MSc in Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment

Course Overview

The purpose of this MSc is to train ecologists to work to the highest professional standard.

Many people employed in the environment sector today lack an appropriate training in ecology. Consequently, they cannot apply the skills and knowledge needed to achieve quality outcomes in their work. The growing legal requirements for environment protection in all aspects of business means that ecological consultancies, public sector agencies and conservation organisations are now recruiting a new generation of ecologist to meet their legal obligations. This sudden surge in demand offers tremendous opportunities for new graduates.

The MSc in Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment aims to prepare graduates thoroughly, and on a sound ecological and professional basis, for the work which applied ecologists are called upon to carry out to a high level of expertise and competency. Such work can include surveying, mitigation, habitat creation and restoration, monitoring, ecological environmental impact assessment, environmental statements and project management.

On this course you will learn how to:

• Apply a sound understanding of ecological principles to practical situations.
• Sample quantitatively and qualitatively a range of habitats and species using up-to-date field work techniques.
• Assess ecological information gained from field work to prepare environmental audits and environmental impact assessments.
• Develop your own specialist expertise in a group of animals or plants of your choice.
• Use the latest field techniques to create and restore natural habitats.
• Apply environmental legislation and other regulations to project work.
• Supervise the business side of ecological work including project management, finance and quality assurance.

Part-time course

The MSc programme is part-time and runs over two years. Each taught unit is made up of four one-week blocks, two of which are taught in each term of the academic year, plus independent study to be carried out at home. This part-time format allows people to hold a full-time job while enrolled on the MSc, so giving them the opportunity to earn income while studying for a valued postgraduate qualification. The course is particularly suitable for graduates currently in work who wish to update their skills without taking a year off.

Who teaches the course?

This course is taught by a dedicated team of applied ecologists. The composition of this team is unusual in that the majority of our tutors are professional staff brought in from outside the University. The benefit of using applied ecologists (as opposed to academic ecologists) is that they possess first-hand experience of wildlife management, conservation and environmental appraisal. These people work at the coal-face of ecology, carrying out wildlife surveys and environmental impact assessments on a daily basis. Their contribution ensures that this MSc provides the timeliness and practical skills needed to resolve pressing environmental problems facing the modern world.

Tutors on this course include staff from the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, RSPB, Central Science Laboratory, the National Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and from a range of private sector ecological consultancies such as Cresswell Associates, Golder Associates and RPS Ecology. The exact composition of the tutor team varies from year to year. During your time at Bristol you can expect to develop a network of contacts within the industry that will benefit your future career.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching on the MSc consists of lectures, practicals and field trips, group work and seminars, and includes basic principles, practical applications and case studies. Emphasis is placed on acquiring new ecological skills in the field. Participants are expected to play an active part in the teaching sessions and to make significant contributions to group work.

Where does the course take place?

The course takes place at Burwalls Centre in the University of Bristol. This is a picturesque house set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens immediately adjacent to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, with which it shares spectacular views of the Avon Gorge and the City of Bristol. Teaching sessions and meals all take place at Burwalls and residential accommodation is available for students who live outside the Bristol area. We are sure that you will find Burwalls a great place to study and to make new friends.

Benefits of this course

• Highly vocational.
• Study at one of Britain’s top universities.
• Gain new ecological skills.
• An environment of international-class research.
• The course benefits from well-developed links with conservation organisations and ecological consultancies.
• Bristol science graduates are prized by industry, being rated second only to Cambridge graduates in a recent survey.
• The University is located at the heart of a beautiful, lively and creative city.
• The surrounding area offers unrivalled cultural and scenic opportunities.
• The part-time format of this MSc allows you to hold a job (and earn money) while studying for a valued postgraduate award.

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