PhD Animal Ecology at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

PhD in Animal Ecology aims to predict the consequences of rapid environmental change, such as climate change, habitat loss, renewable energy growth, pollution and over-exploitation of natural resources, on biodiversity and on human and animal health.

Faculty: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Projects are tailored to principal investigators' expertise and use experimental and observational data, modelling, bioinformatics, physiology, parasitology, immunology and polyomics, with field sites including SCENE on Loch Lomond. Areas include conservation management, aquatic ecosystems, evolutionary ecology, marine animals, bird migration and invasive species.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree; candidates are usually expected to have completed or be undertaking a Master's qualification. Applicants submit academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, MVLS cover letter and two references (one academic, the other academic or professional). English language (applicants from non-English speaking countries as defined by the UK Government): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (General Training not accepted); TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests taken from 21 January 2026 (96 overall with Reading, Listening and Speaking at least 23 and Writing at least 24 for earlier tests); PTE Academic (test centre only) 70 overall with Reading 62, Listening 62, Speaking 75, Writing 68. Tests must be within 2 years 5 months of programme start and met in a single sitting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK full-time annual tuition fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is to be confirmed. Part-time study is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time study is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may apply separately. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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