Program Overview

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Environmental Biology is a postgraduate research course offered by the University of Essex. The course is based in the School of Life Sciences and covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems.

Course Details

• Start date: April 2026, October 2026, January 2027, April 2027
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year - 2 years
• Location: Colchester Campus

Research Areas

The School of Life Sciences has expertise in areas such as:

• Environmental microbiology
• Photosynthesis
• Plant productivity
• Ecology
• Marine and environmental science

Career Opportunities

Many postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others go on to work with industry, governmental, and non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential
• Normally required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components

Structure

Course Structure

• A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving students the chance to investigate their chosen topic in real depth
• Students have the opportunity to generate knowledge and develop new high-level skills

Assessment

• The aim of undertaking the PhD within the School of Life Sciences is to train students to become independent researchers
• An MSD involves a minimum of one year of full-time research or two years part-time, followed by the production of a dissertation

Dissertation

• Students must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year where they submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting
• The MSD thesis is generally completed within one to two years and has a maximum length of 30,000 words

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• £5,006 per year

International Fee

• £22,550 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

• There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of the course

Related Courses

• PhD Environmental Biology
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Location: Colchester Campus