Marine Mammal Science MSc

Program Overview

Marine Mammal Science (MSc) 2025 entry

The MSc in Marine Mammal Science prepares students for professional careers in the research and conservation of marine mammals. It is the only research-focused MSc degree in this popular subject worldwide, and is taught by leading experts at the Sea Mammal Research Unit and the Scottish Oceans Institute.

Overview

• Start date: September 2025
• End date: September 2026
• Duration: One year full time
• School: School of Biology

Entry Requirements

• A first or 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree or equivalent in a biological science. Other scientific, engineering or mathematics degrees may be acceptable.
• 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 proficiency.

Application Requirements

• CV
• Completed Marine Mammal Science MSc application form supplement 2025 (Word)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Course Details

The MSc in Marine Mammal Science is a one-year taught programme run by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), the only UK institution dedicated exclusively to marine mammal research. The MSc further draws on the quantitative and diverse academic expertise within the University's Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI).

Highlights

• Although focused on marine mammals, this programme also covers advanced topics in quantitative marine ecology and animal behaviour.
• Modules include intense training in quantitative techniques (for example, statistical modelling and GIS) and applied research methods, including a Scotland-based field course to practice survey techniques (at no additional cost).
• You might have the exciting opportunity to experience fieldwork locally as part of a core module and further afield as part of optional field courses (extra cost applicable) including on our Polar Ecology module.
• The core curriculum is complemented by advanced optional modules in topical research areas of biologging, bioacoustics, behaviour and cognition, and population biology.
• Stimulating, small class sizes with a focus on student-led, experiential learning.

Modules

• Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals: explores human and marine mammal interactions.
• Principles of Marine Mammal Biology: introduces the zoogeography of marine mammals and the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have enabled this diverse group to successfully colonise all of the world's oceans and some freshwater systems.
• Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Biologists: applies mathematical ideas to questions in biology and introduces methods for fitting models to biological data mainly using R software.

Students choose three optional modules in Semester 2. Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of five participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students.

• Advanced Bioacoustics for Marine Mammal Science: theoretical and practical application of techniques used to study marine acoustics.
• Current Issues in Biologging: presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags.
• Current Issues in Marine Mammal Behaviour: current views and recent advances in the study of marine mammal social behaviour and cognition.
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.
• Population Biology: covers the essentials of population dynamics and population modelling including population genetics, trophic interactions and spatial dynamics.
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems – Antarctica: theoretical and practical field course including a vessel-based trip to Antarctica (requires payment of an expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow).

Teaching

• Teaching format: lectures, seminars, debates, workshops, tutorials
• Support: small class sizes with a focus on student-led, experiential learning

Fees

• Home: £12,030
• Overseas: £29,990

After Your Degree

Careers

Graduates of the course have gone on to complete PhDs or work as research scientists for government agencies, industry, environmental consultancies or marine conservation organisations as well as in academic institutions worldwide.

Careers

• Research scientists for government agencies, industry, environmental consultancies or marine conservation organisations
• Academic institutions worldwide

Further Study

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 have the opportunity to undertake a research degree in their chosen subject area where research interests span the breadth of biological science.