Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology) BSc (Hons)

In this programme, you don't just learn about evolution—you experience it through hands-on lab work, dynamic computing, and real-world field investigation. From your first year, you'll engage with powerful research-grade science tools, expert guidance, and environments that bring evolutionary biology into vivid focus:

A few of the standout resources and experiences you’ll benefit from include:

• State-of-the-art laboratories: Learn in fully equipped laboratories and interactive computing studios, where you’ll explore evolutionary theory through practical experiments, data analysis, and bioinformatics. 

• Collaborative learning spaces: Work in group-focused lecture theatres and tutorial rooms designed to complement your evolution-focused studies with discussions, peer review, and hands-on teamwork. 

• Fieldwork opportunities: Conduct ecological and evolutionary observations through field trips to local environments like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, adding real-system insights to classroom learning. 

• Access to world-class research facilities: While concentrating on evolution, you’ll have indirect access to tools from the School of Biological Sciences—like Edinburgh Genomics, the Light Microscopy Core, and EdinOmics—which enhance your understanding of genetic and structural patterns in evolution. 

• Civic and interdisciplinary context: Located within the King’s Buildings campus, you’ll explore interdisciplinary learning environments and pursue learning adjacent to research institutes and innovation spaces that enrich your evolutionary biology training. 

Graduates often transition into roles such as Evolutionary Biologist, Conservation Scientist, Data Analyst in Bioinformatics, or Science Policy Officer—equipped with robust analytical skills and adaptability. What’s more:

• Dedicated Career Support: Through the School’s Careers Service, you’ll gain access to personalized 1:1 career consultations, CV and interview coaching, alumni networking events, and campus employer fairs—continuing up to two years post-graduation.

• Strong Graduate Outcomes: Biological Sciences graduates commonly find roles across sectors such as lab research, science communication, policy, and management, including placements with organisations like the Scottish Government, NHS, WHO, Roslin Institute, and Charles River Laboratories.

• Interdisciplinary and Industry Links: You study amid a dynamic scientific community at King’s Buildings—with connections to major research institutes, biotech hubs, and policy forums—greatly enhancing your employability and research networks.

• Long-Term Credibility: Coming from a programme where nearly all of the research environment is rated 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF 2021), your degree carries academic prestige and credibility with future employers and institutions.

• Real Graduate Pathways: Alumni success spans sectors—from practical research and fieldwork to policy design, science communication, and strategic roles in management and finance—showcasing the breadth of possible career trajectories.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduating with this honours degree opens numerous exciting routes for advanced study. Many students pursue taught MSc programmes—such as Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity—or progress to PhD research exploring evolutionary genetics or computational phylogenetics. Your training in data-driven analysis, field methods, and independent thinking ensures you are exceptionally well-prepared for postgraduate research or professional science roles.