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Duration

1 years

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

School of Study

Biological Sciences

Course Organiser

Dr. Diana Bell


The MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation provides a flexible course structure suitable for students who wish to acquire the skills necessary for a range of careers in conservation and applied ecology. The programme aims to provide you with interdisciplinary training forming an ideal platform either for continuation to doctoral research or for direct access into conservation related employment.

The course runs over a full calendar year starting with a field course. You will take a combination of taught modules during the first half of the year with the second half spent on an individual research project, often overseas. In addition to core modules in ecological survey methods, current issues in conservation, research skills for ecologists and statistics, you will be able to choose from a broad range of optional modules, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), practical conservation and work placement, restoration ecology, conservation genetics, biodiversity conservation and human society and ecological modelling.

Conservation biologists and ecologists in the Schools of Biological and Environmental Sciences and leading conservation organisations conduct most of the teaching.

In addition to in-depth exposure to global conservation issues the course provides training in a range of transferable skills and will provide you with an opportunity to establish valuable contacts with potential employers through short and long term work experience and research interaction with a range of national and international conservation organisations.

Examples of some recent research projects conducted by students on this MSc course include:

  • The vulnerability of birds to climate change (with Birdlife International)
  • Mandrills in Gabon: current status and threats (with the Wildlife Conservation Society)
  • Microhabitat and dietary preferences of Telfair’s skink on Round Island: implications for translocation (with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation)
  • Nest-site selection and poaching in Yellow-headed Amazon parrots (with the World Land Trust)
  • Crab as indicators of habitat quality (with Nature Seychelles)

“I found the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation to be an excellent course to help develop my career. The diverse range of modules allows anyone to mould the course to their interests, while the core classes ensure a sound grounding in the whole process of planning, fundraising for, and running a research project.”

Joe Hawes Former student


Faculty of Science Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)
  • 90% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent, or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
  • Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Excellent” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
  • Consistently ranked in the top five for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream English universities (UK National Student Survey).
  • Research and teaching supported by an impressive array of cutting edge in house facilities and a range of well equipped modern laboratories.
  • Part of the Norwich Research Park, a major international centre for plant, microbial, food and health science.
  • Close collaboration with scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory.

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Year

Compulsory Study (150 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 150 credits:

Name Code Credits
DISSERTATION
A full-time research project that runs from mid March to early August. This entails an extensive, original and quantitative investigation on a conservation or applied ecology topic carried out in the field or laboratory, or may involve analysis of existing data. The project may be undertaken in the Schools of BIO or ENV, or with an international, national or local conservation agency. Projects are supervised by faculty. The research project is written up as a dissertation with a submission deadline in early August.
BIO-M60X 80
ECOLOGICAL SURVEY METHODS
This is a practical module spanning the autumn semester and half of the spring semester. It covers a wide variety of methods for surveying and censussing plants, animals, and habitats. It includes a comparison of methods and use of statistics. This is a compulsory module of the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation. The lectures and workshops will cover: reasons for censussing, assumptions of sampling techniques, mark-release-recapture, distance sampling and other techniques for monitoring different taxa and habitats, diagnosing declines, and project planning.
BIO-M55Y 20
ISSUES IN CONSERVATION
The aim is to give students an in-depth knowledge of current topics in fields relating to conservation. Students will learn to critically examine hot issues in conservation biology, develop an in-depth understanding of a range of techniques and approaches employed in the study of conservation and understand, assess and report on scientific presentations given by high-profile scientists. Each week there is a 3 hour seminar. Some will be lead by faculty, others by outside speakers who are experts in their fields, others will be student-led. At the end of the course students will attend the "Rebellion" - 2 days of talks on ecology and conservation. This is a compulsory module of the MSc in AEC.
BIO-M68Y 20
MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS
This is a compulsory module of the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation. Multivariate statistics used in advanced ecological analyses are covered in this module. These include General Linear Models, Analysis of Variance, Logistic Regression, and Principal Components Analysis. Students will learn how to run these tests using the statistical package SPSS and how to critique, interpret, and present the results. Previous knowledge of basic statistics is necessary (e.g. BIO M519 or equivalent).
BIO-M517 10
RESEARCH SKILLS
The aim of this module is to provide training in research skills relevant to ecologists and conservation biologists as well as providing a range of general transferable skills. Skills taught include presentation skills, information gathering and organisational skills, grant-writing, interview techniques and writing a C.V. This is a compulsory module of the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation.
BIO-M64Y 10
UNIVARIATE STATISTICS
This is an introduction for some students and a refresher for others. Simple tests for trends (correlation, regression) and for differences (Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVAs) are introduced using a friendly statistical package (SPSSx for Windows). The link between statistics and experimental design is stressed. Students studying on the Master of Science degree programme in Applied Ecology and Conservation MUST undertake this module if they have no previous statistical experience.
BIO-M519 10

Option A Study (30 credits)

Students will select 30 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND HUMAN SOCIETY
This is an inter-disciplinary module focusing on the interaction between ecology, biodiversity and human societies. It examines the human drivers of biodiversity loss, the importance of biodiversity to human society, conflicts between human society and conservation and how these can be resolved, and institutions for biodiversity conservation and environmental management. It is designed for students of Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Geography and International Development. This inter-disciplinary module does not require previous detailed knowledge of ecological mechanisms: where a simple understanding of key ecological processes is important, this will be reviewed and taught in class. Key principles, issues and theory are covered in lectures by UEA faculty. These are supported by case studies from external speakers working in conservation, environmental and resource management agencies and NGOs. The module will comprise two core lectures plus one workshop / seminar / outside speaker each week. Co-taught with ENV-3A17. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A17 OR EQUIVALENT
ENV-MA17 20
CONSERVATION GENETICS
In this module, students will study evolutionary theory and its application to conservation genetics. The principal focus will be on how evolutionary forces (mutation, recombination, genetic drift, gene flow and selection) and epigenetics affect phenotype, behaviour and genetic variation. We will cover the rich evolutionary literature, discussing the paradigm shifting studies by Darwin, Fisher, Wright, Haldane and others. The module also covers current knowledge of molecular technology as applied to ecological, evolutionary and conservation studies.
BIO-M522 10
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
Statistical modelling is a methodology for interpreting experimental data and field observations and for making predictions. The aim of this module is to introduce students to statistical modelling and to some basic techniques for writing population models. After completion of this module, students will understand how to use R to conduct linear model hypothesis testing and community analyses, become familiar with some techniques used to develop ecological population models, be better able to read and understand ecological and statistical models that are found in the literature, and develop written communication skills. This module is primarily reserved for those students studying on the European MSc in Applied Ecology. Limited students from the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation can also enrol into this module.
ENV-MA72 10
GIS FOR ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are computer programs for the capture, management, analysis and display of spatially referenced data. They are now increasingly widely used in ecology and environmental management, both in the organisation and analysis of pre-existing data sets and for analysis of data collected during fieldwork. This module aims to introduce their basic principles, capabilities, applications and limitations. Only basic familiarity with a PC is required and there will be weekly practical classes using the ArcGIS software. The main emphasis will be on imparting an understanding of what a GIS is, the strengths and weaknesses of such systems, and their practical use in research contexts (including MSc dissertations).
ENV-MA94 10
PRACTICAL CONSERVATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
This module entails 5 days of unpaid work placement in various international, national or local conservation organisations and ecological consultancies. The days may be carried out with more than one organisation, need not be consecutive and may be spread across both semesters. Students can receive help from faculty in setting up placements but will be responsible for their transportation to and from the workplace.
BIO-M56Y 10
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
In this module, the causes of habitat degradation and practical solutions for habitat enhancement, restoration and creation are examined using real case studies. Particular emphasis will be placed on reviewing methods and outcomes of restoration of aquatic habitats, including fens, shallow eutrophic lakes and rivers, although terrestrial habitats such as lowland heathland, beaches and dunes, and woodland will also be considered. 3 field trips to local habitats will give first-hand experience of restoration in action, usually to include Suffolk sandlings heathland, the Broads, and the beaches and dunes near Sizewell Power Station on the east coast.
BIO-M512 10

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

  • IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
  • TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 in listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and  20 reading)
  • PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date. 

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required. 

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Degree Subject:
Biology-related subject plus evidence of additional conservation experience. First degrees in geography or environmental management are also accepted if these contain a strong ecological component.
Degree Classification:
Good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)
Alternative Qualifications:
Non-scientists wanting to retrain may take the one year Diploma in Ecology and enter the MSc Applied Ecology & Conservation the following year.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees 2013/14

  • UK/EU £7,000
  • International £15,400

Funding

  • International applicants applying to this course can be considered for one full fees Commonwealth Scholarship, one Faculty of Science half fees scholarship or up to four £1000 scholarships.  The deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship is 15th March 2013 and for all other scholarships the deadline is 1st April 2013.

Commonwealth Scholarship
Students applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship are not required to submit an essay.  All eligible candidates to whom the school has made an offer are automatically considered for nomination.  The successful candidate and a reserve will be notified by 31st March 2013.  If you have not been contacted by this date then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful.  The appropriate application forms will be sent to the successful student.

Faculty of Science Scholarships
Students wishing to apply should submit an essay.  You may choose a Biologist of your choice and answer the following question in 1000 words: 'What are the major contributions of (your chosen Biologist) to biology'?  Essays should be emailed to the Admissions Office.  Please ensure you include your full name, the course you have applied to, and your applicant number in your email.

For more information please contact the Biology Postgraduate Admissions Office (bio.pgt.admiss@uea.ac.uk).  


Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.