Our Ecology and Conservation MSci explores key areas within ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management and community health.
This integrated degree provides an in-depth study of ecology at masters level, enabling you to develop advanced analytical and research skills, as well as providing the opportunity to focus your studies on current issues in ecology and conservation and further your identification and census skills.
You will learn from research-active lecturers who are experts in their field, with research strengths in ecology and conservation, zoonotic disease, ecosystems and environmental management. Many apply novel, innovative research techniques in multidisciplinary approaches, from molecular ecology to social sciences, addressing research questions that can inform practical conservation.
Fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad further develop the skills and knowledge that are essential for conservationists and ecologists. Current locations for field trips abroad include South Africa and the Mediterranean, where you will study indigenous species and issues around habitat, species management and conservation. Local field trips take full advantage of the diverse landscape of our region
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Year 1
You will explore the foundations of ecology covering skills for bioscientists, genetics and molecular biology, ecology and conservation, terrestrial ecosystems, and diversity of life. You can also choose from topics such as marine biology, global environmental issues and physical geography.
Modules
Core modules
Essential Skills for Bioscientists
Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology
Diversity of Life
Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Options*
Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology
The Earth and Ocean System
Global Environmental Issues
Year 2
In your second year you will cover research skills, professional development, physiology of organisms, managing populations in ecology and conservation, marine and freshwater ecosystems and a fieldtrip to Portugal. You can also choose from a range of options including fieldwork in South Africa.
Modules
Research Skills and Professional Development
Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology
Physiology of Organisms
Managing Populations in Ecology and Conservation
Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Options*
Biology International Field Course
Paleoenvironments
Human Evolution
Environmental Pollution
Climate Change
GIS and Remote Sensing
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
Placement year
A placement year is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore a potential specialism and develop your skills, enhancing your CV.
Our students have been on placement in organisations including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Year 3
You will study species interactions, ecological impact assessment, hot topics in ecology and conservation, and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules enable you to choose the subjects that interest you most, and you may also have the opportunity of fieldwork in Brazil.
Modules
Ecology Project
Species Interactions
Ecological Impact Assessment
Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
Options*
Current Topics in Marine Biology
Aquatic Environments
Environmental Impact Assessment
Atmospheric Environment
Waste Management and the Circular Economy
Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
Research Field Skills, Brazil
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
Final year
The focus of your final year is an in-depth research project, working with an academic expert.
You will further explore the issues of ecology and conservation, advanced taxonomy and survey skills, and choose an option module in an area of interest.
Modules
Research Project
Issues in Ecology and Conservation
Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills
Options*
Ecology and Conservation in Practice (placement)
Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
Controversies in Science
Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
Applications in Geographical Information Systems
Water Quality Analysis
Environmental Impact Assessment
Case Studies in Environment Assessment and Management
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
Our graduates have gone on to careers in conservation organisations, ecological consultancies, local authorities, scientific research, animal care and teaching.
Insurance – Single: 300 GBP per year
