Accreditation Not available Apply now 15 October: Postgraduate Online Learning Essentials Find out what it’s like to study online at Edinburgh, with insights into learning, community and the support available to online postgraduate students. Register now Open Days on Demand Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff. Watch the recordings Overview About the degree programme Explore how genetic data is applied to conservation management and wildlife law enforcement to address challenges facing the sector.There is global recognition of the benefits of using genetic data to support wildlife conservation and management decisions. However, implementation of genetic approaches is still rare, partly due to a lack of personnel with the knowledge and skills to apply theoretical and practical population genetics to conservation practice.Wildlife forensics is an exciting field that is attracting increasing global attention in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.The curriculum covers all essential aspects, from population genetic theory and data analysis to the considerations involved in interpreting and applying scientific findings to management, policy, and criminal investigation.You have the choice to specialise in either applied conservation genetics or wildlife forensics. Both options provide students with transferable scientific skills and global networks to address modern challenges in conservation management. Students benefit from the perspective of a number of external tutors from local and international organisations with specific expertise in the subject matter. Course material is based on real-world examples from wildlife management projects and forensic casework.As a comprehensive introduction to the fields of conservation genetics and wildlife forensics, the programme is a valuable stepping stone for wildlife professionals looking to pursue an advanced scientific career in either of these fields.The programme is designed as an institutional collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), a government facility which houses the UK wildlife DNA forensics laboratory. Study options PhaseDurationCreditsMasters3-6 years180Diploma2-4 years120Certificate1-2 years60Individual courses*up to 2 yearsup to a maximum of 50The degree programme allows progression from individual courses to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases. Students may also exit the programme on completion of each phase.The programme is designed to be taken part-time at 20 hours per week, with the flexibility to complete in longer time frames if required.*Individual courses are also referred to as Postgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev). Programme benefits Build a personal portfolio of skills and knowledgeMentoring and online discussion from teachers and researchers who are experts in their fieldAccess to high-quality interactive online resources/e-journals and online textbooksDevelop and enhance transferable technological skills in digital learning environmentsThe University of Edinburgh has been delivering online degrees since 2005, with more than 11,000 graduates from over 180 countriesWe are experts in online learning and have a strong track record of providing the best experience possible, working closely with academic teams to design a fully online degree that works well for both the educators and our students. I recommend the program to anyone who is looking to work in conservation genetics, wildlife crime prevention and /or wildlife DNA forensics. They will have the benefit of the highest standard of learning and a network of conservation giants. Bwalya Chibwe Previous student from Zambia Fees, costs and funding 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 intermittent study PgProfDev Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years) tuition fees MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (6 years) tuition fees PgCert (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years) tuition fees PgDip (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (4 years) tuition fees Part-time MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (3 years) tuition fees 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 Payment for individual coursesIt is possible to pay for the programme on a course-by-course basis. Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Funding opportunities 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 moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study UK Government Loans If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option. 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 Entry requirements 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, in biological, biochemical, forensic science or veterinary sciences or a related science discipline.We may also consider your application if you have a minimum of 3 years' work experience in a related scientific area, for example molecular biology research/ forensics laboratory work. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance. Please contact the programme team to check before you apply. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed 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 testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain 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 oldThe 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 AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll 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 countriesWe 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-MESCHow old your degree can beIf 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 Programme details What you will study The full degree programme is a total of 180 credits, divided into:6 Core courses2 Elective coursesDissertation Individual courses offer a mix of:lecturesseminarstutorialspracticalsguest speakersrecommended readingTime expectation20 credit courses are delivered in two blocks of five weeks with one week of independent study and reflection time in between.10 credit courses are delivered over one block of five weeks.Each 10 credits of study represents 100 hours of study and a time commitment of 20hrs per week. Compulsory courses Core coursesCertificate phaseCreditsEssential population genetic theory and techniques 20Introduction to applied conservation genetics - part 1 10Introduction to applied conservation genetics - part 2 10Introduction to wildlife forensics 10Genetic data analysis for conservation management and wildlife forensics 10Diploma phaseCreditsApplied conservation genetics and wildlife forensics 20The role of wildlife genetics in global conservation challenges 20Masters phaseCreditsDissertation*60 *must be written within a 12-month period Option courses Elective coursesDiploma phaseCreditsQuality management in wildlife forensic science 10Reporting forensic evidence 10Population genetics for conservation breeding 10Conservation genetics for reintroductions, translocations and population monitoring 10 Individual coursesPostgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev) is the study of individual courses from within a degree programme.It is aimed at working professionals who want to upskill in a specific area but do not want to commit to a postgraduate qualification. You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses from within this degree over two years. Credits can also be put towards further study, however any time spent taking courses will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award. Individual courses available within this programme Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Part-time intermittent study PgProfDev Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years) (2025-2026) MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (6 years) (2025-2026) PgCert (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years) (2025-2026) PgDip (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (4 years) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Disclaimer Course availability is dependent on the number of students, and availability of places on non-programme owned courses. We cannot guarantee that all courses will be available to all students each year. Teaching and assessment Teaching Courses are taught and completed entirely online. The varied teaching may include:online lecturestutorialsspecialist external lecturesgroup discussionscase studiesproblem-based learning scenariosliterature-based researchquizzes Learning outcomes By the end of the programme you will be able to:demonstrate a critical understanding of practical and ethical issues relating to the application of conservation genetics and wildlife forensicsplan, apply and interpret the outputs of appropriate research and forensic techniquesanalyse complex issues, and identify solutions, relating to challenges within conservation managementcommunicate relevant scientific concepts and results to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge and expertisemanage complex wildlife conservation and law enforcement issuesmake, or contribute to, informed judgements to address current challenges in conservation management.Beyond gaining factual knowledge of the immediate subject matter, programme participation is designed to achieve a series of key learning outcomes.The programme aims to give you the ability to:carry out independent researchproduce reports to a professional standardbe competent in constructing logically sound arguments. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Our academic staff Programme staff all actively work in applied conservation science alongside their academic posts and include members of the:IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist GroupSociety for Wildlife Forensic ScienceUN, US and UK wildlife forensic advisory groups Online learning How online learning works This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resourcesinteract with your tutors and classmates An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online. Time commitment This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world. If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you. Typically, you will need to dedicate around 20 hours per week to your programme, although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due. See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment Equipment and software needs To study this online programme, you will need access to: a computer or laptop the internet the latest version of a web browser As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. IT support is available if you have technical difficulties. IT and computing help Support for online students Student support for online students is given as much emphasis as for our on-campus learners. The learning technology is fully interactive and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.A dedicated e-Learning team ensures the programme runs smoothly and the programme is supported by an experienced team of academics and administrative staff. Each student is provided with a student adviser. As an online student, you will have access to a range of support services throughout your time at university if you need them.These support services include:academic support servicesebooks and ejournals within the librarythe disability and learning support serviceEnglish language supportskills development courses on LinkedIn Learningemail-based sessions delivered by the Counselling Servicesupport for students who are parents Careers and further study Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Graduate profiles When I applied for the MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics programme at the University of Edinburgh, I had a list of personal requirements. Namely, a master’s programme that would consolidate my background in biological sciences, but also facilitate my career progression in wildlife forensics. I was also looking for a top-ranking institution to attend and a different learning environment from that which I attained my undergraduate degree. Finally, I wanted all this while being able to keep my job or travel the world, during the 3-year period that I would be able to complete it.I am happy to say that I have had all these requirements met with the programme. My experience so far has been better than I anticipated. I have been supported by the faculty through my studies, as though physically on campus.The programme lectures are conducted by conservation genetics and wildlife forensics experts; comprised of the full-time faculty and visiting lecturers. This has widened my professional network to include some of the top researchers and practitioners in the field.I recommend the programme to anyone who is looking to work in conservation genetics, wildlife crime prevention and /or wildlife DNA forensics. They will have the benefit of the highest standard of learning and a network of conservation giants.Bwalya Chibwe, previous MSc ACGWF student, Zambia The MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics provides a perfect opportunity to acquire up to date knowledge on conservation genetics whilst remaining at work and with family. The programme helps to inform my everyday work as a forest manager. At the same time, its interactive nature allows me to contribute to the programme with my experience and knowledge. This creates a stimulating and motivating learning environment.Cordula Walderdoff, previous MSc ACGWF student, Austria 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 strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 14 September 2026 21 August 2026 We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it. 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: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. You must submit one reference with your application. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -PgProfDev Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years)MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (6 years)PgCert (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (2 years)PgDip (ICL) Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (4 years)MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (3 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Contact Academic contact Silvia Perez-Espona Programme Director Contact details Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
