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, including animal cognition, cultural evolution, biologging and the study of complex systems.
- 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) on our Antarctica Polar Ecology module.
- 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
Groups range from 5 to around 40 students.
Research project
A written dissertation and presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference.
Assessment
Coursework, including research reports, presentations, critical reviews and other forms of assessment.
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.
Students take two compulsory modules in Semester 1 that provide sound training in essential skills for animal behaviour research. You will also take one compulsory module in Semester 2, and three optional modules of your choice across the academic year.
Some optional modules require a minimum number of participants and may only allow a limited numbers of students. Not all optional modules are available in each semester and some modules are subject to pre-requisites. Read the University's position on curriculum development for more information.
If you 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 (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Communication Skills for Animal Behaviour Research: practices key communication skills for modern animal behaviour research, including writing for other scientists, peer review, communicating with the public and outreach.
- Developing as an animal Behaviour Researcher: This module is aimed at students on the MSc course in Animal Behaviour,but will also be of interest to final year undergraduates. It aims to offer skills and training for transitioning into being an active researcher in the field of animal behaviour.
- 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.
- Research Skills for Animal Behaviour: focuses on key skills for designing and carrying out experimental research in the laboratory and field.
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- Advanced Topics in Evolution: This module reviews contemporary papers in Evolutionary Biology that are published in the leading scientific journals over the course of the semester.
- Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour: examine animal behaviour from a complex systems’ perspective, where analyses range from captive housing of entire bird flocks, computer simulation, and use of robots to interact with the animals.
- Current Issues in Biologging: presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags.
- 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).
- Predators and Prey: explore the diverse behaviours that shape the interactions between predators and their prey.
- The Question of Culture in Animals: discuss the existence and extent of social learning and cultural transmission in non-humans.
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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.
A broad range of research into animal behaviour, ecology and evolution takes places within the Centre for Biological Diversity, and projects will be offered within many of these areas. Below are examples of some of the different topics currently studied within the Centre.
- animal cognition in the wild
- animal cultures
- behaviour and speciation in insects
- behaviour of groups and collective behaviour
- behavioural ecology and conservation ecology of birds
- complex biological systems
- evolutionary developmental biology
- fish behaviour and evolution
- insect behavioural ecology and evolution
- social learning
What it will lead to
Careers
This programme will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies, for example MPhil or PhD, or those choosing to pursue careers in animal behaviour.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Further your education
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 can undertake a research degree in their chosen subject area where research interests span the breadth of biological science.
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.
Specialist optional modules in topical areas of research also further develop your professional communication skills.
The modular curriculum provides hands-on training and a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies (for example, PhD) or for those choosing to pursue research-focused careers.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
“St Andrews offers a world class MSc Animal Behaviour course, in which you are taught by pre-eminent researchers in the field of behavioural ecology. I have been inspired to continue to study animal behaviour during my PhD.”
- West Midlands, England
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A first or 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree in a biological science. Other science or mathematics degrees may be acceptable.
- Evidence of 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.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV
- completed Research Skills Section (Word)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
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:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
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.
Page last updated: 28 July 2026