Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
- Start date
- September
Funding has been received to develop facilities for pursuing research in the molecular biology and genetic engineering of cereal plants.
This includes tissue culture facilities, a ‘gene-gun' for genetically transforming plant cells, and plant growth rooms. Our focus is on fundamental and applied aspects of cereals and Arabidopsis with principal interests in molecular signalling systems and the biochemistry of germination in barley. While we are currently introducing useful genes into barley plants, our main intentions are to use modern transgenic methods to understand the physiology of cereals rather than to prepare ‘genetically engineered' foods.
More traditional research on cereals involves the malting of barley with particular reference to the composition of starches from different barley genotypes; studies on the maltase isoenzymes in barley; the conversion of wheat starch to fermentable sugars for the production of grain whisky; and the role of metabolic pathways involved in energy production, particularly those within the mitochondria, in dormancy.
Research projects
Read more about our research activity
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
Get in touch with the School via the form below to discuss.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.
Funding information
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 |
| International | £26,296 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
