Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
At the forefront of mathematical biology research, Heriot-Watt University boasts distinguished researchers, including Jonathan Sherratt, Mariya Ptashnyk, Damian Clancy, Andy White and Kevin Painter, pushing boundaries in this challenging field.
Our postgraduate programme in Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine provides comprehensive training in mathematical analysis and modelling techniques to address complex challenges in the life sciences. On this programme you will engage with high-level courses designed by experts to offer the latest knowledge and skills to analyse biological systems through mathematical and data-driven methods.
The highlight of the programme is a summer research project tackling cutting-edge topics aligned with our expertise in areas such as,
- wound healing
- pattern formation
- epidemics
- cancer research
- semi-arid ecosystems
Your student experience
Our MSc programme unites an academic team whose research and teaching covers a wide range of interconnected topics within mathematical biology, ecology, and medicine. These topics include:
- Mathematical Ecology: Leaders in the field of ecological modelling, exploring the complex dynamics of ecosystems and species interactions.
- Computational Tools and Modelling: Applying advanced computational techniques to model biological and ecological systems, uncovering insights into intricate processes.
- Mathematical Biology and Medicine: Innovative approaches to understand disease dynamics, population biology, and mathematical foundations of medical research.
- Data Assimilation: Experts in assimilating data into mathematical models to improve forecasting and understanding of biological and ecological systems.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- Mathematical Ecology
- Modelling and Simulation in the Life Sciences
- Modelling and Tools
Optional September
- Optimisation
- Numerical ODEs
- Statistical Machine Learning
- Statistical Methods
Mandatory January
- Mathematical Biology and Medicine
- Data Assimilation
Optional January
- Partial Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
- Stochastic Simulation
- Bayesian Inference & Computational Methods
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Programme Video
Mathematics Postgraduate Subject Video
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,528 | £5,264 |
| International | £19,816 | £9,908 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Entry is aimed at graduates with strong mathematical knowledge and skills. A 2:1 honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a related subject with a substantial mathematical content is desired. We will accept 2:2 with relevant academic subjects and relevant professional qualifications. Motivation and a willingness to work hard are also important pre-requisites.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Student life
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