Mathematical Biology MSc

Program Overview

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Mathematical Biology (MSc) 2025 entry

Overview

Gain in-demand skills in mathematical biology, opening doors to academic research and thriving industries like biotechnology, biomedical, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Starts

September 2025

Duration

One year full time

School

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Fees

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £25,900

Why Study This Course?

There is a growing worldwide demand for students with skills in mathematical biology, both in academic research and in the life sciences industrial sector, including biotechnology, biomedical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical companies.

• Take a course of study tailored to your interests
• Explore modern and relevant ideas in mathematical biology
• Be ready to pursue a PhD and academic career in mathematical biology
• Acquire the qualifications and skills for a career in the biomedical sector

Teaching

A mix of lectures, small group tutorials, and practical computer sessions.

Class Sizes

From 10 to 60 students.

Dissertation

An end-of-course project with ongoing support.

Assessment

A mix of continuous assessment and exams.

Modules

The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.

• Compulsory
  • Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology: explores applications of partial differential equation to real-world biological and medical problems, e.g., cell migration, pattern formation in animal coat markings, spread of infectious diseases, and more.
  • Stochastic Dynamics in Biology: provides an introduction to stochastic mathematical modelling with a focus on applications in biology, such as gene regulation, and the dynamics of cell- or animal populations.
  • Mathematical Oncology: using a wide range of methods and techniques we develop and study mathematical models addressing biomedical questions in cancer growth, metastasis, and treatment.
  • Advanced Computational Techniques: studies several ideas and techniques that underpin modern numerical treatment of processes described by partial differential equations.
• Semester 1 - Optional
  • Students choose two optional modules from this list:
    • 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.
    • Calculus of Variations in Biological Modelling: using variational techniques as a main tool, we develop mathematical models for various biological phenomena including cell migration, protein structure, and limb regeneration.
    • Computational Numerical Analysis: introduces programming for the implementation of mathematical algorithms to solve a wide range of mathematical problems.
    • Introductory Data Analysis: covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant for commercial analysis.
    • 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.
• Semester 2 - Optional
  • Students choose one optional module from this list:
    • Advanced Analytical Techniques: introduces important advanced applied analytic techniques such as variational calculus, integral equations, solutions to differential equations by contour integrals, and the theory of steepest descent.
    • Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.
    • Fluid Dynamics: introduces the theory of incompressible fluid dynamics, with particular attention to conservation laws.
    • Medical Statistics: covers a number of key topics in the field that are important for both methodological development and application.
    • Population Dynamics Models in Mathematical Biology: explores applications of difference and ordinary differential equations mathematics to real-world biological problems e.g., harvesting of fish stocks, host-parasitoid systems, predator-prey dynamics, and more.

Dissertation

MSc students complete a dissertation during the final three months of the course to be submitted near 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.

What It Will Lead To

Careers

The skills obtained during this MSc programme are highly valued for a PhD and further academic career in mathematical biology as well as for a professional research scientist career in the private sector.

These skills are sought after, among others, in advanced Research and Development positions in:

• pharmaceutical companies
• medical devices companies
• life-sciences industry

Elevate Your Career

Graduates from Mathematics and Statistics MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of organisations, including:

• Civil Service
• DEFRA
• King's College London
• World Bank

Further Your Education

Many graduates of the MSc programmes in the School of Mathematics and Statistics continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.

Why St Andrews?

The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active research groups in:

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology
• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics

Events

There are a number of different seminars held each week in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. These include:

• Statistics
  • Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling seminars
  • Statistics seminars
  • National Centre for Statistical Ecology seminar series
• Pure Mathematics
  • Pure Mathematics colloquia
  • Analysis Group seminars
• Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics seminars

Alumni

Whether you join us online or in person, when you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related subject area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
• You must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

Application Requirements

• CV
• personal statement (optional)
• 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. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Fees and Funding

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £25,900

Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts, or other support:

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

Mathematics and Statistics and Biology scholarships