Overview

Overview

The extensive training in applied skills such as presentations, debates and report writing were very useful in the job application process and I hope they will be in my career.

(Jenny, former student)

This course prepares students for careers in ecological research, and for jobs in environmental management, for which an understanding of the research process is important. Consisting roughly equally of taught modules and project work, there is a strong emphasis on gaining analytical skills and research experience. The course is taught in two of the UK’s leading departments for ecological research and teaching; the Biology Department and the Environment Department at York. Established as one of the first MRes courses, it has until very recently been supported by competitive research council studentships, and has gained a strong reputation as a leading course of its type.

How much will I pay?

http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/
Alternatively please visit the funding tab for further details about funding options for the course.

Key features

• A thorough grounding in analytical methods and research experience in the context of advanced training
• Taught by an interdisciplinary team of leading researchers in two of the UK’s best departments for teaching and research
• A highly respected masters qualification that prepares students for careers in ecological research, and for careers in environmental management where an understanding of the research process is important
• Two research projects consisting of an Internal Project at York and an external placement project
• A two week field course in Majorca
• Skills modules providing training in modern analytical techniques
• Advanced science modules in ecology, conservation, genetics, policy, environmental and wildlife management
• We aim for a small class size (20-25) to promote a high quality learning experience
• All teaching dedicated to masters students

Aims

The course aims to generate:

• Graduates with a thorough grounding in analytical & practical research methods in the context of advanced training in the area of ecology and environmental management
• Graduates that can embark on careers in research, or alternatively to move into careers that require assessment of the research of others, or agencies that commission new research
• Ecologists with a proper regard for the socio-economic context of their work
• Environmental managers with a full understanding of the natural processes operating within the area they manage

Programme content

Programme content

Modules

Modules are of three major types:

1. Project/placement modules (50%)
2. Compulsory skills modules (30%)
3. Optional advanced subject-material modules (20%)

Each student undertakes two research projects in different contexts: an individual project in one of the two participating departments at York, and an external summer placement project lasting 12 weeks, in the UK or abroad. The combination of a broad base of research skills, knowledge and experience, combined with advanced understanding of specific topics, is a key attribute of our graduates.

Below are a list of modules available for students enrolled in the MRes in EEM.

Research projects:
Individual Project
External Placement

Skills modules:
Biodiversity Field Module
Introductory Research Skills
Molecular Techniques
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology*
Spatial Analysis

Advanced science modules:

Environment, Law & Policy*
Fisheries Ecology and Management*
Tools for Environmental Assessment 
Protected areas: design, Implementation and Management*
Wildlife Management*

Transferable Skills Workshops:
(These provide skills assessed throughout the course and are important in all professional careers)
Transferable Skills I
Advanced Research Skills

* indicates optional module. (Students take 2 from 5 modules in the Spring term)

Applying

Applying

Details on how to apply and application forms can be found on the 'How to apply' page.

What kind of qualifications are required for entry?

Applicants should have a good (first or upper second class or equivalent) degree in Biology or a related subject. We consider applicants with other backgrounds if you have relevant ecological experience. Please contact us before applying if this is the case.

When are applications considered?

We will consider applications at any time up to the start of the course, as long as places are still available.

All applicants are interviewed before a place is offered

For UK applicants this will normally be in person. For EU and Overseas applicants, unless they are visiting the UK, this will normally be undertaken by skype. Applicants offered places must fulfil all conditions for the uptake of their place (financial, language, and degree results where appropriate) by the deadlines given in the conditional offers.

What other conditions must I satisfy?

Applicants offered places must fulfill all conditions for the uptake of their place (financial, language, and degree result where appropriate) by the time the course starts.

English language Requirements for EU and International applicants

EU and Overseas applicants' interviews are conducted by skype. For this reason we require a proficiency in English prior to interview for applicants whose education has not been in English. The departments requirements are as follows:

TOEFL - paper-based: 600; CBT: 250; iBT: 87 overall (minimum of 21 in each section)
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
Pearson: 61 overall (minimum 55 in each section)

How can I find out more about applying?

If you have any queries about the application process, or more specific enquiries about the programme content then please contact the Biology Admissions Office at biol-pg-admissions@york.ac.uk.

• How to Apply - Application Forms, and details of how to apply.
• Information on accommodation - Information on accommodation on Campus, and in the private sector.
• Information on fees - Information on how much the course costs.  

Funding

Funding

What funding options are available?

• UK/EU applicants
  Some students have taken out Career Development Loans to support their studies.
  The University offers a range of scholarships. Further information is available here: http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/
• Overseas applicants
  Often win scholarships in their own countries, or from sources such as the British Council and Commonwealth Scholarships
• Students may also be eligible for support from a Biology Department bursary, which is awarded on a competitive basis.

Where can I find further information on funding?

• Further information is available on Fees and Funding from the University’s Graduate Student Office.

Career Prospects

Career prospects

The MRes EEM programme is designed to provide a valuable postgraduate qualification that will enhance your career prospects, whether you intend to progress into academic research or whether you want to embark on a career in the commercial sector or with a governmental or a non-governmental body where a knowledge of environmental research will be important. Graduates are trained in a wide range of transferable skills that will be valuable to them in a diversity of career paths.

Most students go on to build research-based careers:

• 32% of graduates go on to obtain a PhD place, either in the UK or overseas, within a year of graduating.
• 50% of graduates find employment in research-based institutes within a year of graduating.
• Other students have obtained jobs in diverse careers such as teaching or management

Student Profiles

Student profiles

 

Emily Green, UK

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

“I decided to do the MRes at York to improve my understanding of Ecology following a broad Geography degree at the University of Oxford. I was also trying to decide whether to go into an environmental career (e.g. consultancy) or to continue with academic research and the masters clearly showed me I was more suited to the latter. I learnt a lot during my masters, thoroughly enjoyed the range of research projects and gained skills and insight that were pivotal in me getting an offer to do a funded PhD at the University of Sheffield using community ecology to understand infectious disease. The MRes gave me the ability to advance my career and focus on my desired research area and without it I could not have done this PhD.”

 

Lucy Anderson, UK

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

"After finishing my Biological Sciences degree in 2005, I spent several years working in the charity sector. Having decided to move into the field of ecological research, I was keen to find a Master’s course which would enable me to refresh and develop my research skills and experience, in preparation for a PhD. I was particularly attracted to the MRes course at York as it enabled me to gain new skills (e.g. spatial analysis (ArcGIS), statistics in ‘R’ and molecular techniques), and undertake three extended research projects, two of which I was able to tailor to my specific interest in wildlife epidemiology. As a result of the skills I developed, and the experience and contacts that I made throughout the MRes course, I have gained employment in ecological research, won a small research grant by the British Ecological Society and accepted a fully funded PhD place at the University of Leeds. "

 

Humi Pai, Japan

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

"During the 3rd year of my bachelor degree I came to York as a visiting student to have a short experience of Europe. The historical town of York was very lovely. My York supervisor was very warmhearted and helpful during my stay. After I completed my first degree, I returned to York to take MRes EEM course. The fact that the MRes concentrated on research rather than only lectures was the main reason I decided to choose York. My external placement took place at Kyoto University Ecological Research Center in Japan where I investigated the evolution of trophic polymorphism of bluegills in Lake Biwa."

 

Gwilym Rolands, UK

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

"After completing a BSc Biology degree at Nottingham University, I spent several years travelling and working overseas. The MRes at York was attractive as a means to improve my skills base, particularly my statistical and analytical knowledge, while developing an understanding of a variety of ecological issues. I enjoyed the process of learning through doing, and was constantly challenged by the MRes course. The course has prepared me for a future career in ecological research."

 

Hannah Grist, UK

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

"I chose the MRes at York because it was very well regarded amongst academics I had spoken to, and the Biology department in particular was highly rated. I thought I wanted to do a PhD after my degree in Biology at Oxford, but 4 years is a long time to devote to something you are not 100% sure about. Doing the MRes gave me a chance to try out several different types of project to investigate what I was most interested in, and whether I would be suited to further research. I have just started a fully funded PhD in seabird ecology at the University of Aberdeen. There is no doubt that having the masters not only helped me get the PhD, but also gave me the knowledge and confidence to make a flying start!"

Contact Us

For enquiries contact the Biology Admissions Office: