Graduate Diploma ECOLOGY
GRADUATE DIPLOMA ECOLOGY
Are you a graduate from another discipline (arts or sciences) who aspires to work in ecology and nature conservation research, consultancy or advocacy? Do you require a fast-track route to transforming your career?
This is an intensive one-year conversion course designed to equip you with the essential concepts, skills and experience needed for entry into the ecology and conservation sector. Students on the Diploma benefit from UEA’s outstanding international reputation for research and training in ecology, conservation and environmental sciences at the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC). You can tailor the course to suit your own interests and aspirations through modules developing core ecological and evolutionary principles and theories, to applied conservation ecology and its interface with human societal demands and impacts on biodiversity. A strong emphasis is placed on practical and field-skills via our field-training opportunities (and we plan to maintain this component as far as possible, dependent on pandemic restrictions).
About
This Graduate Diploma in Ecology combines a selection of Honours level modules specifically designed to give you a strong training in ecological and conservation theory and skills.
While you’ll focus primarily in the areas of population and community ecology and conservation biology, the course is flexible so that it enables you to strengthen your knowledge in other areas of ecology too. Prepare to explore the functioning of aquatic, marine and terrestrial ecosystems; the importance of community structure, succession and population dynamics; the processes of predation, competition and other plant/animal interactions; population and biodiversity responses to natural environmental disturbance and human-induced stress; the current research agenda in ecology, evolution and conservation; and the potential contribution of integrating sustainable development with biodiversity conservation.
We’ve also specifically designed our Graduate Diploma to ensure you develop a wide range of transferable skills, which will apply to any career or further graduate study at MSc or PhD level. You'll gain skills in communication, information technology, data mining and analysis, teamwork, critical writing, reasoning and time management.
What’s more, you’ll be in the perfect place to study. We have very strong academic expertise in ecology, based around UEA’s Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC) – one of the largest groups of its kind in Europe, with strong links to major institutions such as the RSPB, BTO, CEFAS and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.
So whatever scientific career you aspire to, this Diploma is the perfect preparation for further study or the world of work.
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.After the Course
The Graduate Diploma in Ecology has been transformational for the careers of students that have taken it. Diploma in Ecology alumni have moved either directly or via MSc courses into a diversity of professional roles in the ecology and conservation sector.
Most students go on to complete MSc courses in biodiversity, ecology and/or conservation biology as a stepping-stone to PhD research or employment. Approximately half of our Diploma in Ecology graduates go on to study on the Applied Ecology and Conservation MSc here at UEA.
You'll graduate as a skilled ecologist ready to take advantage of the UK’s wealth of varied habitats, or range further afield. Either way, you’ll be able to use what you have learned at UEA to make a real difference.
Career destinations
Examples of career destinations of Diploma alumni include:
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PhD and Postdoctoral research in ecology and conservation biology at UK and overseas universities
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Ecologists working for non-governmental conservation organisations
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Ecologists working for government departments and organisations
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Ecological consultancy
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Science communication and conservation advocacy
Assessment for Year 1
You will be assessed on your learning and progress on this course through a range of methods which may include the presentation of your own taxonomy collection, creating social media articles, presentations, writing executive reports for clients, as well as the more formal course tests, exams and assessed practical work. The Diploma has a strong emphasis on coursework and practical reporting, preparing you for the workplace after you graduate.
Students must complete minimum 40 credits from the compulsory modules ENV-5014A, ENV-6006A or BIO-5014B, and 120 credits in total for the Diploma
Assessment for Year 1
You will be assessed on your learning and progress on this course through a range of methods which may include the presentation of your own taxonomy collection, creating social media articles, presentations, writing executive reports for clients, as well as the more formal course tests, exams and assessed practical work. The Diploma has a strong emphasis on coursework and practical reporting, preparing you for the workplace after you graduate.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)Degree subject
Any degree discipline will be considered. Evidence of any additional ecology and conservation experience will be looked upon favourablyStudents 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:
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IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in two components only, with 6.0 in the other two)
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PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in only two components with 64 in the others)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests
INTO UEA also 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2022/23 are:
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UK Students: £11,000 (full time) (includes £1000 bench fee)
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International Students: £22,400 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You will normally be expected to pay 50% towards the cost of any optional field trips selected from the range of residential field course modules within the Schools of Biological Sciences or Environmental Sciences. All Ecologists are expected to have suitable field clothes including walking boots and waterproofs.
Please note that this course runs an optional two-week Field Ecology module, which takes place before the start of the Autumn Semester (in September). If you're an international student wishing to take this module, you'll be required to arrive at the university before the field course commences in order to complete your visa and registration checks. This module is expected to run in 2022, depending on pandemic restrictions at the time.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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.
Course Variants
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