Masters degrees in Freshwater Biology provide advanced study of the relationship between living organisms and their physical environments. It includes analysis of the chemical compositions of these environments, with consideration given to waste management and water purification processes.
Popular specialisms and related subjects include Aquaculture, Marine Science and branches of Water Engineering. Entry requirements normally involve an undergraduate degree in an appropriate science subject.
Environmental issues such as eutrophication, habitat degradation and climate change threaten the sustainability of our aquatic resources. Responding to these threats the Aquatic Science MSc equips students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and functioning of aquatic environments, encompassing lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, groundwaters, estuaries and shallow seas.
Students focus on integrated freshwater and coastal systems and gain extensive training in field sampling, study design and species identification. Distinctive features include: integration of aquatic ecology with hydro-geomorphology, aquatic landscape ecology, analysis of sediment cores for environmental change reconstruction, design of aquatic monitoring programmes and modelling of aquatic system dynamics. Students come away with a sound knowledge of current-day links between aquatic science, legislation and conservation.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma - four core modules and four optional modules all 15 credits (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time two years) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate - four core modules only at 15 credits each (60 credits, full-time twelve weeks, part-time two years) is offered.
Core modules
* modules running are dependent on staff sabbaticals
Optional modules
Students choose four of the following:
* modules running are dependent on staff sabbaticals
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words. Dissertation placement positions are offered linked to external conservation bodies and research-orientated consultancies.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical classes, laboratory sessions, case-studies and residential field classes. Assessment is through coursework and the dissertation, which includes an oral presentation of the research proposal.
Fieldwork
Field classes around the UK, these may include trips to Norfolk, Suffolk and the Scottish Highlands.
Optional module Aquatic Macrophytes - approximately £200
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Aquatic Science MSc
This programme provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for employment with environmental protection and conservation agencies, the water industry and environmental consultancies.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The MSc provides students with the science background and practical skills necessary for a career working in aquatic conservation and environmental protection agencies, environmental consultancies and stakeholder agencies. The MSc is also an ideal platform for further PhD study. We aim to expose students to potential employers from the outset and students receive expert tuition in field sampling and monitoring programme design, conservation biology, taxonomy of key species groups, knowledge of important conservation principles and legislation and working with stakeholders.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Aquatic Science MSc is run by UCL Geography which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its aquatic environmental research and teaching. The degree has a strong emphasis on field working with three major residential classes to the North Norfolk Coast, Scottish Highlands and Dorset.
The programme is taught by world-leading researchers specialising in Recent Environmental Change & Biodiversity and Environmental Modelling and Observation which has specialist input from the Thames Estuary Partnership
Speakers from environmental organisations including the UK Environment Agency, the Rivers Trusts, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the UK Wildlife Trusts, National Trust and Natural England lecture on the programme and take part in fieldwork. By bringing together students, researchers and practitioners, a vibrant and informal academic environment is created encouraging mutual discovery and ongoing debate.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Geography
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This MSc attracts UK and overseas graduates who wish to take advantage of the considerable global interest in water, wastewater, sanitation and waste to develop their careers.
Many graduates from the programme go on to work for consultancies, water utilities, contractors, relief agencies, regulatory bodies and international organisations.
Graduates from the programme also have the potential to progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
In the past, scholarship students have been accepted from a range of schemes, including: Foreign Office and British Council Chevening, World Bank, Commonwealth, Thames Water, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, together with students from numerous overseas national schemes.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Apart from the usual full-time mode, there are also part-time options. The majority of Bridge, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering modules can be studied by distance learning through the use of an interactive web-based e-learning platform (SurreyLearn).
This programme can be studied via distance learning, which allows a high level of flexibility and enables you to study alongside other commitments you may have. Download our distance learning PDF to learn more.
Laboratories and pilot plants
In recent years, CEHE has benefited from investment in new equipment in both the small centre facility, which primarily supports fieldwork, and a larger, more extensively equipped microbiology and chemistry laboratory.
The laboratories are equipped with recently acquired state-of- the-art analytical equipment including ICP-OES, GC/MS, TOC, Ion Chromatograph, Particle Counter, water quality loggers, Delagua kits and so on, available for fieldwork.
A water and wastewater research pilot plant is located at Thames Water’s Shalford and Godalming Water Treatment Works, just a few kilometres away from the University campus. Over the years, many MSc dissertation projects have been completed at this facility, most of them to assist in the development or testing of relief agency systems.
A parallel wastewater research pilot plant has recently been established, again with the support of Thames Water, at Godalming Sewage Treatment Works.
Library facilities
The University library is currently resourced for books, journals and electronic resources, as the postgraduate programme in Water and Environmental Engineering has been well established over the last decade.
The programme draws on science, engineering and other areas of knowledge, and the overall diversity of academic groups within the University ensures that there are library resources to answer most needs.
The provision of British Standards online has reduced the copyright requirements and the quantity of photocopying required. Passwords are available from the library web pages for all other electronic resources.
CEHE resource centre
Provision is made within CEHE to access a limited range of textbooks, previously completed MSc dissertations, a selected range of journals and software mounted on PCs in the Catchment Modelling Laboratory or available on CD.
Professional Institution resources
Library and learning resources are available at the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and other appropriate professional bodies.
All categories of members of the professional institutions are allowed to borrow books from the institution libraries by post, and in some cases to access other services online.
Computing
There are suitable computing facilities available both within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and through central university facilities.
Teaching rooms
Teaching is primarily in flat floor teaching rooms, although there are occasions when formal lecture theatre facilities are used. All of the usual academic support materials and systems are available and pre-printed notes are distributed during every lecture.
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology gives you the skills and knowledge to understand environmental and other impacts to fish ecology and aquaculture applied to fisheries industries and management. The programme is relevant internationally to major areas of fisheries industries around the Scottish mainland and islands with a need to help to manage and maintain the industry in the short term and long term. There are many new industries within Scotland and established industries which supply mainstream supermarkets and specialist retailers with fish supplies on a regular basis and which need to be managed. Many of these industries are global or specific to the geographical area and type of fish available in that vicinity.
Run in collaboration with staff at Marine Scotland Science, this MSc programme will provide you with an appreciation of the key issues that are central to the management of marine resources, practical skills and field work experience that you can apply to real world situations, and opportunities to expand your professional network.
Semester 1
Optional
Semester 2
Compulsory
Optional
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about international fees:
Find out more about fees on the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This MRes Advanced Biological Sciences lets you take your enthusiasm deeper with a research project carried out over a full calendar year supported by 4 modules that further develop your skills and knowledge.
The Institute of Integrative Biology
The Institute of Integrative Biology lies at the heart of a thriving science campus in Liverpool city centre. Based primarily in the Biosciences Building with additional sites at Leahurst Veterinary Field Station and Ness Botanic Gardens, we provide one of the most diverse, vibrant and integrated biosciences environments in the UK. The Institute comprises 220 staff (including 75 Principal Investigators) and 150 postgraduate students.
We have well established world-class research facilities that support scientists across all four of the Institute's research themes:
Research in the Institute spans the complete range of biological scales from genes and genetic regulation through proteins, post-translational modification and cellular function to whole organisms, populations and ecosystems. We use state-of-the-art “omics” technologies to generate large data-sets both within and across these scales. We also develop new mathematical and computational models to make sure we can fully exploit these data.
The facilities include the Centre for Genomic Research, the GeneMill Synthetic Biology Laboratory, the Centre for Proteome Research, the Computational Biology Facility, the Centre for Cell Imaging, the NMR Centre for Structural Biology, the Barkla X-laboratory of Biophysics and the Henry Wellcome Laboratory of Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution. There are also excellent cell, microbial and plant culture facilities.
Through our research partnerships with companies such as Unilever, strong global links into major research organisations in Europe, Japan, Brazil, USA and China and our scientific outreach to schools and the community, we are having true impact across the world. Our postgraduate students enjoy a first class experience with strong supervision and mentorship in an exciting research environment. Our Athena SWAN Gold award is evidence of our full commitment to providing opportunities for development to all, regardless of background or gender.
What is in the MRes Advanced Biological Sciences ?
This Master of Research programme is designed for those who want to move on to a research career. The programme consists of a 120 credit research project, during which you will work alongside PhD students and full-time researchers as a member of one of our research groups.
This is supported by four 15 credit taught M-level modules. At least two of these will deepen your scientific knowledge relevant to your research project. They will be selected from advanced taught modules in areas of animal behaviour, cancer biology, medical genetics, environmental biology, food security, microbiology, bioinformatics or biochemistry. There is one compulsory module in research methods and their applications within the life sciences and a second compulsory module is taken from a selection that include statistics, programming for life sciences, professional & employability skills or bespoke skills development.
The result is many pathways to MRes awards, affording applicants the opportunity to develop their own postgraduate degree programmes.
The taught modules take place in the autumn and spring semesters, alongside your initial work on your research project. In the summer semester you concentrate on your research.
The degree programme can therefore be based around your particular areas of interest. The title of your degree award will reflect your pathway of choice.
Example pathways
Advanced Biological Sciences (Animal Sciences)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Bioinformatics)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Biotechnology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Cell Signalling)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Chemical Biology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Evolution and Behavioural Biology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Food Security)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Functional and Comparative Genomics)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Host: Parasite Biology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Microbiology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Molecular Oncology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Plant Sciences)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Structural Biology)
Advanced Biological Sciences (Post-Genomic Sciences)
The taught modules ensure that you develop the academic background and skills to excel in research.
Non-native English speakers are offered support in communication skills. This is taught by members of The University's English Language Unit and is designed to improve your English in a scientific context.
From molecules to humans, individuals to ecosystems, our research programmes – and scientists – are making a difference. Join us on the journey.
The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Integrated Water Management is designed for engineers and environmental science graduates who want to develop and lead advanced and sustainable water management initiatives. Participants of the program will learn how to apply physical, chemical and biological unit operations and processes to water resources, and will become conversant with regulatory and environmental frameworks.
Water is a strategic resource, and access to clean and secure water is essential for human wellbeing. Demand for better water systems has resulted in the pressing need for people with the technical skills to develop practical solutions in areas that include water treatment, monitoring tools, information technologies, efficient water use and reuse, and novel biotechnologies.
The combination of technical expertise and leadership courses will help you to develop innovative solutions, manage teams and direct projects — a skill set that is highly relevant in today’s business environment. Graduates of this MEL degree will be able to apply the complex tool set of technical and leadership knowledge acquired in the program to a wide variety of private sector, institutional and government organizations involved with water use, treatment, research and protection.
The MEL is a 12-month degree starting in January. While 70 per cent of your Integrated Water Management courses will focus on your technical specialization, the remaining 30 per cent are leadership development courses that will enhance your business, communication and people skills. Delivery of the management and leadership courses are in partnership with UBC's Sauder School of Business. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about the MEL in Integrated Water Management.
It only takes 12 months to complete the program and get an MEL degree. Starting in January, in the Integrated Water Management program, you will:
MEL students are required to have professional experience before starting the program. That means you will be part of a mature student cohort with a variety of professional and career experiences to draw on when you collaborate on projects with one another. Access to this diversity of knowledge and experience is essential to your development.
Read some of our alumni stories on our website to find out how our graduates have gone on to excel their careers with their UBC MEL in Integrated Water Management degree.
Our graduates will be in high demand locally, nationally and internationally by employers in industry and government seeking professionals who can develop and deliver sustainable water management initiatives. Read some of our alumni stories on our website to find out how our graduates have gone on to excel their careers with their UBC MEL in Integrated Water Management degree. Graduates of the program started in positions, such as Environmental EIT, Environmental Specialist, President & CEO.
An international programme for future water managers, combining ecology, hydrology and socio-economics.
What is the best way to handle invasive species in a river ecosystem? Or how do you protect a city like New Orleans from floods? In this double degree programme, you’ll learn to tackle these kinds of problems on the basis of ecological, hydrological and social-economic aspects. We focus on ecological solutions, which are often more effective than technical adjustments. Think of estuaries with sea grass fields breaking the waves instead of reinforcing dikes, or self-purification of drainage-basins, making dredging unnecessary.
If you follow the TWM double degree programme, you don’t have to choose between ecology and hydrology. On the one hand, you’ll learn to classify different ecosystems, analyse ecological data and assess the impact of various stressors. On the other hand, you’ll get the technical background to calculate water flow properties and work with flood management models. So upon graduation, you’ll have all the required knowledge for a career in water management.
Apart from the natural sciences, the programme offers multiple courses in water governance, and the social, economical and philosophical aspects of water management. This widens your perspective and provides you with the tools to bridge the gap between science and society.
The Master’s specialisation in Transnational Ecosystem-based Water Management (TWM) is partly taught at Radboud University and partly at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. This means that you’ll profit from the expertise at two universities and become familiar with different cultures and research approaches. And after successful completion of the programme, you'll receive a German and a Dutch diploma. With that broad background, our graduates often find a job as manager or project leader, with an all-encompassing view in national or international water-related projects.
Although the universities are only about 100 kilometres apart, you’ll certainly notice a cultural difference. Hence, following this programme not only means you’ll profit from both of their expertises, you’ll also experience a rapid personal growth. We notice that our students are very independent in finding their way around and performing research, are not afraid of new challenges and are well-trained in (international) communication skills.
Visit http://www.ru.nl/masters/twm for more information about the programme and to start your application today.
Climate change, pollution and invasions by non-native species are pressing issues globally, within Europe and in the Humber region.
This MSc provides an in-depth understanding of the causes and impacts of environmental change, and equips you with the necessary skills and analytical tools to monitor and manage such changes.
You consider the scientific, political and legal consequences of environmental change and management and develop your understanding of the processes involved, integrating information at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels.
Here at Hull, we have an active team of environmental research focused staff, both biologists and geographers, and an established track record in environmental services. We are a member of the GU8 consortium, a group of port city universities from across the world, providing us with international collaborative links that are unrivalled in the UK. We also enjoy strong, well-established industry links.
Fieldwork is incorporated throughout the programme. The city of Hull’s location on the Humber Estuary, with a large ports complex and growing renewables energy industry, within a thriving agricultural setting, provides students with an abundance of opportunities to move from bench to environment. Aquaria provision is considerable, with an established partnership with The Deep, Hull's internationally famous public aquarium.
The programme is taught by a team of environmental research focused staff with a range of expertise unique to the University.
A critical overview of environmental change and related management policies and scientific challenges will be provided. You gain an understanding of the main aspects of monitoring environmental change, from practical, laboratory-based techniques to those used in the field by industry and regulatory authorities.
You will solve complex, real-world problems and construct and test hypotheses related to environmental issues, applying advanced theories, concepts and principles, and learning how to apply them to manage the environment.
Your skills in teamwork, communication and time management will be honed as you make use of the principles of scientific inquiry in the context of evidence-based practice, and effectively communicate complex and conceptually challenging information.
A range of industry-standard instrumentation will be used and you will critically evaluate research on current and new diagnostic methodologies. Practical modules cover the wide range of current techniques used in environmental monitoring.
Core modules
Optional modules
* All modules are subject to availability.
This MSc leads to a host of employment opportunities right across the environmental arena, and graduates will be highly sought by employers. The programme is also an ideal pathway for those intending to progress to PhD programmes within Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Your employability on graduation is very important to us and we place a strong emphasis on providing you with the skills and attributes required by the environmental sector.
We provide specialist progression routes that target the increasing number of employment opportunities within the industry, so you will be ideally placed to secure employment with national or international consultancies and NGOs; private and public service research and management; or conduct further higher-level research across the UK and overseas universities and research centres.
A significant number of employment opportunities exist right here in the Humber region.
The programme encompasses the following key ideas:
· Understanding complex marine systems from a range of standpoints. Establishing a core body of knowledge about the marine environment and the physical, chemical, ecological and anthropogenic processes operating on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
· Multidisciplinary approaches. Creating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the marine environment through integrated field, laboratory and theory-based learning and examine this in the context of the relevant legislative framework and global policy changes.
· Understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the marine environment alongside environmental change. Using a multidisciplinary approach to the development of applied solutions to managing marine resources and biodiversity in an ever changing situation.
· Use of big marine data. The collection of rigorous scientific data; formulating and testing hypotheses through carrying out scientific investigations and communicating information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences.
· Professional practice and application to real world situations. Understanding the links between scientific ideas and their application to solving marine environmental problems by working with professionals from a range of scientific disciplines. In addition, using industry-standard approaches, equipment and analysis to collect, analyse and report on ecological and environmental data from field and laboratory investigations in the relevant format to inform the public, practitioners in the field, policy makers and scientists.
Themes
The programme allows the progression of students along two main pathways with different core modules to allow for specific career and skill development. Those wishing to pursue a career in fisheries science can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Fisheries) pathway where those students who wish to follow the more ecological route can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Ecology) route.
Example modules:
Optional modules
The programme encompasses the following key ideas:
· Understanding complex marine systems from a range of standpoints. Establishing a core body of knowledge about the marine environment and the physical, chemical, ecological and anthropogenic processes operating on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
· Multidisciplinary approaches. Creating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the marine environment through integrated field, laboratory and theory-based learning and examine this in the context of the relevant legislative framework and global policy changes.
· Understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the marine environment alongside environmental change. Using a multidisciplinary approach to the development of applied solutions to managing marine resources and biodiversity in an ever changing situation.
· Use of big marine data. The collection of rigorous scientific data; formulating and testing hypotheses through carrying out scientific investigations and communicating information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences.
· Professional practice and application to real world situations. Understanding the links between scientific ideas and their application to solving marine environmental problems by working with professionals from a range of scientific disciplines. In addition, using industry-standard approaches, equipment and analysis to collect, analyse and report on ecological and environmental data from field and laboratory investigations in the relevant format to inform the public, practitioners in the field, policy makers and scientists.
Themes
The programme allows the progression of students along two main pathways with different core modules to allow for specific career and skill development. Those wishing to pursue a career in fisheries science can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Fisheries) pathway where those students who wish to follow the more ecological route can follow the MSc Marine Environmental Management (Ecology) route.
Example modules:
Optional modules
Water management systems are fundamental to society. Through the supply of clean drinking water, the treatment of waste water, as well as flood and coastal protection, high-quality water management can have an enormous social and ecological impact. Significant resources are invested all over the globe to ensure that complex water systems meet the levels of service and performance required by increasing economic and environmental pressures, whilst minimizing financial and social costs. The constant development, operation and management of these systems requires highly trained experts with knowledge and practical skills that cover science, engineering and management disciplines.
The M.Sc. Management and Engineering in Water (MME-Water) program provides the educational basis and professional foundation for water specialists that stand out for their ability to integrate scientific principles, engineering knowledge and management techniques for innovative problem-solving.
Our Engineering graduates of all programs...
As a graduate of the MME-Water program you are qualified to work in, among others:
An expert in water resources is someone who...
... to make a difference. Is this you?
The program Master of Science Management and Engineering in Water combines the wide range of applied science, engineering and management disciplines required in water management.
Traditionally known as the land-grant arm of Florida A&M University (FAMU), the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) offers students majoring in agriculture sciences and engineering technology a broad spectrum of academic opportunities to continue their education and professional development. CAFS academic programs offer unique experiences for undergraduate and graduate students through incorporating aspects of teaching, research, international agriculture and business, as well as extension and community outreach.
The College of Agriculture and Food Sciences offers a MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (thesis and non—thesis options) in Agricultural Sciences with concentrations in Agribusiness, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Science, Soil and Water Sciences, and International Programs. A minimum of thirty six (36) semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for the Master of Science degree. The degree takes approximately two calendar years for its completion. The curriculum of the program is structured so that students may expand their knowledge in selected areas of agricultural sciences instead of specializing in any one field. However, the research performed by these students is specific in nature and is supervised by faculty members in their areas of expertise. Students are exposed to a full range of agricultural research problems and their management through on-campus instruction and hands-on experiential learning with the programs’ faculty and off campus internships at other universities or industry partners. To ensure the success of the students in completing the degree program, each student is mentored by a four-member Thesis Supervisory Committee. The committee members guide the student’s choice of core courses, electives and internships; test their problem-solving skills on a regular basis and through final oral examination. The program produces well-trained graduate students who are ready for the challenges of the changing world
