We offer two master's courses in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology division, the MSc by Research Entomology and the taught MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement (formerly MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills).
Our courses
MSc by Research Entomology
Gain expertise about the world of insects, from identification to insect-related issues facing society.
This course is one of the only research master's programmes in entomology in the UK. We partner with several industry-leading organisations and professional individuals making the course an excellent route into a career in entomology.
In this course you will study insects. You will learn everything required to carry out scientific entomological study, develop broad expertise in entomology as well as studying some areas in depth through the research projects.
The course carries a very large component of research work to give you expertise in different field and lab methodologies. We also provide career development training maximising the use of your new skills. You will work wholly in the field and the lab.
MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement
Build the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in ecological consultancy and conservation.
Working both in the field and laboratory, you will learn to recognise the characteristics of plants, animal species and vegetation. You will learn to identify different species and collect samples.
The topics on this course have been developed and are taught by University staff and ecological consultants from Aspect Ecology.
We have links with 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, funding and scholarships
MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement students are expected to take a paid placement, which will help towards fees and living expenses.
MSc by Research Entomology students enrolling in 2024 will receive a fee reduction bursary of £2,000 from The School of Biological Sciences. This bursary can only be used against fees.
The normal alumnus discount will still be applied to fees for both programmes.
In addition, a variety of funding support is available to all of our master’s students. UK/EU students can receive government loans to help towards tuition fees and living costs. You may also be eligible for other grants and bursaries.
Both UK/EU and international students can apply for scholarships, which are awarded based on previous academic achievement.
Your career
There is a significant need for entomologists in today's world, but rather few well-trained entomologists to fulfil that need. Our MSc by Research Entomology graduates have gone on to become private entomology consultants, entomologists at universities, teaching associates, agricultural entomologists overseas and PhD students.
The MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement course (formerly MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills) is designed to give you the knowledge and practical experience that employers in the ecology, conservation and ecological consultancy sectors are looking for, and the inbuilt placement ensures you have proven work experience and lots of networking opportunities Consequently, our graduates have high rates of employment, many being offered permanent contracts before the end of their course.
Our course focuses on Ecological consultancy but the skills you learn mean you could go on to work in environmental education, ecological organisations and research, wildlife trusts, statutory conservation agencies, museums and botanic gardens among others.
How you'll study
Our master's courses are extremely practical, with hands-on learning out in the field. The courses are focused towards preparing you for your future career.
Why study with us?
Learn from our expert entomologists, zoologists, botanists and ecologists, access collections and samples on our biodiverse campus, benefit from our close links with industry and enhance your career.
