Ecology, MRes, 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
MRes	Full-time, Part-time	12 - 24 months	find out	find out	find out

About Ecology, MRes - at Newcastle University

This research-focused degree will develop your academic understanding, and your practical skills, relating to conservation, biodiversity and ecosystem ecology and management.

About this course

The Ecology MRes is designed for graduates in the field of environmental and related sciences. It will provide you with the skills required to follow successful careers in the environmental and wildlife conservation sectors. You'll also develop the advanced skills and knowledge required for further academic study, or research-focused industry roles. By studying our Ecology MRes you can help support the protection of our planet. The degree will also help you if you:

want to find sustainable solutions to the world's development challenges
are keen to join UK and international research teams working on ecological or conservation challenges

The MRes will provide you with advanced training in:

ecology
environmental management
conservation

It will give you a professionally focussed postgraduate qualification that is directly relevant to the ecology and wildlife conservation sectors.

What you'll learn

The MRes will enable you to develop:

advanced knowledge on ecology and wildlife conservation theory, the principles of biodiversity
practical skills in ecological and environmental data collection, data handling, data analysis, and modelling methodologies
field skills in wildlife and environmental monitoring, surveying, and GIS
critical thinking to address UK and global ecology and conservation problems
advanced research capabilities, project management experience and stakeholder engagement

Your development

You'll learn a variety of in-demand skills from the environmental sector. These include:

advanced conceptual understanding and detailed factual knowledge on key subjects
specialised technical and research skills, and professional awareness
overseas and UK study/fieldtrip opportunities where applicable
training and case studies including examples from the UK and overseas. These will help you to understand the requirements for international sustainable development

You'll acquire these skills through:

taught modules
a research dissertation project on a topic of your choice, in collaboration with an academic supervisor

Delivery

You'll take a range of optional taught modules. These provide a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative skills. These skills are essential in modern ecological science. You will be taught using a range of methods, including:

lectures
seminars
practical lab/workshop sessions
group work

The majority of modules will be taught in Semester 1. This ensures that you'll benefit from peer-support and reach a high technical standard before starting your Individual Research Project.

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

case study
computer assessment
dissertation
essay
oral presentation
practical/lab report
poster
problem-solving exercises
report
research proposal
research paper
thesis
written examination
written exercise

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environment Sciences has an array of facilities, including laboratories, for you to carry out your research project:

NU Farms is a research, teaching, and engagement platform based across our two local farms: Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm. Ecological facilities:

more than 800 hectares of farmland
polytunnels and greenhouse capacity for plant growth and competition experiments, insect-plant interaction studies

A mere 10 minutes cycle ride from NU campus is Gosforth Nature Reserve. This protected area comprises multiple habitats and management strategies for carrying out ecological monitoring.

We study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With a live aquarium on-site, you’ll examine a range of wildlife to study.

Our research vessel, The Princess Royal, is a floating laboratory. It is an integral part of your learning experience at Newcastle. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.

Notes about fees for this course

See Fees and Funding tab in the Programme information in our online Prospectus.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as:

ecology
environmental science
biology
geography

We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications and relevant experience.

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

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

You can study our Pre-sessional English course at the INTO Newcastle Centre.

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Ecology, MRes, Newcastle University

Study options for this course

About Ecology, MRes - at Newcastle University

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

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