Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management, MSc

The Department of Biosciences is ranked 3rd in the UK for Student Experience

The Times Good University Guide 2021

Key Course Details

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,050

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 4,550

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 3,000

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 18,700

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 6,250

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 18,700

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 6,250

Course Overview

The MSc in Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management explores relationships between living organisms and terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.

You investigate interactions resulting from natural and anthropogenic processes, benefiting from advanced training in the interpretation of local and global environmental issues.

This course provides the skills and confidence to work in related fields such as environmental management and conservation.

Did you know?

Our Biosciences Department is internationally recognised for its research which informs Environmental Biology teaching at Swansea University.

Biosciences is ranked 7^th in the UK for Research Excellence and 2^nd in the UK for the quality of our research publications [Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021]
We are ranked 3^rd in the UK for Student Experience by The Times Good University Guide 2021
We are World-ranked by the QS World University Rankings

You will be taught by a range of inspiring biosciences experts. These include Dr Richard Unsworth, an adviser on the BBC’s globally renowned series Blue Planet II; and Professor Carlos Garcia de Leaniz, an expert in salmonid behaviour, conservation and ecology and leads the multi-partner European AMBER project.

You will conduct a bespoke dissertation project within one of our research themes, closely supervised by 1-2 of our academic experts.

In addition, you will benefit from our unique tutorial system with an individual academic mentor and a supporting tutorial fellow student group.

Your Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management Experience

Over the course of this MSc you develop the skills needed to confidently work in areas such as conservation, environmental impact assessment, environmental management, monitoring and education.

You foster an objective, scientific and realistic approach to environmental biological issues you may have to face later in your career.

Our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities include the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research consisting of controlled environment laboratories, with programmable recirculating aquatic systems; a custom-designed 18 metre catamaran-class survey vessel, and a globally unique visualisation centre that displays multi-dimensional information from animal tracking data.

Influential connections with international and national organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, The British Mammal Society and The National Wetlands Centre Wales will add value to your studies.

Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management Employment Opportunities

Completing this Environmental Biology MSc provides a full range of core skills, enabling you to pursue a successful career within biology and ecology. These are a small number of recent biology graduate destinations.

Ecologist (Jacobs Engineering & CSA Environmental)
Delivery officer (Biotechnology & Biological Science Research Council)
Project officer (Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust)
Hydrometry and telemetry officer (Natural Resources Wales)
Benthic taxonomist (Oceanology Ltd)
Wildlife and education officer (Ipswich Borough Council)

Modules

The first part of this MSc contains compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on subjects including ecosystems, reviews in biosciences, conservation of aquatic resources and satellite remote sensing. The second part is fully occupied by a 60-credit research project in environmental biology.

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
BIOM25B	Period September-January	20	Science Skills and Research Methods
BIOM22	Period January-June	20	Environmental Assessment and Management
BIOM32	Period January-June	20	Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management

Optional Modules

MSc Optional Teaching Block 1

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
GEGM22	Period September-January	20	Geographical Information Systems
BIOM37B	Period January-June	20	Conservation of Aquatic Resources
GEGM26	Period January-June	20	Climate Science and Policy

AND

MSc Optional Modules Teaching Block 2

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
GEGM04	Period September-January	20	Environmental Modelling
GEGM10	Period January-June	20	Satellite Remote Sensing

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
BIOM34	Period January-June	60	Research Project in Environmental Biology

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a second class (with 55% average) honours degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related field.

IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent English test.

How You're Taught

This taught Master’s degree is assessed through a combination of examinations, coursework and a dissertation or research project.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research activities in areas such as environmental conservation, sustainable aquaculture, biocontrol and species monitoring, help to change the world for the better.

Professor Dan Eastwood Head of Department
Dr Konstans Wells PGT Admissions Tutor
Dr Cindy Froyd MSc Programme Director

See all of the Biosciences staff

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	EU	International
September 2020	£ 8,800	£ 8,800	£ 18,150
September 2021	£ 9,050	£ 18,700	£ 18,700

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	EU	International
September 2020	£ 4,400	£ 4,400	£ 9,100
September 2021	£ 4,550	£ 9,350	£ 9,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	EU	International
September 2020	£ 2,950	£ 2,950	£ 6,050
September 2021	£ 3,000	£ 6,250	£ 6,250

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

EU Transitional Bursary available for September 2021.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

This degree will equip you with skills relevant for a rewarding career in a range of diverse fields, including government agencies such as Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency, English Nature, Scottish Heritage, Fisheries Research Services, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), as well as other organisations such as Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Reserves, National Parks, Environmental Departments, Research and Development of SMEs and large companies.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.