Postgraduate research 

Molecular Genetics PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)

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Our research lies at the interface of organismal, functional and systems biology. Our principal investigators are internationally-recognised for their research on insect functional genomics, mechanism and application of DNA-rearranging enzymes, the translational genetics of myotonic dystrophy and related unstable DNA disorders and systems biology including ‘omics analysis and computational frameworks.

  • 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

IPhD self-funded projects (November-April)

Our Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format.
You can select from the below projects and indentify your chosen MSc from the options listed on the project.

Please note that you can apply for the below PhD projects outwith the IPhD route.

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The role of peripheral glial cytoplasmic mRNA localisation regulating synaptic plasticity of adjacent neurones in health and disease

MSc choicesBioinformatics

SupervisorIlan Davis

Project description: Synaptic plasticity is the key molecular process that regulates memory and learning. Plasticity requires mRNA localisation and translational regulation at the periphery of glial and neuronal cytoplasmic projections, where new proteins have to be synthesised rapidly in response to locale signals and electrical stimulation. We have recently uncovered numerous new localised glial mRNAs transcripts that encode many kinds of molecular processes from cytoskeletal regulation to membrane trafficking and translational regulation. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals that these localised transcripts have a high statistical association with a number of important neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These findings suggest an exciting hypothesis that will be tested by the proposed PhD project.

Namely, that many synaptic plasticity defects associated with these devastated diseases, assumed to be neuronal in origin, may in fact originate from molecular localisation defects in glia that contact the synapses. The project will use precision genetics methods in the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction, a well establish model system for uncovering the basic molecular mechanisms that go wrong in human neurodegenerative diseases, on account of the high degree of conservation of the underlying molecular machinery. We will interfere with gene function in specific glial subtypes or motor-neurones and compare their phenotypic outcome in relation to diseases using super resolution microscopy and single molecule imaging. Later in the PhD we will map the transacting proteins and signals required for localising the more interesting of these mRNAs and relate these molecular mechanisms to known aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.

Techniques: Molecular and cellular genetics. Advanced microscopy methods such as super-resolution and single molecule imaging. RNA biochemistry. RNA Bioinformatics. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation and Spatial Biology

References:

  1. Lee JY, Gala DS, Kiourlappou M, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO & Davis I. (2024). Mammalian glial protrusion transcriptomes predict localization of Drosophila glial transcripts required for synaptic plasticity. Journal of Cell Biology, under revision. DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.30.518536
  2. Titlow JS, et al, & Davis I. (2023). Systematic analysis of YFP traps reveals common mRNA/protein discordance in neural tissues. Journal of Cell Biology 5: 222. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202205129
  3. Titlow J, Robertson F, Järvelin A, Ish-Horowicz D, Smith C, Gratton E, Davis I. (2020). Syncrip/hnRNPQ is required for activity-induced Msp300/Nesprin expression and new synapse formation. Journal of Cell Biology, 219, 1-17. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201903135
  4. Gala DS, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO, Davis I. (2023) Far from home: the role of glial mRNA localization in synaptic plasticity. RNA 29:153-169. DOI: 10.1261/rna.079422.122

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Overview

Our staff have leading expertise and funding in human and model organism research including Drososophila melanogaster and microbes; as well as ‘omics - genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. They utilise a multi-disciplinary approach within the School of Molecular Biosciences with core links to Glasgow Polyomics; and have good external links with industry. Research in molecular genetics has strong alignment with the broad areas of agriculture and food security; bioscience for health; and industrial biotechnology and bioenergy.

Research topics are allied to ongoing research within the School. Projects can be related to either fundamental or translational science including clinical science and sustainable agriculture. Multi-disciplinary research approaches applied within the molecular genetics research programme include molecular genetics (human, Drosophila and microbial genetics), biochemistry, molecular biology, systems biology, ‘omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics and synthetic biology, as well as cellular imaging of biological functions using advanced technology. Specific areas of interest include:

  • modelling kidney disease in Drosophila
  • insect neuropeptides and GPCRs
  • ‘omics and network modelling in Drosophila
  • designer recombinases for genome engineering
  • DNA rearrangements for Synthetic Biology
  • topoisomerases and DNA topology
  • mutational dynamics of unstable DNA in human disease
  • new approaches to transcriptomic data analysis
  • computational frameworks for omics data integration

Our PhD programme provides excellent training in cutting edge technologies that will be applicable to career prospects in both academia and industry. Many of our PhD graduates go on to research positions in academia, as well as to industry, and to policy and government organisations.

We have strong research connections with international collaborators. Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing the scientific knowledge and skill set of our PhD students.

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

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

  • 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18;Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

  • Oxford ELLT 7
  • R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
  • W&S: OIDI level no less than 6

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

Fees and funding

Fees

2024/25

  • UK: £4,786
  • International & EU: £30,240

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

The College of Medical, Veterinary and 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

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search.

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

  1. Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  2. Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document
  3. Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional [except iPhD applicants, where only one academic or professional reference is required]. References may be uploaded as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to rio-researchadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk, from the referee’s university or business email account.
  4. Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area. iPhD applicants do not need to submit any of these as you will start your programme by choosing a masters.
  5. Completed College of MVLS Postgraduate Research Cover Letter

Notes for iPhD applicants

  • add 'I wish to study the MSc in (select MSc from IPhD project choices) as the masters taught component of the IPhD' in the research proposal box
  • For supervisor name, please ensure you write the named supervisors from your chosen IPhD project.
Apply now

Contact us

Before you apply

PhD/MSc/MD: email mvls-gradschool@glasgow.ac.uk

iPhD: email mvls-iphd@glasgow.ac.uk

After you have submitted your application

PhD/MSc/MD/iPhD: contact our Admissions team

Any references may be submitted by email to: rio-researchadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk