| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
PgC / PgD / MSc Biological Recording
Course description
Our Biological Recording and Analysis programme aims to fill important gaps in biological data across the UK, with a dedicated focus on specialist taxonomic groups that have traditionally relied on only a few experts nationwide.
It is crucial for building skills in biological recording and monitoring, which are fundamental for surveying ecological habitats. These skills are increasingly needed in the field of ecology, especially with the rise of new policy requirements in areas such as Biodiversity Net Gain and UK Habitat Classification.
Acknowledging the growing difference between the skills employers need and these employees currently have, this programme is designed to hone the skills of both new and experienced professionals in biological monitoring. The curriculum is carefully crafted to ensure participants can make meaningful contributions to biodiversity policy and action through species identification and habitat monitoring.
This programme is a collaborative effort between Harper Adams University (HAU) and the Field Studies Council, combining our shared expertise to create something unique and truly applied. Together, we are not just meeting but surpassing the demands of today's environmental professions, and providing specialised skills for our graduates within the environmental consulting, policymaking, and conservation sectors.
Through this degree, you won't just be learning in a classroom; you'll be out in the field, getting your hands dirty with habitat surveying and species identification. This hands-on approach is key to bridging the gap in skills that employers, and the planet, desperately need. By aligning what you'll learn with what the industry needs, you'll be all set to make a real impact in biodiversity conservation and management once you graduate.
Duration
2 years (part-time)
Start date
September 2025
Awards
- MSc Biological Recording Analysis (180 credits)
- PgD Biological Recording and Monitoring (120 credits)
- PgC Biological Recording and Surveying (60 credits)
Location
- Harper Adams University campus
- Field Studies Council
What will I study?
PgC (60 credits from)
- Biological Recording and Surveying
- Botanical Skills
- Elective modules:
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- Biology and Taxonomy of Insects
- Geographical Information Systems
- Amphibians and Reptiles - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Bats - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Botanical Anatomy ONLINE
- Broadleaf and Conifer Trees - Winter Identification and Ecology
- Broadleaf Trees - Summer Identification, Ecology and Surveying
- Bryophytes - Ecology and Identification
- Discovering Geographical Information Systems Using QGIS
- Ferns - Ecology and Identification
- Freshwater Invertebrates - Ecology, Conservation and Identification
- Lichens - Ecology and Identification
- Grasses, Sedges and Rushes - Ecology and Identification
- Habitat Surveying
- Terrestrial Mammals - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Pollinators - Ecology, Identification and Surveying
PgD (120 credits from)
- Biological Recording and Surveying
- Botanical Skills
- Environmental Change and Ecological Monitoring
- Experimental Design and Analysis
- Elective modules:
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- Biology and Taxonomy of Insects
- Geographical Information Systems
- Amphibians and Reptiles - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Bats - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Botanical Anatomy ONLINE
- Broadleaf and Conifer Trees - Winter Identification and Ecology
- Broadleaf Trees - Summer Identification, Ecology and Surveying
- Bryophytes - Ecology and Identification
- Discovering Geographical Information Systems Using QGIS
- Ferns - Ecology and Identification
- Freshwater Invertebrates - Ecology, Conservation and Identification
- Fungi - Ecology and Identification
- Habitat Surveying
- Environmental Change and Ecological Monitoring
- Pollinators - Ecology, Identification and Surveying
- Terrestrial Mammals - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Lichens - Ecology and Identification
- Grasses, Sedges and Rushes - Ecology and Identification
MSc (180 credits from)
- Biological Recording and Surveying
- Botanical Skills
- Environmental Change and Ecological Monitoring
- Experimental Design and Analysis
- Masters Research Project
- Elective modules:
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- Biology and Taxonomy of Insects
- Geographical Information Systems
- Amphibians and Reptiles - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Bats - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Botanical Anatomy ONLINE
- Broadleaf and Conifer Trees - Winter Identification and Ecology
- Broadleaf Trees - Summer Identification, Ecology and Surveying
- Bryophytes - Ecology and Identification
- Discovering Geographical Information Systems Using QGIS
- Ferns - Ecology and Identification
- Freshwater Invertebrates - Ecology, Conservation and Identification
- Fungi - Ecology and Identification
- Habitat Surveying
- Environmental Change and Ecological Monitoring
- Pollinators - Ecology, Identification and Surveying
- Terrestrial Mammals - Ecology, Conservation and Surveying
- Lichens - Ecology and Identification
- Grasses, Sedges and Rushes - Ecology and Identification
Teaching and learning
This degree brings together the expertise of two distinguished institutions to provide an exceptional learning experience.
The Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity with over 80 years of experience. They provide expertise across various ecological realms, from bryophytes and freshwater invertebrates to botanical skills and habitat surveying. With biodiversity tutors boasting decades of specialised knowledge, they have the ability to enlist top-tier experts to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need.
With our wide range of optional modules, you can tailor your curriculum to your specific interests and passions whilst also completing a range of core modules that provide essential foundations to help you succeed. We seamlessly blend the academic rigor expected of a Harper Adams Master's degree with the intricate specialisms of the Field Studies Council.
Delivered part-time throughout the year, our curriculum has been designed to fit in with the demanding schedules of working professionals. Learning takes place at both Harper Adams facilities and the Field Studies Council hub at Preston Montford, near Shrewsbury, ensuring accessibility and comprehensive learning opportunities.
