MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation (Part time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Course Overview
Specialise in conservation ecology on our established MSc course, which provides you with tuition from world-leading experts from across our Schools of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences and external organisations. You’ll benefit from our strong academic expertise in Ecology and Conservation, 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 conservation organisations and institutions such as the RSPB, CEFAS and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI).
You’ll benefit from our strong academic expertise in conservation and 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 conservation organisations and institutions such as the BTO, RSPB, CEFAS and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.
In the first year, you’ll study core taught modules in ecological survey methods, evidence-based global conservation and statistics, complemented by a broad range of optional modules. These cover topics including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), practical conservation and work experience, evolutionary biology and conservation genetics, conservation policy and statistical modelling using R.
In the second part of your MSc, you’ll 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 organisation 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 this UEA Master's is a major feature of the success of our alumni in gaining PhD places to continue research. We also greatly encourage presentation of MSc research at conferences.
In addition to in-depth exposure to global conservation issues, you’ll develop transferable skills and establish valuable contacts with potential employers through work experience and research interactions with international and national conservation organisations.
During your first week here at UEA, you'll be able to get your boots muddy while exploring some of the unique and biodiverse habitats across East Anglia. You’ll learn about the threats facing some of these habitats and, weather permitting, you'll also be able to join in with trips to catch small mammals and birds. For many students, one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of their MSc experience is conducting their research project. You are encouraged to develop your own research ideas, with support from faculty, and most of our research projects are conducted in collaboration with conservation organisations around the world. Research projects often make use of the extensive network of MSc alumni, to address some of the most pressing issues facing biodiversity conservation. In addition, up to £1000 of the course fees are used to support your dissertation research costs. Recent project topics have explored competition between translocated bird species in the Seychelles, the effects of agri-environment schemes on hoverflies in the UK, the effects of heathland management on predation of snakes and many, many more topics.
Study and Modules
Structure
The course runs over two years. There is no predefined structure to the part time variant, as module selection is bespoke to each student (except for the dissertation module, which must be taken in the second year). This offers you a great deal of flexibility.
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 and trail cameras.
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 – including General Linear Models, Mixed models, Logistic Regression and Principal Components Analysis.
Alongside these core modules, you’ll also be able to select from a range of optional modules covering topics such as Conservation Genetics, GIS and its Applications for Modelling Ecological and Environmental Change, Practical Conservation and Work Experience, Statistics and Modelling for Scientists, Conservation Policy and Communication and Knowledge Exchange.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max 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
All our teaching in the Schools of Biological and Ecological Sciences is research-led. 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.
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.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll apply your learning in a real environment through your dissertation study – conducting a research project in an area of your choice.
You can also choose from a selection of optional modules that cover topics like conservation genetics, GIS and its applications for modeling ecological and environmental change, practical conservation and work experience, statistics and modeling for scientists, and conservation policy and communication and knowledge exchange.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max 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
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 (CEEC); follow some of their activities.
Assessment
The methods of assessment will vary depending on the modules you choose, but may include a combination of written assignments, research posters, presentations, and reports that incorporate statistical analysis.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Biology-related subject plus evidence of additional conservation experience. Geography and Environmental Management degrees 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 with minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking and 5.5 in Listening and Reading
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet 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 English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year
Additional Information or Requirements
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £12,850 (full time)
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International Students: £25,150 (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
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.
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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Ecological research
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Ecological Consultancy
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Agriculture and horticulture
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Environmental management and conservation
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Science communication and engagement
Discover more on our Careers webpages.