Program Overview

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About this course

Discover mechanisms of evolution, and its impact on modern life, on this Master’s course at the University of Southampton.

You'll learn core skills in research, design, and project management as you conduct your own innovative research on evolution. You’ll be able to work with subject area experts, ranging from biology to computing to philosophy. Together, you’ll explore how we reconstruct the history of organisms, test evolutionary theories, and use evolution to inspire technology.

From an evolutionary perspective, you’ll better understand how organisms are built, function, and interact with the world. You’ll work closely with academics across the University while developing knowledge and transferrable skills in your chosen specialism.

As an MRes student, you’ll dedicate significant time to your research project and less to the classroom.

Through classes and research, you'll form your own perspective on how evolutionary methods contribute to modern interdisciplinary science. You'll investigate subject areas such as:

• biological sciences
• archaeology
• computer sciences
• engineering
• maths
• medicine
• ocean and Earth sciences

Besides gaining a firm foundation in evolutionary biology, you’ll learn about new methods, current global challenges, and the latest research topics. These include:

• evolutionary medicine
• evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo)
• bioengineering
• computational evolution
• the philosophy of science
• crop evolution
• phylogenetic analysis

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree.

We may also consider 2:2 degrees when discussed with the course lead.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

Course structure

On this full-time Master’s course, you’ll study for 12 months.

You’ll work on an extended research project throughout the year and submit your dissertation in August.

You’ll also study the taught part of the course from September to May (semesters 1 and 2). This comprises 2 compulsory modules and a module you’ll select from a list of options.

Modules

• MRes Evolution: From the Galapagos to the 21st Century Project
• Reviewing Evolution from the Galapagos to the 21st Century
• Topics in Evolution: from the Galapagos to the 21st Century

You’ll also choose one of the following modules:

• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Cancer Chromosome Biology
• Computational methods in biomedical engineering design
• Contexts for Human Origins Research
• Ecology of human evolution: biological, social and cultural approaches to hominin adaptations
• Evolution and Genetics
• Evolution of Complexity
• Modelling with Differential Equations
• Philosophy Individually Negotiated Topic 1
• Skills in Biological Optical Imaging
• Skills in Molecular Bioscience
• Skills in Structural Biology
• Structure and Dynamics of Networks
• The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course depend on your module choices, but they will likely include:

• lectures
• workshops
• coursework
• an extended research project

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• projects (depending on module choice)
• presentations
• written exams (depending on module choice)
• a dissertation

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Problem solving

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Forestry Commission
• BBC
• Wildlife charities
• museums
• schools
• colleges

Careers directly related to this course:

• Evolutionary biologist
• Conservation scientist
• Researcher
• Wildlife biologist
• Geneticist
• Curator
• Environmental consultant
• Ecologist

Wider career opportunities:

• Science writer
• University lecturer
• Museum director
• Environmentalist
• Public relations officer
• Archivist

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Alumni are eligible for a 10% discount. This includes former study abroad and exchange students.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250
• EU and international students pay £26,700

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.