Ecology and Environmental Management (MSc)

About the Course

The MSc Ecology and Environmental Management aims to develop advanced academic understandings and insight relating to ecology and the environmental management of natural resources. Field based elements are a significant part of the course.

Modules are designed to reflect staff research and professional expertise, and advance student’s professional and academic development. Students are supported to become accomplished independent researchers. On graduation they are expected to be highly employable in the area of ecology and environmental management.

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

The School of Computer Science and Environment hosts not only the MSc Ecology and Environmental Management, but also the internationally renowned ‘Sand Dune and Shingle Network’. The aim of the Network is to conserve these threatened habitats as dynamic landscapes. The Network supports field trips, research projects and placements for students on the MSc.

If you have any queries about the course, or wish to book a time to meet on-line using Zoom with Rev. Paul Rooney, the Course Director, to discuss the course and/or your application, please email: compscienv@hope.ac.uk

Curriculum Overview

Principles and theories of ecology and environmental management (20 credits)

• This module outlines and critically reviews the principles and theories of ecology and environmental management, including sustainability, and examines decision-making tools in environmental management including environmental assessment. Key concepts important for subsequent modules will be addressed. A field-based case study approach is used to investigate theories and principles in practice.

Research methods for ecology and environmental Management (20 credits)

• This module provides students with the skills required to plan, undertake and communicate a Masters research project. The transferable skills covered include, for example: experimental design and analysis, GIS, academic writing, oral presentation skills and project management.

Biodiversity conservation (20 credits)

• This module provides students with an in depth and critical understanding of the importance and urgency of biodiversity conservation. Using fieldwork and desk-top studies, students will develop a conservation site management plan for the benefit of biodiversity.

UK habitat ecology, change and management (20 credits)

• This module develops student's critical understanding of the ecological value, causes and drives of change in coastal, grassland and woodland habitats. The module develops student's ability to critique management responses for these habitat types. Fieldwork is a significant component. This may be residential.

Field survey (20 credits)

• Following the introductory lectures, this module is field based with normally a minimum of 5 days residential fieldwork, along with non-residential day/evening trips. The module allows students to develop their skills of investigative ecology in the field.

Professional skills for ecology and environmental management (10 credits)

• This module develops the personal, academic and professional skills required by students operating in the areas of ecology and environmental management. Through small group teaching and individual tutorials the module works towards a focus on the CPD and personal development needs of students.

Professional practice for ecologists and environmental managers (10 credits)

• This module develops the professional practice required by students operating in the areas of ecology and environmental management. It addresses the expected standards in research and professional practice, with recognition of the ethical considerations and obligations to the environment and to society. The module is delivered on a tutorial based model.

Research project (60 credits)

• The research project module involves the design, execution and critical evaluation of an approved research topic and the presentation of the research in the form of a dissertation or professional report.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environmental Management/Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, or Earth Sciences) awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

All tutors on the course are experienced and highly qualified University teachers. Some course tutors are qualified and experienced to a high professional level, in addition to being qualified academically. Professional environmental managers are brought in to ensure students’ understanding of the applied context of the curriculum.

Important concepts and key areas of knowledge and understanding are taught mainly via lectures and fieldwork. However, seminar-style sessions, discussions and workshops are an important component of teaching and are used to provide opportunities for the development of critical thinking. Independent study comprises a major proportion of the learning. Some modules include small group or individual tutorials, allowing more in-depth discussion of issues.

The MSc Ecology and Environmental Management is fully informed by the research interests and professional experience of the tutor team. This expertise covers a broad spectrum of environmental management applications. Staff research expertise on this course is particularly strong in nature conservation, ecology, GIS and coastal dune management.

In addition, several members of the teaching staff have professional expertise in environmental management and consultancy, and are active in a number of professional and academic organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, the International Geographic Union Commission on Coastal Systems and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). In addition, course tutors are closely involved with local and regional organisations concerned with ecology and environmental management.

Rev. Paul Rooney, the Course Director, is also the founder and Director of the internationally renowned ‘Sand Dune and Shingle Network’ which is based in the School of Computer Science and Environment at Liverpool Hope University. 

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £9,500

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

The MSc is designed to provide students with the ability to make a positive contribution to understanding ecology and the management of the environment. Central to this is the development of a range of skills and knowledge pertaining to professional practice. Students on the course are encouraged to engage with professional associations, particularly the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

All students take the modules ‘Professional skills for ecology and environmental management’ and ‘Professional practice or ecologists and environmental managers’. Students have the opportunity to reflect on these modules, and to identify their own personal and professional development through a CPD plan and record.

Graduates from the MSc Ecology and Environmental Management are expected to be highly employable in diverse sectors including local and central government, environmental consultancies and NGOs such as wildlife trusts and conservation bodies.