MSc in Statistical Ecology
St Andrews, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
07 Aug 2027
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,880 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* overseas / home: £11,680
Key Summary
About: The University of St Andrews MSc in Statistical Ecology is a one-year taught programme from the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM). You’ll learn modern statistical foundations and methods used in ecology, apply quantitative ecological modelling and data-analysis techniques, and complete supervised projects. Optional placements link theory to field studies; the flexible dissertation can be a report, podcast, webpage, poster, training materials, or short film.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter government environment agencies, industry, consultancies, and wildlife, conservation, and environmental organizations; roles include wildlife manager, data analyst, also ecological modeller.
Learn the modern statistical methods currently used by professionals in ecology, including how to formulate problems, conduct appropriate analyses, and effectively communicate results to a variety of audiences. To balance theory and application, placement opportunities will be available with partner organizations within the UK and abroad.
Course details
The MSc in Statistical Ecology is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
This course aims to give you a sound understanding of the statistical foundations of modern methods in statistical ecology, the skills to use these methods effectively, and experience in applying them to real-world problems, under the supervision of experts, some of whom are leading researchers in this field.
Highlights
- Introduces key concepts and methods in statistical ecology and provides an overview of the field
- Taught by 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
- Core modules in Semester 1 provide a solid statistical foundation for specialist modules later in the course
- Optional placements with collaborators in the UK and abroad as part of a supervised summer research dissertation; connects theoretical training with real field studies and professionals
- Flexible dissertation format, which can include producing a podcast, web page, poster, field report, training materials, or a short film.
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Compulsory
Students typically take the following modules. However, students with adequate statistical training or experience may be exempt from one or both of the first two modules listed below and may take other optional modules instead.
- Introductory Data Analysis: Covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant to commercial analysis.
- Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: Covers the main aspects of linear models and generalized linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment, and tools for diagnosing model faults.
- Software for Data Analysis: Covers the practical computing aspects of statistical data analysis.
- Modeling Wildlife Population Dynamics: Introduces students to methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys.
- Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: Introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.
Optional
As part of their optional choices, all students must take:
- Any statistics-focused module at level 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning MT57 in the module catalogue, or ID5059).
- One additional module at level 3000, 4000, or 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning with MT3, MT4, or MT5 in the module catalog).
Students also have the option to apply to enroll in the following modules offered by the School of Biology:
- Population Biology
- Advanced Bioacoustics for MarineMammal Science
Please note that both Biology modules are only available subject to a cap on numbers with Biology students having priority.
Students who have been exempted from taking one or both 'Introductory Data Analysis’ or 'Applied Statistical Modelling Using GLMs may instead choose other relevant modules in statistics.
All students are recommended to include one of the following two modules in their choices:
- Advanced-Data Analysis
- Multivariate Analysis
Dissertation
During the final three months of the course, MSc students complete a dissertation or a portfolio dissertation to be submitted by the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation.
Some options for placements with organizations within the UK are available to work on a range of real-world problems specified by the organizations. Placements may range from a few visits to the organization to being hosted by the organization for a large part of the dissertation. Students on placements will be co-supervised by scientists at the organization and St Andrews staff. International placements will also be available, with similar supervision arrangements. International placements involve an additional cost.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows 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.
Teaching
Teaching format
The course consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a dissertation undertaken over the summer months.
Modules and course material are taught through:
- Lectures
- One-to-one discussion
- Seminars
- Small group discussion tutorials
Assessment
You may be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the course through:
- Examinations
- Coursework
- Class tests
- Presentations
- Research essays
- Research project.
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Statistical skills are highly valued in ecology and conservation, with modern ecological methods becoming increasingly quantitative. The course is therefore excellent preparation for a career as a scientist in:
- Government environment agencies
- Industry
- Consultancies
- Wildlife, conservation, and environmental organizations
Graduates may also work as wildlife managers, using their analytical skills to better inform management decisions.
Further study
The MSc in Statistical Ecology prepares students for further postgraduate studies in quantitative ecology, conservation, or statistics applied to ecological problems.
The MSc is taught by members of the world-leading 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 worldwide.