Ecology and Conservation, MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Ecology and Conservation at the University of Aberdeen equips graduates with advanced ecological and transferable skills for careers in research, consultancy, conservation, and more. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through field surveys, statistical analysis, and research, allowing students to tailor their learning to their career goals. Assessment is entirely continuous, with no exams, and focuses on developing key transferable skills. The program collaborates with research institutions and organizations, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

The MSc in Ecology and Conservation equips graduates with advanced ecological and transferable skills, preparing them for successful careers in research, consultancy, conservation, policy, education, and advocacy. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through field surveys, discussion leadership, statistical analysis, report writing, and research.

Program Description:

The MSc in Ecology and Conservation provides flexibility to tailor your learning to your career goals. You'll gain a strong foundation in core areas like plant community ecology, animal population ecology, GIS, and experimental design and analysis (including using R). You can then choose from a diverse range of optional courses to specialize in areas like catchment management, marine spatial management, conservation management planning, environmental impact assessment, and ecology, conservation, and society. The program culminates in an individual research project where you can develop expertise and contacts in a chosen research topic.

Outline:

Stage 1:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Ecological and Environmental Data Analysis Using R (BI5013)
• Field Skills for Ecology (EK5016)
• Contemporary Methods for Population Modelling (ZO5322)
• Optional Courses:
• Advanced Ecological Statistics using R (BI5314)
• Ecology, Conservation and Society (EK5314)

Stage 2:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Catchment Management (EK5515)
• Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics (EK5813)
• Applications of GIS (EV5517)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EK5804)

Stage 3:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Project in Ecology and Conservation (EK5907)

Assessment:

• Entirely Continuous Assessment
• No Exams
• Emphasis on developing key transferable skills through presentations, paper reviews, debates, policy brief preparation, and discussions
• Assessments in applied courses include environmental impact assessments and management plans
• Final assessment is the research project report

Teaching:

• Combination of lectures, seminars, and practical work
• Residential field course
• Emphasis on active participation in class discussions, presentations, and group work
• Individual research project supervised by faculty member and often with an external collaborator
• Title for the project can be selected from an extensive list or based on student's suggestion

Careers:

• UK's Natural Environment Research Council and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 'most wanted' skills in the ecological and environmental sector
• Careers in academic research, ecological or environmental consultancy, conservation, policy, education, and advocacy

Admission Requirements:

• Minimum entry requirement is a degree in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant discipline at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth.
• Candidates with at least a 2:1 or equivalent in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant experience and motivation.

UK: £12,200 EU / International students: £27,000