Ecology (Research)

This research-focused degree will develop your academic understanding, and your practical skills, relating to conservation, biodiversity and ecosystem ecology and management.

The Ecology MRes is designed for graduates in the field of environmental and related sciences. It will provide you with the skills required to follow successful careers in the environmental and wildlife conservation sectors. You'll also develop the advanced skills and knowledge required for further academic study, or research-focused industry roles.

By studying our Ecology MRes you can help support the protection of our planet. The degree will also help you if you:

• want to find sustainable solutions to the world's development challenges

• are keen to join UK and international research teams working on ecological or conservation challenges

The MRes will provide you with advanced training in:

• ecology

• environmental management

• conservation

It will give you a professionally focussed postgraduate qualification that is directly relevant to the ecology and wildlife conservation sectors.

What you'll learn
The MRes will enable you to develop:

• advanced knowledge on ecology and wildlife conservation theory, the principles of biodiversity

• practical skills in ecological and environmental data collection, data handling, data analysis, and modelling methodologies

• field skills in wildlife and environmental monitoring, surveying, and GIS

• critical thinking to address UK and global ecology and conservation problems

• advanced research capabilities, project management experience and stakeholder engagement

Your development
You'll learn a variety of in-demand skills from the environmental sector. These include:

• advanced conceptual understanding and detailed factual knowledge on key subjects

• specialised technical and research skills, and professional awareness

• overseas and UK study/fieldtrip opportunities where applicable

• training and case studies including examples from the UK and overseas. These will help you to understand the requirements for international sustainable development

You'll acquire these skills through:

• taught modules

• a research dissertation project on a topic of your choice, in collaboration with an academic supervisor

Delivery
You'll take a range of optional taught modules. These provide a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative skills. These skills are essential in modern ecological science.

You will be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures

• seminars

• practical lab/workshop sessions

• group work

The majority of modules will be taught in Semester 1. This ensures that you'll benefit from peer-support and reach a high technical standard before starting your Individual Research Project.

Facilities
The School of Natural and Environment Sciences has an array of facilities, including laboratories, for you to carry out your research project:

NU Farms is a research, teaching, and engagement platform based across our two local farms: Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm. Ecological facilities:

• more than 800 hectares of farmland

• polytunnels and greenhouse capacity for plant growth and competition experiments, insect-plant interaction studies

A mere 10 minutes cycle ride from NU campus is Gosforth Nature Reserve. This protected area comprises multiple habitats and management strategies for carrying out ecological monitoring.

We study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With a live aquarium on-site, you’ll examine a range of wildlife to study.

Our research vessel, The Princess Royal, is a floating laboratory. It is an integral part of your learning experience at Newcastle. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.