Program Overview

Animal Behaviour (MSc) 2025 entry

Overview

Gain an intellectual and practical overview of modern animal behaviour taught by leading researchers.

Key Details

• Application deadline: Friday 25 July 2025
• Starts: September 2025
• Duration: One year full time
• School: School of Biology

Fees

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £29,990

Why Study This Course?

The programme has a distinct focus on the theoretical, experimental design-based, analytical and technical approaches underpinning modern animal behaviour research.

Highlights

• The programme is taught within the School of Biology’s Centre for Biological Diversity, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for animal behaviour research.
• A core curriculum focused on training in valuable transferable skills is supplemented with a range of specialised options allowing students to explore topics of particular interest at an advanced level.
• You will have the exciting opportunity to conduct fieldwork locally as part of a core module and further afield as part of optional field courses (extra cost applicable).
• You will undertake a detailed independent research project within one of the School of Biology’s research groups.
• Student-led seminars and workshops are designed to support learning, enhance confidence and promote employability.

Teaching

• Delivered through lectures, seminars, debates, workshops, and tutorials.
• Class sizes range from 5 to around 40 students.

Assessment

• A mix of coursework and exams.
• A written dissertation and presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference.

Modules

• Compulsory:
  • Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Biologists
  • Research Skills for Animal Behaviour
  • Communication Skills for Animal Behaviour Research
• Optional:
  • 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.

What It Will Lead To

• Careers: This programme will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies or pursue careers in animal behaviour.
• Further Your Education: Many MSc graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.

Why St Andrews?

• Students 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.
• Specialist optional modules in topical areas of research also further develop your professional communication skills.

Entry Requirements

• A first or 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree in a biological science.
• Evidence of training in advanced mathematics and statistics.
• Very good baseline IT skills including word-processing, spreadsheet use, email and internet.
• English language proficiency.

Application Requirements

• CV
• Completed supplementary Animal Behaviour MSc - supplementary - 2025
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

Scholarships and Funding

• Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarship
• St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)