Conservation and Ecosystem Management, MSc, Newcastle University

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc	Full-time, Part-time	12 - 24 months	September	find out	find out

About Conservation and Ecosystem Management, MSc - at Newcastle University

About this course

You will study biodiversity and conservation in the context of a range of UK ecosystems including woodland, grassland and moor.

You'll develop practical skills in habitat assessment and species identification. You will also expand your academic understanding, contribute to relevant research and meet local practitioners.

The course is suitable for graduates with a background in ecology, biology and environmental science, but also for people with an interest in wildlife who are seeking a career change towards conservation, habitat management or ecological consultancy.

We have strong links with public and private sector organisations including:

Northumberland National Park
Natural England
local Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
local Wildlife Trusts
Forestry Commission
National Trust
local ecological consultancies

What you'll learn

You will develop understanding, practical ability and critical awareness around the following:

temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species, for example forest and woodland, moorland, calaminarian, whin, coastal and other grassland, and other habitats
contemporary conservation issues, for example rewilding, conflict in the countryside, biodiversity threats
habitat assessment appropriate for ecological consultancy work
surveying and mapping using technology such as GIS
plant and animal species identification skills
practical management planning for selected ecosystems
communication including presentations, short videos, report writing and team work

Support is available to you if you:

have been out of education for some time
have come from different specialisms
are from education systems different from those in the UK

We offer help in academic and professional skills such as:

ecology for non-ecologists
critical thinking for scientists
information literacy
data manipulation, analysis and presentation

Our approach to data analysis is suitable for different ability levels. We use R software assuming basic knowledge, but build on it quickly so you can analyse and present dissertation data professionally, and undertake similar research in your future employment.

Delivery

This course is taught in a block format each block lasting 4 weeks.

You will be taught through:

lectures and seminars
practical and field visits
tutorials
case studies
small group discussions
vocational activities

Independent study outside of these structured sessions is expected. Where possible assessments will be used to develop your employability skills such as:

presentations: oral or using video skills
management plans
consultancy reports
scientific papers
group reports
guided tours of conservation sites
reflective critical pieces

Exams are avoided wherever possible.

Facilities

We have two University Farms:

Cockle Park Farm is a 262ha mixed farm that includes the renowned Palace Leas hay meadow experimental plots
Nafferton Farm is a 300ha farm with long running organic versus conventional trial plots

The farms have recently entered into an Environmental Stewardship agreement to maintain and enhance important habitats. The farms and facilities are accessible for your project work.

Newcastle is close to some very special natural and man-made habitats. These habitats all have biodiversity interest and many with challenging conservation issues. It is a prime location for study. We are located close to the hills and plains of Northumberland, County Durham and the Lake District.

There will be chances to visit:

Newcastle University farms
remote moorlands and bogs
ancient woodlands
Kielder Forest
diverse and threatened grasslands
rocky and marshy coast

There are also great rail links to Edinburgh and London.

Notes about fees for this course

See our course-specific Fees and Funding page.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science discipline, such as:

animal sciences
biology
environmental sciences
ecology
other science degree with relevant experience, voluntary or paid

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 2 English Language Requirements.

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills).

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

8 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
12 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.

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Conservation and Ecosystem Management, MSc, Newcastle University

Study options for this course

About Conservation and Ecosystem Management, MSc - at Newcastle University

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at Newcastle University

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