Environmental Biology Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)

Course overview\
Are you passionate about environmental protection, wildlife conservation and ecology? 

The biggest threats to our natural environment and biodiversity are climate change, habitat loss and invasive species. Our MSci Environmental Biology will help you study the effects of these threats and, crucially, how to manage and reduce them.

This integrated master’s degree is designed to take you further. In your final year, you’ll complete your own research project, extending your knowledge of environmental biology as well as developing your research expertise and skills in data analysis, project management and communication. These skills are highly valued in environmental consultancy, conservation, policy and research careers. 

Throughout the course, we cover diverse and interconnected topics – including ecology, conservation, animal behaviour, botany, sustainability and environmental protection. You’ll be able to specialise in the areas that interest you the most. 

As well as the theory and background, we’ll teach you the practical skills needed for a career in the environmental sector. All environmental biology students will get involved in fieldwork, a central part of the course.

This real-world experience will build your familiarity with surveying techniques commonly used as an environmental consultant. Alongside environmental science students, you'll start developing professional techniques including:

* using geographic information systems (GIS)

* preparing phase 1 habitat maps

* identifying plant species

* surveying bat roosts

* testing water quality

In addition to laboratory work, day trips and visits to local sites, there’s even the option to join residential field courses abroad – in countries such as Malaysia, Spain and Sweden. \
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**Why choose this course?\
Course highlights**

* Enhance your studies through field trips to local, national and potentially even overseas locations.

* Learn from our researchers who are actively working on projects with environmental consultancies – and attend training delivered by visiting ecologists from local consultancies.

* Opportunities to complete an industry placement year or study abroad as part of your degree.

Proven results

* We’re a top 20 UK and top 100 world university (QS World University Rankings 2026).

* The average starting salary for School of Biosciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £29,189 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).