Leanne Riddoch United Kingdom
Ecology and Conservation, MSc
Introduction
This programme is designed to equip you with a range of contemporary ecological and transferable skills that will provide an invaluable basis for your career.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Our MSc programme provides flexibility to enable you to gain knowledge and skills to meet your career aspirations, whether in research or as a practising ecologist. You will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience of everything from field survey to chairing discussions, from statistics and modelling to report writing and from identifying important ecological questions to researching them and writing a scientific paper. Previous graduates have gone on to the top of their chosen profession in research, consultancy, conservation, policy, education and advocacy.
Throughout the programme you will receive core training in plant community ecology, animal population ecology, GIS and experimental design and analysis (which includes use of R). You can select from a broad range of optional courses allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. Students wishing to gain research training may take advantage of our renowned advanced statistics course and join our informal ecology research group seminars throughout the year. Those interested in applied ecology may choose to study catchment management, marine spatial management and conservation management planning, amongst others. A key course for those aiming to work in consultancy is Environmental Impact Assessment. The opportunity to place your ecological study in a broader, interdisciplinary context is provided through a very popular course on ecology, conservation and society.
An important component of the programme is the individual research project which enables you to develop expertise and contacts in a topic of your own choosing. Preparation may begin as early in the year as you like.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
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Compulsory Courses
- Experimental Design and Analysis (BI5009)
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15 Credit Points
This course is uniquely tailored for biologists and will provide students with the required background theory and practical skills relevant to modern ecology and biology. Our example-led lectures and real-world based practicals will provide you with a foundation to become confident and proficient in analysing real data. Throughout this course, we will introduce you to using the programming language R to implement modern statistical modelling techniques. You will use the flexible linear and generalised linear modelling frameworks to analyse biological data with emphasis on robust and reproducible statistical methods.
- Plant Ecology (PL5001)
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15 Credit Points
Integrated lectures, field trips, data exercises and discussions provide a broad overview of theoretical plant ecology and its practical applications. You will participate in data collection in sand dune, heathland and woodland habitats becoming familiar with a range of plant species. Key skills in vegetation survey, monitoring and research are taught. Class field data are used as the basis for understanding ecological processes and for learning vegetation analysis methods. You will practice writing skills in a data report and essay, supported by “clinics” and by individual help to students. Detailed feedback helps your writing in subsequent courses.
- Population Ecology (ZO5304)
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15 Credit Points
The course is structured as a series of weekly themes, which reflect areas of current research in animal ecology and serve to develop your understanding of key principles in population ecology.
Themes cover a range of ecological and spatial scales: from single species’ population dynamics to community dynamics, and from local to macro-scale processes, with a focus on the application of current ecological knowledge and theory.
Computer-based workshops complement lectures to provide opportunities to apply your learning and strengthen your quantitative skills.
By orally presenting a published paper on a topic in population ecology to your peers, you will strengthen your communication skills and develop a more critical understanding of population ecology research.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Plus ZERO OR ONE from the following:
- Molecular Ecological Techniques (EK5301)
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15 Credit Points
The course will develop the student’s awareness of how molecular genetic techniques, including modern ‘omics technologies, can be used to inform our understanding of aspects of ecology, evolution, population biology and conservation science. The course will describe the underlying central dogma of molecular biology that explains how genetic diversity arises and can be harnessed as molecular markers. It will then review the contribution of molecular genetics in individual, population and species level studies.
- Soils for Food Security (SS5305)
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15 Credit Points
This advanced soil science course provides additional teaching of physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the context of food security and climate change. You will learn a variety of processes that affect soil productivity, accompanied by practical sessions that will teach relevant analytical methods. Students are introduced to modelling of agricultural impacts on soils and the environment, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration, so that mitigation strategies can be assessed.
There are two practical sessions with assignments, a debate and a final exam.
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Applications of GIS (EV5517)
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15 Credit Points
Lectures and structured workshops develop your knowledge of the principles and practice of geographic information systems, and familiarise you with ArcGIS software, enhancing your employability.
An individual investigation allows you to explore a specific application that you are interested in and demonstrate your proficiency with the software and your command of the conceptual underpinnings.
A flexible teaching and learning environment allows for individualised learning and enrichment for students with existing skills in GIS.
- Introduction to Ecological Field Research In Northern Scotland (EK5512)
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15 Credit Points
Through structured time in a variety of ecosystems in the North of Scotland, students gain an understanding of how to ask questions about ecological patterns and processes, how to sample using simple field techniques to answer these questions.
By planning and executing an independent project, students will demonstrate a critical understanding of an ecological concept and aspects of experimental design relevant to their research question.
By participating in a residential field course, students will develop their team working skills and build a working relationship with their peers in the postgraduate programme.
Through an oral presentation of their project work, students will gain experience in communicating science in a concise and structured way.
The dates for this course are 16th - 23rd April 2023 (TBC)
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines.
Optional Courses
Plus, select TWO OR THREE courses from the following:
- EK5510 or ZO5518
- EK5807 or ZO5820
- EK5804 or ZO5809
- Ecology, Conservation and Society (EK5510)
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15 Credit Points
This course looks at current theory and practice in the interface between ecology, conservation and society. We will explore diverse topics, including how ecology is changing, ecosystem services, evidence-based conservation, interdisciplinary approaches, citizen science, policy workshop, communicating science, decolonising ecology and conservation, stakeholder conflicts and data visualisation.
Sessions are composed of lectures and workshops from staff and guest speakers, and structured in-class activities, which will challenge you to consider problems and evidence from different perspectives. These will increase your capacity for self-reflection and awareness of ethical and moral issues embedded in problems often framed as ecological.
Four short discussion essays are required; you will get detailed feedback for improving your writing skills. Weekly student-led discussions allow you to develop your capacity for attentive exchange, informed argument and reasoning, and skills in facilitating discussion.
- Marine Spatial Management (ZO5518)
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15 Credit Points
You develop an appreciation of the level of understanding of the physical and biological oceanography, biodiversity, trophic interactions, species survival and reproduction issues required to implement spatially explicit, sustainable ecosystem-base management, conservation and effective marine spatial planning. There will be an emphasis on Offshore Marine Renewables, Marine Protected Areas and Climate Change aspects.
Lectures from marine ecologists, industry consultants and government scientists working in applied marine management will provide insights into current issues.
Practical work provides training in use of R, Excel, data analysis and strengthens your written communication skills.
Group and individual working strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and support the development of strong oral communication.
- Marine Biodiversity (ZO5820)
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15 Credit Points
This course will introduce you to the rich marine biodiversity across tropical, temperate and polar ecosystems, from both an evolutionary and ecological perspective. You will gain a deep understanding of species discovery and delimitation, how diversity is distributed across the globe, how species are adapted to the marine environment, and how climate change is impacting marine organisms and ecosystems. This course is especially focused on the use of genetic and genomic tools to facilitate biodiversity research. We will explore a variety of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, soft bottom habitats, open ocean, polar systems, rocky intertidal, sponge gardens, and the deep sea.
The course uses a team-based learning approach that promotes the development of your research, communication, and teamwork skills. The course will consist of weekly lectures, practicals and seminars that encourage you to apply your knowledge of marine biodiversity to problems related to climate change and conservation. In this course, students will gain hands-on experience in analysis and fieldwork.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EK5804)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides background information about the origins and development of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, and its implementation in the UK and elsewhere. It also highlights the significance of impacts associated with selected developments addressed in detail in seminars. The lectures and seminars are supported by workshop sessions focusing on case studies and providing insights into the issues that arise during the EIA. The course also provides an opportunity to develop transferrable skills valued by employers, such as team-working, time-management, communication of science, and critical appraisal. Throughout the course you will work with genuine EIA materials utilised during different stages of the EIA process, to identify likely environmental effects, judge their significance, and propose how they should be assessed and mitigated.
- Marine Conservation Management (ZO5809)
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15 Credit Points
Effective engagement with conservation of marine biodiversity requires an open mind, creativity, patience and an appreciation of shared learning. This course is structured to help you develop those essential skills while building your understanding of current issues in marine conservation and how conservation professionals engage with these issues.
- Catchment Management (EK5807)
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15 Credit Points
Field visits to examine river systems and forested catchments provide context and opportunities to discuss a diverse set of environmental management problems with professionals working in the field.
Practical sessions provide structured activities focused on the identification of freshwater invertebrates and applications of GIS approaches for analysing data to support catchment management planning.
You apply theoretical and practical knowledge to a case study, demonstrating your capacity to evaluate site specific data and to interpret relevant legislation and regulation.
Working individually and with a group you will write and present a management plan for a location of your choosing.
- Stage 3
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Compulsory Courses
- Project in Ecology and Conservation (EK5907)
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60 Credit Points
The three-month individual Research Project can cover any area of ecology and/or conservation and is undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff who is an expert in your chosen field. Many projects are also done in collaboration with an external organisation. The project provides opportunities for you to develop your abilities and skills, generate hypotheses and design ways of testing them and to analyse, report and discuss your findings. You will learn to take responsibility for implementing your own plans and modifying them as necessary. The project is written up in the style of a scientific paper manuscript or a consultancy report.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / RUK | £12,154 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £27,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
How You'll Study
The programme comprises a combination of taught modules, each of which will involve lectures/seminars and practical work. There is a one week residential field course plus several day-long field trips from Aberdeen. Emphasis throughout is on active participation in class discussions, presentations and group work. The individual research project is developed by the student in consultation with a supervisor (a member of the School of Biological Sciences) and often with an external collaborator. The project title can be selected from an extensive list or based on the student’s own suggestion.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
The programme is assessed entirely by continuous assessment. There are no exams. The assessments have been developed to provide training in key transferable skills. For example, a conference presentation, paper review, debate, preparation of a policy brief or chairing a discussion. Assessments for more applied courses include an environmental impact assessment and management plan. The final assessment is your project report submitted in the form of a scientific paper manuscript.
Why Study Ecology and Conservation?
- Aberdeen provides you with a unique learning environment with unrivalled access to coastal, mountain and freshwater habitats for both fieldwork and recreation.
- The University has a long tradition and excellent reputation for teaching and research in Ecology and is home to one of the largest and most vibrant groups of academics in this subject area in Britain. Masters ecology has been taught here for over 50 years and our generations of graduates are to be found in leadership in ecological professions around the world.
- The programme is flexible so that you can choose the extent to which you wish to focus on gaining research skills or applied ecology skills, or to combine both.
- The programme is skills-based, meaning that as well as learning theory you will be continually applying that knowledge to real world tasks and situations.
- Your project will become a key feature of your CV and is often a first step to further research or a job. In helping you develop your project we enable you to link in to our vast network of colleagues and organisations within the academic, non-governmental, government and industrial sectors.
What Our Students Say
Chinedu Nsude Nigeria
Cheung Ying Tsang Hong Kong
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Minimum entry requirement for this programme 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.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Careers
The programme focuses on providing training in state-of-the-art methods that will be invaluable both for careers in academic research and as a professional ecologist, for example in ecological or environmental consultancy or conservation. The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management have both published lists of the 'most wanted' skills in the ecological and environmental sector. Our MSc programme has been specifically designed to provide you with these sought after skills so that you are highly competitive in whatever career you choose to follow.
In addition to acquiring discipline-specific skills, the course work activities within our programme are designed to provide you with ample opportunity to develop generic skills required by employers including critical thinking, problem-solving, team work, written and oral presentation, time management and interdisciplinarity. Previous graduates have gone on to the top of their chosen profession in research, consultancy, conservation, policy, education and advocacy.
Industry Links
We collaborate with colleagues in research institutions all over the world and have active involvement with local, national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations including, for example, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Marine Scotland, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, British Trust for Ornithology, Scottish Wildlife Trust, National Trust for Scotland and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.
What our Alumni Say
Vivian Bisset
Julianne Dirks
Cephas Asare
Bruce Gardiner
Diana Rodríguez Cala
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of world renowned and vastly experienced experts in ecology and conservation.
- Other Experts
- Professor Xavier Lambin
- Dr Lesley Lancaster
- Professor Stuart Piertney
- Professor Michelle Pinard
- Professor Beth Scott
- Dr Alex Douglas
- Professor Justin Travis
- Dr Kara Layton
- Dr Philip Smith
- Professor Paul Thompson
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Sarah Woodin
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Greenhouses
Our plant growth facilities include controlled environmental growth chambers and glasshouses for teaching and experimental work.
Cruickshank Botanic Garden
The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is situated on our King's College campus. It is used to support both our teaching and research; existing to promote the diversity and importance of plants and their role in the natural world.
Zoology Museum
The museum’s displays are worldwide in scope, from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX