Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine

Entry requirements

UK & EU: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content.

OS: A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content. Applicants must have covered subjects such as: Real Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics at 60% or above.

Other degrees considered: Electrical / Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Economics.

Applicants that do not meet the entry criteria will be considered for the 2 year programme.

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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

Course video

Dive into the world of Mathematics through this subject video

Your student experience

Our expertise

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.

Your learning environment

With MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine you'll excel in an exceptional learning environment:

• Innovation Hubs: As a student, you'll have access to data-driven innovation hubs like the GRID, home of the HW Maths Gym .The GRID offers exceptional opportunities to engage with fellow students and academics
• Departmental Expertise: Heriot-Watt's Department of Mathematics has been a pioneer in applied mathematics for over four decades. Our programmes will sharpen your mathematical skills and teach to real-world challenges, including those in sustainable finance.
• Research Excellence: In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), we ranked first in Scotland for Mathematical Sciences research. This underscores our commitment to excellence in applied mathematics fields like optimization, computation, statistics, and analysis that drive innovation across industries.

Information for international students

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Fees and funding

Scholarships and bursaries