Study location	United Kingdom, Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Type	Master courses, full-time
Nominal duration	1 year
Study language	English
Awards	MSc

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher) At least a 2.2 honours degree or equivalent We particularly welcome applicants with qualifications or experience in areas such as biology, animal biology, ecology, zoology, geography or environmental sciences The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

Language requirements	English IELTS: 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) CAE: 169 (with a minimum of 162 in each component)

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) must be provided. Please arrange for 2 referees to provide a reference. The reference should be on letterhead paper and preferably typewritten. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. glos.ac.uk/..postgraduate-diploma-msc.aspx

Overview

This course has a highly practical emphasis involving hands-on exercises in field and laboratory settings. In the field, you will cover identification skills for a wide range of species, as well as industry-standard survey techniques such as phase 1 habitat surveying, habitat condition assessments, national vegetation classification and bird territory mapping. Laboratory sessions will include use of microscopes in taxonomy and analysis of environmental parameters such as water oxygen levels and soil nutrient status to enable better understanding of species–environment interactions.

There will be opportunities to work on projects with linked organisations, including wildlife trusts, nature reserve managers, charities and public authorities. There is also the option to take a residential field trip; this currently takes place on a wildlife reserve in South Africa. The course is underpinned by the applied research expertise of the teaching team, which includes optimising conservation of species, bird and mammal biology, insect behaviour and evolution, non-native species introductions, population and community ecology, and environmental biology. An additional theme of citizen science develops awareness of the role of public engagement in surveying and conserving species in the wider environment.

There is considerable optionality in the course, both in choice of modules and in assessment topics within modules, to allow students to tailor course content to their own interests and career aspirations.

Career opportunities

• Field-based or research roles within ecological, environmental and conservation organisations
• Ecological Consultancy
• Careers in ecological communication, policy or education