MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills with this hands-on degree that includes a six-month paid placement with one of our ecological consultancy partners.*

This course will provide all you need to work in the competitive consultancy and conservation sectors. To achieve this, the School of Biological Sciences has teamed up with ecological consultants at since 2011, and more recently with , to deliver a course that provides the skills and knowledge demanded by these industries.

This programme was previously named MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills and has been renamed to better reflect learning outcomes. It's taught by experienced ecologists with visiting lecturers from our partner consultancies – many of whom are alumni from the programme. In fact, more than half of all credits on this programme are overseen by consultants, making this course unique in the UK.

You’ll participate in hands-on and field-based training with all of your assessments being skills-based and fit-for-purpose, with no written examinations. You'll gain a thorough grounding in the skills needed for ecological surveying and species identification, including specialised report-writing and hands-on activities such as species translocation.

In addition to the taught component of your degree, you will be expected to take a six-month paid work placement with a leading ecological consultancy to apply your learning in the workplace.* This will involve working as a field ecologist alongside consultant ecologists planning and undertaking on-site surveys and completing ecological survey reports. The salary is covered by the employer, is at the market rate, and is taxable. In addition, any travel and accommodation while on surveys with the consultancy are covered as expenses by the employer following their expenses procedures.

100% of graduates from MSc Ecological Survey Skills (formerly known as MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills) are in work 15 months after the end of their course (based on our analysis of HESA data ©, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20 and 2020/21 data combined).

A new feature of this programme is our module on molecular species identification and surveying. On this module, you’ll learn about the molecular methods used to survey and identify species, and you’ll also get practical experience in designing, collecting, processing, and analysing environmental samples.

97% of our research outputs are of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Biological Sciences).

You may also be interested in our MSc by Research Entomology programme.

* The University has ringfenced paid placements with partner ecological consultants. Students are required to pass an interview with the placement provider and hold a driving licence.

Overview

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills with this hands-on degree that includes a six-month paid placement with one of our ecological consultancy partners.*

97% of our research outputs are of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Biological Sciences).

You may also be interested in our MSc by Research Entomology programme.

* The University has ringfenced paid placements with partner ecological consultants. Students are required to pass an interview with the placement provider and hold a driving licence.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a related subject such as biological sciences, geographical sciences, agricultural sciences or environmental sciences, but each application will be considered individually.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

The six-month placement with an ecological consultancy is dependent on passing an interview stage and holding a valid driving licence.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Molecular Methods for Species Identification and Survey

Gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques to identify and survey species. You’ll cover the basics of molecular biology along with modern techniques which are becoming increasingly important tools for monitoring and survey.

Field Botany Skills

Identify plants using advanced aids and by developing herbarium skills. Using the methodology of UKHab and NVC survey, you’ll discover common families of vascular plants in the UK and develop understanding of plant ecology.

Ecological Survey Skills

Understand how the ecological consultancy industry works and develop professional skills required for office-based elements of the industry. You’ll review wildlife legislation, planning policy, background data searches, development planning and project management.

Animal Survey and Assessment

Discover how survey and monitoring contribute to the assessment of biodiversity and conservation strategies. You’ll gain practical experience of the methods used to survey and monitor animal populations, particularly species found in the UK.

Consultancy Placement Skills

Prepare for your work placement by developing desk and field skills in methods employed by the consultancy industry. This includes background data search and preliminary ecology appraisal, including field survey and GIS.

Habitat Assessment

Assess habitats for development projects, considering biodiversity net gain, which should be retained or enhanced, and scope for creation. You’ll consider cost and time scales for restoration and creation of habitats, using evidence to justify your assessment.

Optional modules

Placement

Drawing on the material you’ve learned on the course, you’ll complete a placement at a professional ecological consultancy. This work may require you to tender and conduct projects or draft reports under a consultant's direction on placement.

Research Project

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

This programme emphasises the practical skills that employers need, whether it is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments, or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques.

As a 澳门六合彩开奖记录 MSc Ecological Survey Skills graduate, you will be in demand with a degree well-recognised in the ecological consultancy sector.

Many of our graduates find immediate work with their placement provider or with other consultancies across the UK. Others have used their skills to move onto conservation roles.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P