MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation
Course
options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Specialise in conservation ecology on our established MSc course, which provides you with tuition from world-leading experts in Ecology and Conservation from across our Schools of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences and from major conservation organisations and institutions such as the RSPB, CEFAS and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI).
You’ll study core taught modules in ecological survey methods, evidence-based global conservation and statistics, complemented by a broad range of optional modules covering topics including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), practical conservation and work experience, evolutionary biology and conservation genetics, conservation policy and statistical modelling using R.
You’ll then conduct a five-month research project exploring some of the most pressing biodiversity issues within an area of interest to you – often in collaboration with an external conservation organization in the UK or abroad. Many of our research dissertations are subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals (> 60 publications to date), and this CV-boosting feature of our MSc is a major feature of the success of our alumni in gaining PhD places to continue research.
In addition to in-depth exposure to global conservation issues, you’ll develop transferable skills and establish valuable contacts within national and international conservation organisations. These will equip you for progressing to doctoral research, for direct access into conservation-related employment or for pursuing careers in a field such as science communication, education or policy development.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation course runs over a full calendar year starting with a series of field trips. You'll take a combination of taught modules between October and March before starting on an individual research project, often overseas.
Your compulsory modules will give you a strong grounding in both practical and theoretical skills and knowledge. You’ll be trained to carry out ecological research and interpret and evaluate the results of ecological surveys carried out by a third party. It’s ideal vocational training and gives you first-hand experience in a variety of methods for surveying plants, animals and habitats, including the use of remote census techniques such as radio-tracking, passive acoustic monitoring and camera trapping.
In addition, you’ll critically evaluate scientific evidence as a basis for effective biodiversity conservation policy, strategy and interventions, in a world challenged by climate change, population growth and the need for socio-economic development and environmental justice.
You’ll cover statistical concepts and practice, and the links between statistics and experimental design. You’ll learn simple tests for trends, associations and differences and how multivariate statistics are used in advanced ecological analyses. Alongside these core modules, you’ll also be able to select from a range of optional modules.
After the taught component of the course, you’ll apply your learning in a real environment through your dissertation study – conducting a research project in an area of your choice.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
All our teaching in the Schools of Biological and Environmental Sciences is research-led, drawing on academic expertise in conservation and ecology from across UEA’s Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC). This means that you benefit from the teaching expertise of a large group of enthusiastic, friendly academic staff with world-leading research reputations in ecology, evolution and conservation, along with input from staff in leading conservation organisations who ensure that the most recent conservation issues and ideas are incorporated into all our courses. It makes for engaging programmes that our students love.
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, where you’ll perfect your practical field skills.
Independent study
You’ll conduct your own unique research project for your dissertation – and you’re in the ideal place to do so.
You’ll also get the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops conducted by world-leading scientists to keep up with the latest research in Conservation and Ecology. These are organised by the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation.
Assessment
How you’ll be assessed will vary depending on the modules that you choose but may include a combination of written assignments evaluating a recent research article, research posters, presentations and reports incorporating statistical analysis.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled conservation ecologist ready to work or continue with doctoral studies nationally or globally, using what you've learned at UEA to make a real difference.
You could go on to a career in many different areas – from ecological research to environmental management, consultancy and conservation. You might also consider education or science communication and engagement. Many of our students progress to PhD study after their Master’s degree.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Ecological research
- Ecological Consultancy
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Environmental management and conservation
- Science communication and engagement
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Biology-related subject plus evidence of additional conservation experience. Geography and Environmental Management degrees are also acceptable if containing strong ecological component.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Biology-related subject plus evidence of additional conservation experience. Geography and Environmental Management degrees are also acceptable if containing strong ecological component.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £13,750
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International Students: £26,900
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 £1,136 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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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.