MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 201-250QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

19,816 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

11Scholarships

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

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


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.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

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


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.

Admission Requirements

2.2+
6+
169+
59+
79+
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.

1 Year
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
10,528 GBP
International
19,816 GBP

Scholarships

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

The Hoogenboom Scholarship
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

26 Apr 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

Value

$21800

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Mar 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$525

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

Value

25% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

30 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Alumni Discount Scheme

Alumni Discount Scheme
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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