Heriot-Watt is ranked 2nd in Scotland (National Student Survey 2025), 5th in the UK (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026) and Top 200 in the world (2026 World University Subject Rankings). 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
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
-> Year 1 --> --> 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.