Ecological Survey Skills with Placement (Taught)

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills with this hands-on degree that includes a six-month paid placement with one of our ecological consultancy partners.

This course will provide all you need to work in the competitive consultancy and conservation sectors. To achieve this, our School of Biological Sciences has teamed up with ecological consultants at RSK Group Ltd since 2011, and more recently with Aspect Ecology, to deliver a course that provides the skills and knowledge demanded by these industries.

You’ll participate in hands-on and field-based training with all of your assessments being skills-based and fit-for-purpose, with no written examinations. You'll gain a thorough grounding in the skills needed for ecological surveying and species identification, including specialised report-writing and hands-on activities such as species translocation.

For more information, please visit our course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/biological-sciences-pg/msc-ecological-survey-skills-with-placement

Sample modules may include:

• Molecular Methods for Species Identification and Survey
• Field Botany Skills
• Ecological Survey Skills
• Animal Survey and Assessment
• Consultancy Placement Skills
• Habitat Assessment.

These are the modules we currently offer for 2025/26 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Please check our website for more details about the course structure.