Program Overview

Our MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation offers a flexible course structure that will equip you with the skills necessary for a range of careers in conservation and applied ecology. The interdisciplinary training forms an ideal platform for continuation to doctoral research, for direct access into conservation-related employment or for pursuing careers in a field such as science communication, education or policy development.

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 half of the 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, conservation genetics and statistical modelling using R.

In the second part of your MSc you’ll conduct a 5-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)

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.