Monday 9th June 2025, 2:21pm
A flexible new postgraduate programme designed to tackle global challenges through genetics and data skills will launch in September 2025, supported by a dedicated e-learning team and aimed at training the next generation of experts in a range of industries and academic fields.
The MSc in Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics will provide students with knowledge, critical data and computational skills to improve global food security and drive the shift to sustainable agriculture using genetics, breeding and associated technological advances - key to achieving global resilience and sustainable development.
This online programme will provide the next generation of breeders and geneticists with the skills to design and implement sustainable genetic improvement programmes for key aquacultural and agricultural animal and plant species across global food systems, raw material, heat, and power production..
Led by academics from the Roslin Institute and the Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, this programme will equip graduates with practical, applied statistical and computational skills to manage, analyse and interpret large, real-world data and address context-specific genetic challenges using specialised skills in genetics, data science, and underpinning technologies.
The programme offers great flexibility to students and is accessible for those unable to relocate or study full time. This is a part-time programme which can be paid course by course and has various exit routes, from individual courses, PG Certificate/Diploma to a full MSc over a three to six -year period.
"Our graduates will be equipped to address the shortage of data scientists in the agri-tech sector globally and locally, strengthening the pipeline into industry research and development, academia, governmental and non-governmental organisations amongst others, and will serve as advocates for the importance of coordinated international efforts in tackling global challenges equitably."
Pau Navarro, Programme DirectorActive research in genetics, genomics and breeding on the University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Campus and close links with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), together with a wide network of institutional and industrial partners will bring a valuable breadth of perspectives, experiences and skills, together with the opportunity for graduates to build relationships that will enrich future practice whilst opening up career prospects through the combined study of animals and plants.
Please contact:
Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Genetics and Group Leader
The Roslin Institute and the Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh
Or if you would like more information on applying for this programme, please email the Programme Team.
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian EH25 9RG
