MSc Forest Science

Program Overview

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MSc - Forest Science

Our new MSc Forest Science equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed for modern forestry practice. This programme is designed to address the complexities of globalised forestry and meet the increasing demand for timber under competing pressures of biodiversity loss, climate change, and deforestation. The degree offers a blend of academic rigour and practical experience. You will be based in the heart of the Lake District, with direct access to temperate rainforest, landmark woodland habitat restoration and modern silviculture.

This MSc programme would particularly benefit those students with a degree in forestry or a related subject providing a scientific grounding in ecology and the environment. It will provide a scientific grounding that integrates the latest research into looking to trees, woods and forests with cutting-edge technology for modern forestry. It will prepare graduates to thrive in today's dynamic forestry sector.

Course Overview

The forestry sector needs significant growth in workforce to meet demand for planting and to ensure it has the skills needed to deliver on aspirations in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, productivity and commercial forestry.

You will study forestry from the local to global scale, to understand how forest ecosystems are responding to environmental and land-use change, with special consideration for deforestation, biodiversity loss, and countermeasures against the impacts of pests and diseases on forest health. You will investigate the impacts of global climate change on forest ecosystems and become confident with the tools and technologies available to improve the forestry sector and bring a modern perspective to forestry practice. The syllabus draws together research and its practical application, by building up knowledge of tree improvement, forest ecosystem management, and forest climate resilience, as well as landscape level processes.

On this course you will...

• Gain Expertise in Modern Forestry Practice driven by the latest technological advancements and data-driven insights, preparing you to become a leader in sustainable forest management.
• Find Industry Connections: Long-standing relationships between the National School of Forestry and major employers in the forestry sector provide you with unique opportunities for networking and career development.
• Personalised Learning Experience: The MSc is delivered in an intimate setting, where knowledgeable tutors provide personalised support and mentorship.
• Focus on Your Specific Interests: You are encouraged to explore your specific interests in areas such as sustainable forest management, ecology, conservation, and tree biology.
• Experience forest research in practice: In addition to research in the University of Cumbria’s own Ancient Semi-Natural Oak Woodland, you will participate in a study tour to visit forestry enterprises and research sites expanding your horizons in forest science.
• On completion of the M.Sc.: Students should be qualified to enter the sector as foresters with an understanding of modern techniques in forestry, ecological underpinning of forest function - required for positions in climate change, carbon sequestration, biodiversity & conservation management in woodlands, and for a continuing academic career.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• Delivery Style: In Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 1 Year
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: MSc

Minimum entry requirements

• A B.Sc.(Hons.) or equivalent in a related area with a minimum 2:2 grade.

Tuition fees

• £8,975 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Course Structure

What you will learn

Compulsory modules in the key areas of science underpinning forestry provide the foundational knowledge for the degree.

In the first semester, students learn about the role of forest ecosystems in the environment, and how they are shaped by global climate. They also learn about the role of the atmosphere in the ecology of forests and trees, and how forest biomes interact with the atmosphere to provide climate feedbacks. Core research skills needed to understand forest science, and to interpret and perform research, are acquired in this semester.

The second semester covers the practical approaches available to increase resilience to multiple stresses from climate, pests and pathogens, and how these can be applied at local, regional and landscape levels – with examples from the Lake District, national and international schemes.

Optional modules allow for diversification specialisation among students within the programme e.g. learning specialised technologies involved in Landscape Ecology, or Natural Resource Management.

The forestry field course enables students to experience the research approaches introduced in the Masters Programme in practice, and across a distinct array of habitats to those found in the Lake District.

The summer dissertation project offers the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a self-led piece of original research on their chosen aspect of forest science.

Modules

• Forest Ecosystems & Global Climate
  • Critically assess how ecosystem processes control nutrient cycling in global forests.
  • Evaluate how ecological resilience is strengthened according to tree species diversity & structure in forest ecosystems.
  • Synthesize & assess the scientific evidence of how climate pressure is affecting carbon storage in global forest biomes.
  • Analyse & prioritise the major drivers of change impacting forests.
• Forests & the Atmosphere
  • Critically assess how forests function as interactive controls on climate, considering feedback mechanisms.
  • Apply & integrate knowledge of the tools available to monitor & assess forest health & performance at the landscape scale, demonstrating advanced understanding & application.
  • Show familiarity with models of forest ecosystem processes & their application in budgeting energy & carbon.
  • Apply knowledge of the physical processes involved in plant-forest-atmosphere interactions to complex environmental scenarios & research themes.
• Forest Resilience
  • Apply & critically interpret the genetic indicators used in quantitative genetics that facilitate the implementation of modern tree improvement strategies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the practical application of propagation methods, utilising contemporary tools to support classical approaches.
  • Synthesize & evaluate knowledge of climate-smart approaches to improve forest resilience & carbon capture.
  • Assess a variety of alternative tree species & silvicultural approaches considered to contribute to future climate resilient ecosystems.
• Research Skills
  • Review research & data to identify their strengths/areas for improvement.
  • Undertake research tasks with growing independence & proficiency, demonstrating critical thinking & problem-solving skills.
  • Perform & interpret core subject-specific statistical analyses with precision & effectiveness, showcasing statistical tools.
  • Critically appraise quantitative & qualitative methods employed in current research.
  • Assess how research, policy & impact are interrelated, evaluating how research findings influence policy decisions & societal outcomes.
• Landscape Ecology & Forests
  • Discuss key concepts in landscape ecology.
  • Critically evaluate spatial & temporal patterns in species & habitats.
  • Critically assess natural & anthropogenic influences on landscape patterns & processes in forestry.
• Forestry Innovation in Practice
  • Identify complex issues relating to forestry in different locations & critically assess the impacts of management.
  • Critically evaluate advanced investigation techniques relevant to forestry which address a specific research question.
  • Effectively communicate evidence to a specialist audience.
• Dissertation
  • Critically evaluate the literature to formulate a robust research question & methodology.
  • Identify, evaluate & conform to recognised data & project management, health & safety, ethical & legal requirements prior to implementation.
  • Apply appropriate methodologies to collect & manage data to address your research question.
  • Analyse, interpret & critically evaluate findings using appropriate techniques, drawing valid conclusions with consideration of the appropriate literature.
  • Communicate findings, using a variety of format outputs, inclusive of digital tools where applicable.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The IoSE has built a strong international research portfolio in areas such as outdoor experiential learning, climate change impacts, biodiversity monitoring, wildlife conservation, community resilience, land management, and ecosystem evaluation. This research foundation ensures that the programme’s teaching is driven by the latest scientific knowledge and contemporary environmental challenges, offering you a rich academic perspective alongside practical, hands-on experience.

The emphasis on experiential learning ensures that theoretical knowledge is complemented by real-world applications. The programme blends theory with practice in a way that is both inspirational and directly applicable to the forestry sector. The programme uses a wide range of teaching methods to equip you with the concepts, knowledge, and professional skills necessary for modern forestry.

Traditional learning methods such as lectures and seminars are integrated with experiential approaches like field-based case studies and experimental research projects, allowing you to engage deeply with live forestry projects.

Teaching and learning methods include:

• Lectures: Provide foundational knowledge in key topics.
• Seminars, Workshops, Presentations, and Discussions: Facilitate interactive learning, where you can engage with complex issues and contribute to discussions.
• Individual and Group Tutorials: Offer personalised academic support and opportunities for deeper exploration of subject matter.
• Use of Case Studies: Provides practical examples of forestry issues, enabling you to understand methodologies, analyse results, and develop arguments.
• Project Work (Individual and Group): Encourages independent research and collaborative problem-solving.
• Fieldwork and Visits: Forms a core part of the learning experience, giving you the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in real-world environments.

How you will be assessed

The overarching consideration is to provide assessments, which develop your skills and knowledge while equipping you for postgraduate employment. Assessments will therefore often mirror the type of work you will encounter in your future career and may include:

• Field projects
• Computer-based assessments
• Problem solving activities
• Critical analysis of case studies
• Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
• Dissertation
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work

Career Development Pathways

Your programme is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge that will enable you to become an expert consultant or adviser in a specific aspect of forestry. Our graduates are highly successful in finding forestry employment as managers, supervisors and research scientists. An exciting future awaits you, being an expert in forest science will give you the prospect of contributing to society through your career in numerous ways. For example, protecting biodiversity is increasing recognised as essential to our own survival on the planet, and increasing our understanding through research of how that biodiversity benefits us, through ecosystem services is an expanding field of study. Woodlands need to adapt to the impacts of anthropogenic climate change and experts in forest science can help them do this.

Perhaps most importantly of all, researchers and managers are needed to help trees, woods and forests combat climate change through their mitigation potential. You are increasingly being expected to understand the best ways to maximise how trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through net photosynthesis, how they can store the greatest amount of carbon in their ecosystems, especially in the soil, and how wood products can substitute for higher carbon footprint materials to give a carbon substitution effect. Our future depends on our capacity to combat climate change, arguably the greatest challenge of our times, but because managing woodlands is one of the only ways of actually removing some of our greenhouse gas emissions that are already in the atmosphere, you will have vital expertise to offer as practitioners, researchers, teachers and policy makers in your future career.

Overview

A B.Sc.(Hons.) or equivalent in a related area with a minimum 2:2 grade.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any practical experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

Contact for more information.

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £8,975 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

The figures above do not include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There may be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

• Stationery
  • A laptop with capacity to run open-access statistical software.
• Clothing and Equipment
  • Outdoor equipment and clothing for being in the Lakes.