Program Overview

MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry On Line

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This on-line MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, awarded from the University of Central Lancashire, is a ground-breaking course with an international profile. The course recognises the multidisciplinary approach needed to design, maintain and manage trees as part of green infrastructure projects. The course is designed for professionals who wish to engage further with an understanding of urban trees, their management, and sustainable ways forward for our urban forests.

The course encourages debate and critical evaluation of practices and innovative research within arboriculture and urban forestry, taking both a scientific and industry viewpoint on current practice. We look at the current issues in delivering good tree care and healthy urban forests – because trees and urban green space contribute so much to the liveability of our urban areas and yet they are often neglected as a topic or seen only as a secondary resource in urban areas.

Importantly, the course requires its students to take a critical and evaluative stance on urban forestry, allowing them to develop further their skills and knowledge within this discipline and to be able to develop their professional opinion on key matters that affect trees in our townscapes. Academic standards on this course are high, such that MSc student research projects are frequently to a standard suitable for publication in relevant academic journals.

Key information

• Location: Myerscough College (Preston)
• Course length: 3 years
• Start date: September
• UCAS code: N/A

Course modules

Year 1

• Research Methodology and Design
• Tree Physiology under Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
• Tree Risk Management

Year 2

• The Science of Tree Production and Establishment
• Trees and Urban Planning
• Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure

Year 3

• Masters Dissertation

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

• Applications are sought from individuals possessing a minimum of Lower Second Class (2.2) Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline.
• Candidates not possessing an Honours Degree at the above grade but with relevant professional qualifications and experience will be welcomed.
• All non-standard applicants may be interviewed to assess suitability for the course.
• Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered.
• Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience.
• Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course.
• Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experience/Learning (APE/L) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to have an English qualification to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
• All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Learning and assessment

• Learning Environment: Learning activities on the course are diverse, including audio lectures, critical reviews of relevant academic papers, video presentations and a moderated discussion board as well as tutors’ notes and related publications.
• Assessment: Students will engage in a variety of relevant professional assessments, including the production of written reports, oral presentations and dissemination of information via webpages and research posters and writing an academic account of a research project.
• Additional Information: On-line students will be given access to talks by guest speakers via the Myerscough College virtual learning environment.

Progression

• On successful completion of the course, students may apply for Doctorate (PhD) in a related discipline.

Careers

• This course programme immerses its students in a critical evaluation of the arboricultural and urban forestry industry, challenging existing knowledge and emphasising critical thinking skills that enable postgraduates to secure management and consultancy posts.
• Such posts may be within private consultancy practices, management roles within tree care companies or working as part of a larger institution or governmental body.
• Professionalism, independent thinking and innovation are emphasised throughout the course to prepare students for the demands of these positions.
• Students may also gain the opportunity to progress into teaching and scientific research positions.

Professional accreditations

• This course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
• Students completing this MSc course programme are accredited 6 points towards Chartered Arboriculturist/Forester status.

Special requirements

• Students will be advised on what IT requirements are needed for studying this course online.