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Statistical Ecology at University of St Andrews - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Learn the modern statistical methods currently used by professionals in ecology, including how to formulate problems, conduct appropriate analyses and effectively communicate results to a variety of audiences. To balance theory and application, placement opportunities will be available with partner organisations within the UK and abroad. The PGDip/MSc in Statistical Ecology is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics.  This course aims to give you a sound understanding of the statistical foundations of modern methods in statistical ecology, the skills to use these methods effectively, and experience of applying them to real-world problems, under the supervision of experts, some of whom are leading researchers in this field. Highlights

  • Introduces key concepts and methods in statistical ecology and provides an overview of the field.
  • Taught by staff at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), who have more than two decades’ experience developing, applying and teaching methods in statistical ecology.
  • Core modules in Semester 1 provide a solid statistical foundation for specialist modules later in the course.
  • Optional placements with collaborators in the UK and abroad as part of a supervised summer research dissertation; connects theoretical training with real field studies and professionals.
  • Flexible dissertation format, which can include producing a podcast, web page, poster, field report, training materials, or a short film.

Modules

Compulsory Students typically take the following modules. However, students with adequate statistical training or experience may be exempt from one or both of the first two modules listed below and may take other optional modules instead. 

  • Computing in Statistics: teaches computer programming skills, including principles of good programming practice, with an emphasis on statistical computing.
  • Introductory Data Analysis: covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant for commercial analysis.
  • Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: covers the main aspects of linear models and generalised linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment and tools for diagnosing model faults.
  • Modelling Wildlife Population Dynamics: introduces students to methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and of fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys.
  • Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.
Optional Modules As part of their optional choices, all students must take:
  • Any statistics-focused module at level 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning MT57 in the module catalogue, or ID5059).
  • One additional module at level 3000, 4000, or 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning with MT3, MT4 or MT5 in the module catalogue).
Students who have been exempted from taking one or both of 'Introductory Data Analysis’ or 'Applied Statistical Modelling Using GLMs' may instead choose other relevant modules in statistics. All students are recommended to include one of the following two modules in their choices:
  • Advanced Data Analysis
  • Multivariate Analysis
Dissertation During the final three months of the course, MSc students complete a dissertation or a portfolio dissertation to be submitted by the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation. A number of options for placements with organisations within the UK are available to work on a range of real-world problems specified by the organisations. Placements may range from a few visits to the organisation, to being hosted by the organisation for a large part of the dissertation. Students on placements will be co-supervised by scientists at the organisation and St Andrews staff. International placements will also be available, with similar supervision arrangements. International placements involve an additional cost. If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows 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.

Assessment method

You may be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the course through:

  • examinations
  • coursework
  • class tests
  • presentations
  • research essays
- research project.

Entry requirements

A good 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biological sciences, ecology, mathematics, statistics, environmental science or computer science) or a 2.2 in a relevant discipline and equivalent work experience (for example, at least 12 months working in a relevant field).

English language requirements

For the current English Language requirements please visit the English language requirements for postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews website.

English language requirements for postgraduate students

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/postgraduate/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For the most current information on course fees please visit https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/taught/.

Sponsorship information

Recent Graduate Discount: The University of St Andrews offers a 10 percent reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme. Further details on awards are available from our Fees and Funding webpages: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/scholarships/taught/

Statistical Ecology at University of St Andrews - UCAS