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Animal Behaviour at University of St Andrews - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

This MSc programme provides an intellectual and practical overview of modern animal behaviour taught by leading researchers. It covers key topics such as cognition, behavioural ecology and biologging, as well as the latest techniques and research skills used to study these.

Modules

Compulsory: During Semester 1, students take two compulsory modules that provide sound training in essential skills for animal behaviour research.

  • Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Biologists
  • Research Skills for Animal Behaviour
In Semester 2, students take the following compulsory module: 
  • Communication Skills for Animal Behaviour Research
Optional: You will also choose three of the following optional modules:
  • Predators and Prey
  • Advanced Animal Cognition
  • Current Issues in Biologging
  • The Question of Culture in Animals
  • Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour
  • Scientific Diving
  • Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica
Research project: Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects will be supervised by Biology staff but may be carried out with joint supervision from staff in other institutions. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their own project plan.   A broad range of research into animal behaviour, ecology and evolution takes places within the Centre for Biological Diversity, and projects will be offered within many of these areas. 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.

Entry requirements

- 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 University's international entry requirements. - Evidence of training in advanced mathematics and statistics (at least to UK school SQA Higher, GCE AS or A-Level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent). - Very good baseline IT skills including word-processing, spreadsheet use, email and internet.

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

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

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/.
Animal Behaviour at University of St Andrews - UCAS