Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Statistical Ecology (MSc) 2025 entry
Overview
Learn from world-leading experts in St Andrews and beyond to gain modern statistical skills for rewarding careers in science and research.
Application Deadline
Thursday 7 August 2025
Program Details
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?
Working under the supervision of experts and leading researchers in the field, you will gain 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.
- Learn key statistical concepts and methods used in statistical ecology
- Work with staff at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), who have more than two decades of experience developing, applying and teaching methods in statistical ecology
- Gain a solid statistical foundation before taking specialist modules later in the course
- Have the option of a placement with partners in the UK and abroad as part of a supervised summer research dissertation
- Choose from flexible dissertation formats, which can include producing a podcast, web page, field report, training materials, or a short film
Teaching
A mix of lectures, one-to-one discussion, seminars and small group tutorials.
Class Sizes
Typically from 15 to 50 students.
Dissertation
Flexible formats suited to your strengths or interests.
Assessment
A mix of exams, coursework, tests, presentations, research essays and a research project.
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
- Introductory Data Analysis: covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods. Students with adequate statistical training or experience may be exempt and can take other optional modules instead.
- Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: covers the main aspects of linear models.
- Software for Data Analysis: covers the essentials of practical computing for statistical analysis.
- Modelling Wildlife Population Dynamics: introduces methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and for fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys.
- Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations and the statistical models used to analyse this data.
- Optional
- Any statistics-focused module at level 5000 in the School: MT57xx module codes in the module catalogue, or ID5059
- One additional module at level 3000, 4000, or 5000 in the School: MT3xxx, MT4xxx or MT5xxx module codes in the module catalogue
What It Will Lead To
Careers
Statistical skills are highly valued in ecology and conservation. The course is excellent preparation for a career as a scientist in:
- government environment agencies
- industry
- consultancies
- wildlife, conservation, and environmental organisations
Further Your Education
The MSc is taught by members of the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), and graduates may continue their education by enrolling for a PhD within CREEM or within statistics, biology, wildlife, ecology, or conservation departments in St Andrews or worldwide.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active research groups in:
- Applied Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
- Statistics
Entry Requirements
- A 2:1 undergraduate Honours degree in a STEM subject or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrable interest or experience in statistical data analysis in an academic or professional setting.
- English language proficiency.
Application Requirements
- A one-page personal statement directly addressing entry requirements and including relevance of previous degree or experience along with details of your interests in statistical analysis
- A CV with a history of your education and employment to date
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two original signed academic or professional references, ideally one academic reference, and a professional reference if experience is to be considered
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.
Fees and Funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
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)
Curriculum Development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition Fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including: