Course summary

On this course you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need for a career in practical ecology and conservation – we have a highly practical emphasis with hands-on exercises in field and laboratory being embedded throughout the course In the field you’ll learn identification skills for a wide range of species, as well as industry-standard survey techniques like Phase 1 Habitat Surveying, habitat condition assessments, National Vegetation Classification and techniques for monitoring a wide range of fauna including birds, mammals, and invertebrates. In the lab you’ll study taxonomy through microscopy and perform analysis of environmental parameters such as oxygen levels and nutrient status to enable better understanding of species-environment interactions. We also offer modules that allow you to set applied ecology in broader contexts – this includes practical training in Geographical Information Systems, understanding environmental policy and legislation, and learning how to harness the power of citizen science within ecological contexts. Our unique combination of applied teaching in field and classroom by passionate, dedicated, and research-active staff, and the opportunities the course provides for students both during the course and after graduation, mean that the course achieved 100% satisfaction among UK students responding to the national Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024. We also ensure that there is considerable optionality in the course, both in choice of modules and in assessment topics within modules, to allow students to tailor course content to their own interests and career aspirations. The course is block-taught two days a week (currently Thursdays and Fridays). Assessment is exclusively through coursework, with an emphasis on field and laboratory research and consultancy reports – often involving live project briefs from external partners. Your assignments will improve understanding of ecological monitoring, management and conservation and, in many cases, will have direct and immediate practical relevance.