Program Overview

Overview

The Ecology MRes is a postgraduate degree that enables students to develop advanced knowledge and skills in ecology and wildlife conservation. The program is designed for graduates in environmental, ecological, and related sciences, and it provides a professionally focused qualification relevant to the environmental and conservation sectors.

What You'll Learn

The Ecology MRes will enable students to develop:

• Advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife conservation science
• An in-depth understanding of the principles of biodiversity and its co-dependencies with climate and land use changes
• Practical skills in ecological and environmental data collection, data handling, data analysis, and advanced modeling methodologies
• Skills in wildlife and environmental monitoring, surveying, and GIS and Remote Sensing
• Critical thinking to address UK and global ecology and conservation problems
• Advanced research capabilities, project management experience, and skills for stakeholder engagement

How You'll Learn

The Ecology MRes is delivered by a range of:

• Taught modules
• A research dissertation project on a topic of the student's choice, in collaboration with an academic supervisor

Students will take a range of optional taught modules, which provide a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative skills. These skills are essential in modern ecological and conservation science.

Your Development

The program will help students develop a variety of in-demand skills from the environmental sector, including:

• Advanced conceptual understanding and detailed factual knowledge of key subjects
• Specialized technical and research skills, and professional awareness
• Overseas and UK study/field trip opportunities where applicable
• Training and case studies, including examples from the UK and overseas

Your Future

The Ecology MRes supports a route into PhD-level study and develops the research skills needed for advanced study. The program also prepares students for careers at the science-policy interface, where knowledge of how biodiversity science, conservation, and policy intersect and inform each other is essential.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Environmental Sciences - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environment Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support student studies, including:

• Laboratories for research projects
• NU Farms, a research, teaching, and engagement platform based across two local farms
• Dove Marine Laboratory for studying live marine animals
• The Princess Royal, a floating laboratory and research vessel
• Gosforth Nature Reserve for ecological monitoring

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • Home students: £14,300
  • International students: £31,900
• Scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including a 25% discount on international fees for EU students without settled or pre-settled status

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 BSc honors degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as ecology, environmental science, biology, or geography
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for students with relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience

How to Apply

• The course starts in September, and there is no application closing date
• International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts
• A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK
• ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance may be required for certain students
• Program codes: 4871F (full-time) and 4871P (part-time, withdrawn for 2026 entry)