This MSc programme provides an intellectual and practical overview of modern animal behaviour research taught by leaders in their fields. It offers a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies or pursuing a research-focused career.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
One year full time
A first or upper 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree in a biological science. Other science or mathematics degrees may be acceptable. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
Evidence of training in advanced mathematics and statistics (at least to UK school AS/A-level, Higher, International Baccalaureate or equivalent).
Very good baseline IT skills including word-processing, spreadsheet use, email and internet.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications. If you require a visa to study, see visas information.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £9,000
Overseas: £21,990
Monday 12 August 2019. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes. However, please note that Animal Behaviour applicants should not submit a cover letter, CV or writing sample with their applications.
The MSc in Animal Behaviour is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Biology.
The course consists of two taught semesters followed by an independent research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation and poster presentation. The research project takes place during the entire year with particular focus during the last three months from June to August.
Semester 1 will focus on research skills. Students will receive training in statistical analysis and data handling, experimental design and conducting animal behaviour research in the laboratory and in the field, including a residential field trip.
During Semester 2, students will select specialist optional modules in topical areas of research and also further develop their professional communication skills. The latter involves writing and peer reviewing scientific articles. It also involves outreach and presenting science to the public, including material to be exhibited in the University’s Bell Pettigrew Museum.
The modular curriculum is designed to be coherent, providing integrated, hands-on training that will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies (for example, PhD) or for those choosing to pursue research-focused careers.
Teaching takes the form of:
Practicals involve lab and field work and computer-based data analysis.
Class sizes range from 5 to 30 students, depending on the module. There is a strong focus on small-group teaching so that students are individually supported and can ask for help when it is needed.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.
During Semester 1, students take two compulsory modules that provide sound training in essential skills for animal behaviour research.
In Semester 2, students take the following compulsory module:
You will also choose three of the following optional modules:
Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a 15,000-word dissertation and the presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Students can choose from a range of projects and are expected to take an active role in designing their own project plan.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
After successful completion of the taught Masters component in Animal Behaviour, students can change from the MSc degree route to a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree, which requires a further year of dedicated research.
Many MSc graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere. PhD students at the School of Biology at St Andrews can undertake a research degree in their chosen subject area where research interests span the breadth of biological science.
PhD studentships are offered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
This programme will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies (for example, MPhil or PhD) or those choosing to pursue careers in animal behaviour.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course, and together with the Centre for Academic, Professional and Organisational Development (CAPOD), offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
General inquiries
Biology postgraduate taught secretaries (Katrina Gatherum and Louise Docherty)
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3441
Email: pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
Course organiser
Dr Mike Webster
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 1690
Email: pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).
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