MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation (Part time)

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MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation

Key Details

Attendance: Part Time
Award: Degree of Master of Science
Course Length: 2 years
Course Start Date: September 2023

Other Start Dates

Important Information

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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).

About

This degree follows the same programme as its full-time equivalent but is spread over two years.

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 your interest – often in collaboration with an external conservation organisation in the UK or abroad. Examples of recent projects include:

Interspecific competition between translocated species: The case of two island endemic passerines (with Nature Seychelles)
Exploring the unprecedented recovery of passerines within Rodrigues (with the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation)
Exploring the distribution and inter-specific interactions of the newly discovered Cambodian Tailorbird (with the Wildlife Conservation Society)
Differences between fallow plots and wet grassland during lapwing chick rearing (with the RSPB)

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 will 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.

Entry Requirements

Degree Classification

Bachelors degree 2.1 or equivalent

Degree Subject

Biology-related subject plus evidence of additional conservation experience. Bachelors degrees in geography or environmental management are also accepted if these contain a strong ecological component.

English 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: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in two components only, with 6.0 in the other two)
PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in two components only with 64 in the other two)

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.

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. This course's annual intake is in September of each year.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:

UK Students: £12,250 (full time)
International Students: £23,500 (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:

Ecological research
PhD study
Ecological Consultancy
Agriculture and horticulture
Environmental management and conservation
Science communication and engagement