MSc (Research) Systems Biology at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Systems biology takes an integrative, multi-level approach to understanding how living organisms work, with close links to the polyomics facility and its post-genomic technologies. Supervisors have links with the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries and international collaborations.

Faculty: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Individually tailored, largely basic-science projects using biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, polyomics, bioinformatics, structural biology and imaging. Areas include the plant circadian clock, Drosophila tissue function, recombinant protein expression, mitochondrial stress responses and analysis of large omics datasets.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree with a significant component in Life Science, Biomedical Science or Physical Science. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificate(s), CV, MVLS cover letter and two references. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests from 21 January 2026, PTE Academic test centre 70 overall with component minimums; other tests accepted); tests must be within 2 years 5 months of the start date.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK fee for 2026/27 as stated; 2027/28 UK fee to be confirmed; part-time is half the full-time fee Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). International & EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time is half the full-time fee; bench fees not included Source

Intake: September

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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