Conservation and Ecosystem Management MSc

On this course, you will study biodiversity and conservation in the context of a range of UK ecosystems including woodland, grassland and moor.<br/><br/>Youll develop practical skills in habitat assessment and species identification. You will also expand your academic understanding, contribute to relevant research and meet local practitioners.<br/><br/>The course is suitable for graduates with a background in ecology, biology and environmental science, but also for people with an interest in wildlife who are seeking a career change towards conservation, habitat management or ecological consultancy.<br/><br/>We have strong links with public and private sector organisations including:<br/><br/>Northumberland National Park<br/>Natural England<br/>local Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty<br/>local Wildlife Trusts<br/>Forestry Commission<br/>National Trust<br/>local ecological consultancies<br/><br/>You will develop understanding, practical ability and critical awareness around the following:<br/>temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species, for example forest and woodland, moorland, calaminarian, whin, coastal and other grassland, and other habitats<br/>contemporary conservation issues, for example rewilding, conflict in the countryside, biodiversity threats<br/>habitat assessment appropriate for ecological consultancy work<br/>surveying and mapping using technology such as GIS<br/>plant and animal species identification skills<br/>practical management planning for selected ecosystems<br/>communication including presentations, short videos, report writing and team work<br/><br/>Support is available to you if you:<br/>have been out of education for some time<br/>have come from different specialisms<br/>are from education systems different from those in the UK<br/><br/>We offer help in academic and professional skills such as:<br/>ecology for non-ecologists<br/>critical thinking for scientists<br/>information literacy<br/>data manipulation, analysis and presentation<br/><br/>Our approach to data analysis is suitable for different ability levels. We use R software assuming basic knowledge, but build on it quickly so you can analyse and present dissertation data professionally, and undertake similar research in your future employment.<br/><br/>You will:<br/>develop academic research and critical thinking skills as you complete a major conservation or biodiversity research project in the field or laboratory.<br/>develop an understanding of the sector and its issues as we visit sites and welcome speakers from relevant and important organisations.<br/>develop analytical and critical thinking skills as we debate the obvious questions like, ‘why do we conserve?’ along with deeper and more specific questions.<br/>enhance your CV so that you are in a strong position in the job market, or so that you can embark upon a PhD. We work with our Careers Service to provide a careers event to improve your job application prospects. We work with external organisations to ensure you are thinking about career opportunities as early as possible<br/><br/>Delivery<br/>This course is taught in a block format each block lasting 4 weeks.<br/><br/>You will be taught through:<br/>lectures and seminars<br/>practical and field visits<br/>tutorials<br/>case studies<br/>small group discussions<br/>vocational activities<br/><br/>Independent study outside of these structured sessions is expected. Where possible assessments will be used to develop your employability skills such as:<br/>presentations: oral or using video skills<br/>management plans<br/>consultancy reports<br/>scientific papers<br/>group reports<br/>guided tours of conservation sites<br/>reflective critical pieces<br/><br/>Exams are avoided wherever possible.