Plant Science

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Our Plant Science research covers topics such as plant-environment interactions, cell signalling, cell and membrane biology, protein structure and function, gene regulation, synthetic biology, systems biology and translational biology.

Plant Science at Glasgow is focused on fostering education and training in research to develop sustainable agriculture in an era of global climate change. Our research is centred on exploring how plants respond to their environment to regulate nutrition, water homeostasis, metabolism and various aspects of plant development. Our goal is to apply the knowledge gained from our research to address key issues affecting food security, crop science and technology. Plant Science at Glasgow adopts a multidisciplinary approach within the School of Molecular Biosciences that covers topics such as plant-environment interactions, cell signalling, cell and membrane biology, protein structure and function, gene regulation, synthetic biology, systems biology and translational biology.

Projects are typically related to basic science and integrate with our existing research themes, while other projects are focused on translational aspects of our research. A variety of multidisciplinary research approaches are applied within this research programme, including biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, biophysics, structural biology, systems biology, polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics and synthetic biology, as well as cellular imaging of biological functions. Specific areas of interest include:

• control of gene expression
• epigenetics and crop improvement
• temperature sensing
• plant mineral nutrition
• protein structure and function
• responses to salinity and drought
• light regulation of plant growth and development
• UV-B perception and signalling
• nuclear organisation and function
• stomatal function and water use efficiency
• ion channel function and membrane transport
• plant-virus interactions and pest resistance
• protein engineering and application
• synthetic manipulation of plant responses

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 graduates become postdoctoral research associates while others go on to take up positions within industry either locally (e.g. BioOutsource) or overseas (e.g. BASF). We have strong academic connections with many international collaborators in universities and research institutes. Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary & 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 your scientific knowledge and skill set.

Information for international students

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

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• 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.

Fees and funding

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.

Fee status and policies

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 a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. 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.

• BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships
• External funding information