Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement is a master's program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a career in ecological consultancy and conservation. The program focuses on building practical experience and skills in recognizing the characteristics of plants, animal species, and vegetation, as well as identifying different species and collecting samples.

Program Structure

The program is taught by University staff and ecological consultants from Aspect Ecology, with links to prominent organizations such as Natural England, The National Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, The Natural History Museum, The Royal Horticultural Society, RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Marine Conservation Society, and The Wildlife Trusts.

Fees and Funding

• MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement students are expected to take a paid placement, which will help towards fees and living expenses.
• The normal alumnus discount will still be applied to fees for both programs.
• A variety of funding support is available to all master's students, including:
  • Government loans for UK/EU students to help towards tuition fees and living costs.
  • Eligibility for other grants and bursaries.
  • Scholarships available to both UK/EU and international students, awarded based on previous academic achievement.

Career Opportunities

The MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical experience that employers in the ecology, conservation, and ecological consultancy sectors are looking for. The inbuilt placement ensures students have proven work experience and numerous networking opportunities, resulting in high rates of employment. Graduates can go on to work in various fields, including:

• Ecological consultancy
• Environmental education
• Ecological organizations and research
• Wildlife trusts
• Statutory conservation agencies
• Museums and botanic gardens

Study Approach

The master's courses are extremely practical, with hands-on learning out in the field, focused on preparing students for their future careers. Students will learn from expert entomologists, zoologists, botanists, and ecologists, and have access to collections and samples on the biodiverse campus, as well as benefit from close links with industry to enhance their career prospects.