Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This MSc program in Conservation and Habitat Management provides a comprehensive understanding of temperate zone ecosystems and conservation issues. Through a combination of theoretical and practical modules, students develop skills in habitat assessment, surveying, species identification, and management planning. The program emphasizes practical experience and industry connections, with dissertations often associated with relevant organizations. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in conservation, habitat management, and ecological consultancy.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Research Dissertation Project (60 credits)
- Data analysis, interpretation and presentation for MSc (10 credits)
- Habitat Monitoring and Assessment (20 credits)
- Ecosystem Management (10 credits)
- Forest Ecology (20 credits)
- Geographical Information systems and Remote Sensing (20 credits)
- Dissertation Preparation (10 credits)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Dynamics of Coupled Human-Natural Systems (20 credits)
- Critical Thinking and Analysis for Evidence-Based Environmental Science (20 credits)
Assessment:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Report
- Written exercise
Teaching:
- The program is delivered in a block format, each block lasting 4 weeks.
- Teaching methods include:
- lectures and seminars
- practical and field visits
- tutorials
- case studies
- small group discussions
- vocational activities
- Students also have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- student representatives
Careers:
- Graduates have found employment with organizations including:
- Wildlife Trusts - project officer
- Natural England - wildlife advisor
- Ecological Consultancy - ecologist
- Environment Agency - biodiversity officer
- The University's Careers Service provides support to students in their job search and career development.
Other:
- The program is suitable for graduates with a background in ecology, biology and environmental science.
- It would also suit those with an interest in wildlife who are seeking a career change towards conservation, habitat management or ecological consultancy.
- Students will benefit from strong links with public and private sector organisations including:
- Northumberland National Park
- Natural England
- local Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- local Wildlife Trusts
- Forestry Commission
- National Trust
- local ecological consultancies
- The program has a strong focus on practical skills and experience.
- Students will develop understanding, practical ability and critical awareness around:
- temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species
- contemporary conservation issues
- habitat assessment
- surveying and mapping using technology
- plant and animal species identification
- practical management planning
- communication
- You'll develop understanding, practical ability and critical awareness around the following:
- temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species, for example forest and woodland, moorland, calaminarian, whin, coastal and other grassland, and other habitats
- contemporary conservation issues, for example rewilding, conflict in the countryside, biodiversity threats
- habitat assessment appropriate for ecological consultancy work
- surveying and mapping using technology such as GIS
- plant and animal species identification skills
- practical management planning for selected ecosystems
- communication including presentations, short videos, report writing and teamwork
- Dissertations are ideally associated with relevant organizations, ensuring research value and industry relationships.
- Current and recent dissertation projects include:
- Reintroduction of grass snakes into Northumberland and Durham – The Wildlife Trust
- Rare plant survey in North East England - Natural England
- Factors that affect lichen distribution –British Lichen Society
- Techniques for restoring bare peat on blanket bog –North Pennines AONB
- Improving (ancient) woodland connectivity in Northumberland –National Park
- Theses are in the form of research papers, with potential for submission to conferences or journals.
- remote moorlands and bogs
- ancient woodlands
- Kielder Forest
- diverse and threatened grasslands
- rocky and marshy coast
- There are also great rail links to Edinburgh and London.
Overview:
Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *
Careers Service:
Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *Library:
Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *Student Support:
Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *Accommodation:
Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *Sport:
Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality research and teaching:
Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.Strong focus on employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Vibrant and diverse campus community:
Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.Excellent location:
Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.Academic Programs:
Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *
Science, Agriculture & Engineering
*Humanities & Social Sciences
*Medical Sciences
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
- It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
- Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant discipline, such as:
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Ecology
- Other degree with relevant experience, voluntary or paid
Language Requirements:
- For non-native English speakers, you must have obtained an acceptable qualification in the English language, such as:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall, with no less than 55 in any component
- China: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- India: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Pakistan: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Bangladesh: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Nigeria: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Saudi Arabia: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Vietnam: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Other countries: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
- Applicants with lower qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
- Applicants with extensive relevant experience may be considered, even if they do not meet the academic requirements.
Tips for Applying:
- Start your application early.
- Make sure you meet the entry requirements.
- Write a strong personal statement.
- Get references from people who know you well and can speak to your abilities.
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through a recognized English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson Test of English.
- For non-EU/international students, the required IELTS score is 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component.