Animal Behaviour (MSc)

University of St Andrews

This MSc programme provides an intellectual and practical overview of modern animal behaviour research taught by leaders in their fields. It prepares students for conducting research into animal behaviour, covering key topics such as cognition, behavioural ecology and movement ecology, as well as the latest techniques used to study these. The MSc in Animal Behaviour is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Biology. This programme has a distinct focus on the theoretical, experimental design-based, analytical and technical approaches underpinning modern animal behaviour research. The programme is taught within the School of Biology’s Centre for Biological Diversity, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for animal behaviour research. Staff who teach this programme are renowned researchers in areas of animal cognition, cultural evolution, biologging and the study of complex behavioural 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 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) in Antarctica (polar ecology) or Indonesia (scientific diving). You will undertake a detailed independent research project within one of the School of Biology’s research groups. Wherever possible, you will choose which laboratory you wish to complete your project in. Student-led seminars and workshops are designed to support learning, enhance confidence and promote employability.Course duration - One year full time