Ecological Restoration and Environmental Management (Taught)

This MSc programme is awarded by the University of Plymouth, which combines academic rigour with hands-on learning. Key principles and standards from the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) are embedded throughout the curriculum to support your pathway to professional recognition.
This programme centres on four key priorities:
• Environmental Degradation and Restoration: understand how degraded ecosystems can be restored and enhanced
• Fieldwork and Facilities: gain practical experience on the Eden Project Estate and Labs, plus other sites around Cornwall
• Theory and Practice: learn the principles and implementation of environmental management
• Career Opportunities: preparation and guidance on work in the environmental industry and ecological research

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project
Teaching takes place at Cornwall’s iconic Eden Project, a world-renowned example of environmental regeneration and sustainable management of a post-industrial landscape. Situated within an area of active China clay extraction — the English county with the greatest proportion of derelict land — the Eden Project provides an ideal living laboratory. As a student, you will benefit from access to Europe’s largest indoor rainforest, constructed soils, specialist laboratories, teaching spaces and IT facilities, as well as resources across other Cornwall College campuses and the University of Plymouth. Fieldwork is central to the programme, with visits to a range of local sites representing different scales and stages

Future Careers
Graduates are well equipped to progress to PhD research or enter a wide range of roles in the national and international environmental sector. Examples of student destinations include:
Restoration Manager; Consultant Ecologist; PhD students; Environment Agency Officer; Climate & Sustainability Manager; Sustainable Tourism Officer; Council Ecologist; Conservation Officer; Community Woodland Manager

What You Will Learn
The MSc may be taken as full-time (September to August over one year); part-time (over two years)
The programme may also be taken as blended learning over two years. Classes are online one afternoon, with four study weekends at the Eden Project and one weekend online.

• Planning & implementing a restoration programme
• Terrestrial Ecology
• GIS and Remote
• Postgraduate Research Skills
• Aquatic & Wetland Restoration
• Work Placement
• Surveying in the Natural Environment
• Dissertation

Please note that those studying in person must choose between the Aquatic & Wetland Restoration and the Work Placement modules, as these are optional modules. For those who are studying remotely through blended learning, these modules are mandatory. Meanwhile, the Surveying in the Natural Environment module is not available for the blended learning study mode.

Entry Requirements
A good honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent in a relevant discipline. We welcome applicants from a variety of subjects, including career changers and those with equivalent international credentials. Mature applicants with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis, alongside wider entry criteria.

Applicants must also have a minimum grade 4 / C in English Language at GCSE level OR a minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of listening, reading, speaking and writing in IELTS.

The programme, taught by expert staff and awarded by the University of Plymouth, presents a unique opportunity for those wishing to make the world a better place.