Ecology is an important discipline to inform many different environmental management issues which often involve wider impacts being assessed for planning and other purposes. There is an increasing desire to utilise sites which are environmentally sensitive and this puts pressure on ecology and habitat survival. There are many other types of environmental impacts which are often hidden but also affect Ecology such as the many different pollutants which are often highlighted monthly. Species decline is becoming a well known issue globally and the ability to maintain and continue species and grow is important in a declining environment.
The programme comes from a very strong department which has been ranked consistently at number 1 in soil science and soil ecology in the UK (REF 2014). The Master's in Ecology has very solid foundations as it has been taught to generations for over 50 years and with this comes considerable knowledge and experience. With this programme you get a chance to influence how we utilise our environment and manage it to the best ability to preserve our ecology.
Our MSc programme provides flexibility to enable you to gain knowledge and skills to meet your career aspirations, whether in research or as a practicing ecologist. The programme runs through a full year, starting with a field course and culminating in a major research project. You will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience of everything from field survey to chairing discussions, from statistics and modelling to report writing and from identifying important ecological questions to researching them and writing a scientific paper. Previous graduates have gone on to the top of their chosen profession in research, consultancy, conservation, policy, education and advocacy.
Semester 1
Experimental Design and Analysis
Introduction to GIS
Plant Ecology
Population and Community Ecology
Optional Courses
Statistics for Complex Study Designs
Introduction to Ecological Field Research in Northern Scotland
Molecular Ecological Techniques
Soils for Food Security
Aquaculture
Introduction to Bayesian Inference
Semester 2
Compulsory
Research Project Planning
Optional
Environmental Impact Assessment
Spatial Information Analysis
Marine Spatial Management and Top Predators
Readings in Ecology, Conservation and Environment
Ecology, Conservation and Society
Catchment Management
Environmental Management Plan
Applied Forest Ecology
Advanced Modelling for Ecology and Conservation
Semester 3
Project in Ecology
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/925/ecology-and-conservation/
Find out about fees:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen:
https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life
Living costs
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php
This programme is designed to prepare you for a career in conservation, or for further research at PhD level. If you’re already an established conservation professional, our modules provide additional skills to support you to progress in your employment.
Distinct from similar courses offered in the UK, the course concentrates on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment and management. You’ll learn to identify plants and animals, explore the institutional framework underlying biodiversity and conservation and gain key analytical and practical skills for a range of academic and professional careers. You’ll also gain valuable experience in biodiversity and conservation-related research.
You will undertake the African field course is based at Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia, Kenya. It provides a first-hand appreciation of the ecology and conservation concerns of an African savannah community, both for the wildlife and the people who live in the area. As well as learning about the local environment, flora and fauna, and field safety procedures, most of the time is spent designing and carrying out group research projects.
The University of Leeds has twice been recognised by the European Union as a "centre of excellence" for biodiversity and conservation training. We believe biodiversity can only be managed and conserved when it can be measured and interpreted properly.
MSc or MRes – what’s the difference?
MRes students have fewer taught modules, but carry out two major research projects rather than one. Most students taking the MRes are planning to probably go on to do a PhD or have an MSc degree already. Many of our MSc graduates also subsequently do PhDs, but initially prefer to widen their skills base through the additional taught elements that are available. An increasing number of students treat the MSc as a conversion course, after having taken degrees in non-biological subjects.
Please note: due to the increased volume of applications we have received this year for both the MRes and MSc, we unfortunately will stop offering places after Friday 31st March 2017.
If you wish to be considered you must apply by the closing date. Any applications that we receive after the 31st March will be placed on a waiting list.
The programme offers a wide range of options, allowing for personalised courses of study that lay the groundwork for further academic research or professional development in the field.
You’ll study core skills modules that provide practical training and exercises in a diverse range of transferable skills applicable to ecological research. These include a residential weekend at Malham Tarn Field Studies Centre in the Yorkshire Dales, fieldwork first aid and risk assessment, public understanding of science, ethical issues in ecology, preparing a grant application, participatory ecotourism, biodiversity sampling in Yorkshire and freshwater invertebrate surveys.
The research component is one of the most important and potentially fulfilling parts of the degree. On the MRes you undertake two independent research projects. Projects They cover a wide range of topics and usually include around six to eight weeks of practical work. Each project will vary according to the needs of the research question addressed, with varying emphasis on computer/analytical, laboratory and field-based work. A significant number of students are based overseas for their project.
If you study part-time, the programme will last for two years and you’ll study half of the total number of modules each year.
The programmes are made up of modules that add up to 180 credits, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. Teaching methods include project work, field courses, lectures, practicals, tutorials and workshops.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
We provide the very best learning resources and academic support and our teaching draws on the University’s world-class research base and highly-qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You’ll experience wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.
Through your research project and biodiversity and conservation modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a scientist who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.
We see great value in the skills development opportunities offered by practical field courses, from both an academic and careers perspective. The field courses, along with the research project, are one of the highlights of the programme for many students.
We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.
The Biodiversity and conservation internships module allows you to undertake a sandwich year, providing a 12-month period of work experience in the middle of your programme. You’ll arrange your own internship (normally either one 12-month placement or two 6-month placements), which should be relevant to your degree scheme. Typical internship venues include conservation organisations, statutory agencies, consultancies, research centres and nature reserves.
This programme is designed to prepare you for a career in conservation, or for further research at PhD level. If you’re already an established conservation professional, our modules provide additional skills to support you to progress in your employment.
Distinct from similar courses offered in the UK, the course concentrates on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment and management. You’ll learn to identify plants and animals, explore the institutional framework underlying biodiversity and conservation and gain key analytical and practical skills for a range of academic and professional careers. You’ll also gain valuable experience in biodiversity and conservation-related research.
The University of Leeds has twice been recognised by the European Union as a "centre of excellence" for biodiversity and conservation training. We believe biodiversity can only be managed and conserved when it can be measured and interpreted properly.
Please note: due to the increased volume of applications we have received this year for both the MRes and MSc, we unfortunately will stop offering places after Friday 31st March 2017.
If you wish to be considered you must apply by the closing date. Any applications that we receive after the 31st March will be placed on a waiting list.
The programme offers a wide range of options, allowing for personalised courses of study that lay the groundwork for further academic research or professional development in the field.
You’ll study core skills modules that provide practical training and exercises in a diverse range of transferable skills applicable to ecological research. These include a residential weekend at Malham Tarn Field Studies Centre in the Yorkshire Dales, fieldwork first aid and risk assessment, public understanding of science, preparing a grant application, biodiversity sampling in Yorkshire and freshwater invertebrate surveys.
The research component is one of the most important and potentially fulfilling parts of the degree. Projects cover a wide range of topics and usually include around six to eight weeks of practical work. A significant number of students are based overseas for their project.
If you study part-time, the programme will last for two years and you’ll study around half of the total number of modules each year.
MSc or MRes – what’s the difference?
MRes students have fewer taught modules, but carry out two major research projects rather than one. Most students taking the MRes are planning to probably go on to do a PhD or have an MSc degree already. Many of our MSc graduates also subsequently do PhDs, but initially prefer to widen their skills base through the additional taught elements that are available. An increasing number of students treat the MSc as a conversion course, after having taken degrees in non-biological subjects.
The programmes are made up of modules that add up to 180 credits, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. Teaching methods include project work, field courses, lectures, practicals, tutorials and workshops.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
We provide the very best learning resources and academic support and our teaching draws on the University’s world-class research base and highly-qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You’ll experience wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.
Through your research project and biodiversity and conservation modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a professional who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.
Research projects
MSc students carry out one research project. The range of project topics is large and diverse, covering applied, empirical and theoretical subjects. Project areas can be your choice, although they must have scientific merit. Projects have been carried out in over twenty countries so far, and the number increases every year. This year alone we have projects in Belize, the Seychelles, Austria, Portugal and China.
Practical skills
There are many opportunities to develop valuable practical skills via modules such as Practical Conservation with the National Trust, Insect Identification, Plant Identification, via overseas field courses within Europe and Africa (see field courses) and through research project work.
Leeds is one of the best locations geographically for students wishing to study Biodiversity and Conservation. It is within easy reach of three areas of great natural beauty and dramatic scenery; Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District – providing you with a whole host of project and fieldwork opportunities.
We use a variety of assessment methods: practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Specialist and transferable skills are key component of our degrees, opening up diverse opportunities for our graduates. A proportion of both MSc and MRes graduates go on to study for a PhD and enter a research career. Many graduates go on to a career in an applied ecology or conservation-related area. Potential employers look for academic qualifications in combination with practical skills and experience, and a relevant MSc course can give you the edge in a highly competitive field.
Please visit the website for more details regarding career opportunities and support.
This programme is designed to prepare you for a career in conservation, or for further research at PhD level. If you’re already an established conservation professional, our modules provide additional skills to support you to progress in your employment.
Distinct from similar courses offered in the UK, the course concentrates on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment and management. You’ll learn to identify plants and animals, explore the institutional framework underlying biodiversity and conservation and gain key analytical and practical skills for a range of academic and professional careers. You’ll also gain valuable experience in biodiversity and conservation-related research.
The University of Leeds has twice been recognised by the European Union as a "centre of excellence" for biodiversity and conservation training. We believe biodiversity can only be managed and conserved when it can be measured and interpreted properly.
Please note: due to the increased volume of applications we have received this year for both the MRes and MSc, we unfortunately will stop offering places after Friday 31st March 2017.
If you wish to be considered you must apply by the closing date. Any applications that we receive after the 31st March will be placed on a waiting list.
The programme offers a wide range of options, allowing for personalised courses of study that lay the groundwork for further academic research or professional development in the field.
You’ll study core skills modules that provide practical training and exercises in a diverse range of transferable skills applicable to ecological research. These include a residential weekend at Malham Tarn Field Studies Centre in the Yorkshire Dales, fieldwork first aid and risk assessment, public understanding of science, ethical issues in ecology, preparing a grant application, participatory ecotourism, biodiversity sampling in Yorkshire and freshwater invertebrate surveys.
The research component is one of the most important and potentially fulfilling parts of the degree. On the MRes you undertake two independent research projects. Projects They cover a wide range of topics and usually include around six to eight weeks of practical work. Each project will vary according to the needs of the research question addressed, with varying emphasis on computer/analytical, laboratory and field-based work. A significant number of students are based overseas for their project.
If you study part-time, the programme will last for two years and you’ll study half of the total number of modules each year.
MSc or MRes – what’s the difference?
MRes students have fewer taught modules, but carry out two major research projects rather than one. Most students taking the MRes are planning to probably go on to do a PhD or have an MSc degree already. Many of our MSc graduates also subsequently do PhDs, but initially prefer to widen their skills base through the additional taught elements that are available. An increasing number of students treat the MSc as a conversion course, after having taken degrees in non-biological subjects.
The programmes are made up of modules that add up to 180 credits, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. Teaching methods include project work, field courses, lectures, practicals, tutorials and workshops.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
We provide the very best learning resources and academic support and our teaching draws on the University’s world-class research base and highly-qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You’ll experience wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.
Through your research project and biodiversity and conservation modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a scientist who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.
Research projects
MRes students carry out two projects. The range of project topics is large and diverse, covering applied, empirical and theoretical subjects. Project areas can be your choice, although they must have scientific merit. Projects have been carried out in over twenty countries so far, and the number increases every year. This year alone we have projects in Belize, the Seychelles, Austria, Portugal and China.
Practical skills
There are many opportunities to develop valuable practical skills via modules such as Practical Conservation with the National Trust, Insect Identification, Plant Identification, via overseas field courses within Europe and Africa (see field courses) and through research project work.
Leeds is one of the best locations geographically for students wishing to study Biodiversity and Conservation. It is within easy reach of three areas of great natural beauty and dramatic scenery; Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District – providing you with a whole host of project and fieldwork opportunities.
We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.
This programme is designed to prepare you for a career in conservation, or for further research at PhD level. If you’re already an established conservation professional, our modules provide additional skills to support you to progress in your employment.
Distinct from similar courses offered in the UK, the course concentrates on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment and management. You’ll learn to identify plants and animals, explore the institutional framework underlying biodiversity and conservation and gain key analytical and practical skills for a range of academic and professional careers. You’ll also gain valuable experience in biodiversity and conservation-related research.
The University of Leeds has twice been recognised by the European Union as a "centre of excellence" for biodiversity and conservation training. We believe biodiversity can only be managed and conserved when it can be measured and interpreted properly.
MSc or MRes – what’s the difference?
MRes students have fewer taught modules, but carry out two major research projects rather than one. Most students taking the MRes are planning to probably go on to do a PhD or have an MSc degree already. Many of our MSc graduates also subsequently do PhDs, but initially prefer to widen their skills base through the additional taught elements that are available. An increasing number of students treat the MSc as a conversion course, after having taken degrees in non-biological subjects.
Please note: due to the increased volume of applications we have received this year for both the MRes and MSc, we unfortunately will stop offering places after Friday 31st March 2017.
If you wish to be considered you must apply by the closing date. Any applications that we receive after the 31st March will be placed on a waiting list.
The programmes are made up of modules that add up to 180 credits, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. Teaching methods include project work, field courses, lectures, practicals, tutorials and workshops.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
We provide the very best learning resources and academic support and our teaching draws on the University’s world-class research base and highly-qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You’ll experience wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.
Through your research project and biodiversity and conservation modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a professional who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.
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