Evolutionary Analysis PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)
We address a broad range of fundamental and applied evolutionary problems via the identification and analysis of genetic and phenotypic variability underlying biodiversity at all taxonomic levels, from viruses to vertebrates.
- PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time;
- MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;
- IPhD: 5 years full-time;
Research projects
Integrated PhD (October-April)
Our Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format. There are two options when choosing to apply for the IPhD and these are shown below. Please review how to apply section for more information.
Option A: Choose from the listed projects.
You can select from the listed projects below and choose your MSc from the options listed on that project.
Evolution of ecological and species diversity in freshwater fishes (available as IPhD)
Option B: Create your own research proposal
You can create your own project, source a supervisor and they will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research proposal.
Create your own PhD proposal
Overview
Within evolutionary analysis, our specific areas of interest include the basis of adaptation to changing biotic and abiotic environments, the process and underlying mechanisms of speciation, the role of mating systems, host-parasite interactions, and the linkage among ecological and evolutionary processes. Frequently, this work requires the integration of genetic information with other types of data (e.g. phenotypic, geographic, demographic); developing novel bioinformatic tools and approaches to achieve this integration therefore represents another research focus.
Due to evolutionary principles being fundamental to all aspects of biology, our research activities are naturally linked with those of other research themes within the institute and throughout the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, with particular ties to the Glasgow Polyomics Facility, the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE), and the Centre for Virus Research.
Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within the institutes. A variety of approaches are used, including ecology, epidemiology, mathematical, computational and statistical modelling, bioinformatics, parasitology, immunology and polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics). Basic and applied science projects are available for study, as are field-based projects with research programs underway in both the UK and overseas.
Specific areas of interest include:
- host/parasite interactions and coevolution
- evolutionary arms races between parasitic trypanosomes and their hosts
- molecular ecology and evolution in infectious diseases of wild and domestic animals
- behavioural ecology of fish
- influence of genomic, ecological and environmental factors on emergence of new species
- viral and bacterial population genomics
- antimicrobial and anthelminthic resistance
- evolution of viviparity in animals
- physiology and behavioural ecology of marine and freshwater fishes
- physiology and behavioural ecology of birds in urban and rural environments
- evolutionary implications of daily rhythms, life-cycle timing and seasonal movements
- phylodynamics of multi-host pathogens
- life-history evolution, resource allocation, sexual selection and community ecology
- evolution of resistance
- evolutionary and conservation genetics
- evolutionary developmental biology
- gene family evolution, polyploidy, and mating systems
- interaction between parasites, African trypanosomes and their hosts
- organism response to their environment, both natural and captivity
- attack and Escape Strategies in Aquatic Predator-Prey Interactions
- phyloinformatics, biodiversity informatics, biological data visualisation
- genetic and developmental basis of craniofacial shape in fish
- role of divergent natural selection for determining phenotypes
- phenotypic plasticity
- mathematical, computational and statistical analysis of biological datasets, particularly those of pathogens and vaccines
- ecological genomics and adaptive divergence in animals and plants
Study options
PhD
- Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time
Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.
Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)
Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format.
International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.
Year 1
Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.
Years 2, 3 and 4
PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.
Year 5
Thesis write up.
MSc (Research)
- Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Entry requirements
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.
English language requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
2025/26
- UK: £5,005
- International & EU: £31,800
Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.
Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.
Alumni discount
We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.
Possible additional fees
- Re-submission by a research student £540
- Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
- Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790
Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.
Funding
The IPhD is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding
Support
Resources
We have excellent facilities for lab, field and farm-based research. This includes aquaria, aviaries, insectaries and labs for conducting analyses in:
- bioinformatics
- cellular physiology
- developmental biology
- evolutionary biology
- endocrinology
- molecular ecology
- physiological ecology
We also have:
- a state of the art field research centre on Loch Lomond (SCENE)
- a university farm (Cochno) and research centre North of Glasgow
- excellent computing facilities
- a vibrant and supportive community of researchers
- access to additional specialist facilities through our wide network of collaborators in NGOs, communities, government agencies and research institutes worldwide.
Graduate School
The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.
Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:
- provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
- training in essential research and generic skills
- excellence in supervision and mentoring
- interactive discussion groups and seminars
- an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
- synergy between research groups and areas
- extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
- extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK
- a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training
Our excellent facilities and dedicated staff will equip you with training complementary to a range of career options, and you can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects that suit your objectives.