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Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques MRes; MSc

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  • Level of study:
    Masters
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    September 2027
  • Duration:
    One year full-time, Two years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Brackenhurst)
Two students analysing GIS data on computer monitor

About this course

The current global threat to our ecosystems requires innovative solutions. That's where ecologists equipped with the very latest theoretical and practical knowledge come in. Observing, understanding and predicting natural phenomena and the behaviour of taxa and ecosystems is a vital component in tackling the challenges the planet faces.

This course focuses on applying field techniques to survey populations and ecosystems. You'll develop advanced quantitative skills, including statistical modelling, as well as the ability to use a range of recent and emerging geospatial technologies.

We'll get you out in the field, making a difference where it really matters. You'll join our thriving community of active learners and develop sought-after skills, turning you into the professionals at the forefront of the sector and reimagining the future with innovative solutions to real-world conservation challenges.

  • Brackenhurst - an inspirational campus

    It's the perfect environment to put theory into practice and develop field techniques right on site.

  • Exciting research opportunities

    You can undertake a research project using NTU's links with national and international conservation projects.

  • Amazing facilities

    Get hands-on with a range of advanced software and technological tools used in ecological modelling and geospatial analysis, including remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

  • 97%

    of postgraduate taught students in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences would recommend studying at NTU (PTES 2024).

You'll develop advanced knowledge and technical skills in the use of analytical and geospatial tools and techniques for ecological research and conservation. You'll also build a deep understanding of the key principles of applied ecology and how they can be applied to address real-world challenges in conserving populations and ecosystems.

Working with real-world ecological data sets and on collaborative industry projects you'll get to apply your knowledge to address important questions in the field of conservation. You'll also explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of using data for ecological research and conservation, and develop strategies for responsible data management and sharing.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

  • Martin Cooper

    Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques student

    “The postgraduate open day I went along to cemented my choice that Brackenhurst was where I wanted to study.”

    Read Martin's profile
  • MRes Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques student Jacob Walton

    Jacob Walton

    Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques student

    “I would recommend this course because it is very different from other courses, giving practical experience as well as theory.”

    Read Jacob's profile

How you're taught

You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions.

Independent learning is required, and you'll undertake high-quality research for the Masters awards. You'll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.

The course uses a range of diverse assessments—scientific reports, exhibitions, practical and oral tasks, employer-led projects, and problem-solving assignments, to develop sector-relevant skills. Feedback is embedded throughout to support learning, professional growth, and real-world application.

Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. You'll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities.

The academic team who facilitate this course work on conservation initiatives in several countries, and have established research links in South America (Mexico, Brazil), South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius and Europe. These links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field.

Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Who will teach you?

  • Dr Esther Kettel is a Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation.

    Esther Kettel

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Esther Kettel is course leader for MSc/MRes Biodiversity Conservation. She teaches a range of modules including Principles of Ecology, Environmental Assessment & Consultancy and Wildlife Management. Esther has research interests in population dynamics and the monitoring of species.

    Visit Esther Kettel's staff profile
  • Nicholas Midgley

    Nicholas Midgley

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Nicholas Midgley is a senior lecturer in physical geography.

    Visit Nicholas Midgley's staff profile

  • Marcello Di Bonito

    Associate Professor

    Dr Di Bonito is the former Course Leader for BSc (Honours) Geography. He is the Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a personal tutor for students.

    Visit Marcello Di Bonito's staff profile
  • Antonio Uzal

    Antonio Uzal

    Associate Professor

    Dr Antonio Uzal is an Associate Professor of Conservation Biology. He teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Antonio’s research interests are broadly within the conservation biology discipline.

    Visit Antonio Uzal's staff profile
  • Anna Champneys

    Anna Champneys

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Anna Champneys is the Course Leader for BSc Wildlife Conservation and teaches modules including Behaviour, Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Species Surveying. Anna’s research interests include small mammal ecology and conservation.

    Visit Anna Champneys's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

MRes

  • A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences or geography degree.

MSc

  • A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences or geography degree.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

International students

Academic entry requirements:

MRes

  • A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences or geography degree.

MSc

  • A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences or geography degree.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:
  • Full-time - £10,300
  • Part-time - £5,150

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:
  • Full-time - £18,300
  • Part-time - £9,150

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Field trips

Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities in the UK and abroad may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

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Careers and employability

The course includes in-built work-like experience. You'll work on authentic ecological projects in collaboration with real-world industry partners, giving you practical experience and exposure to the challenges and opportunities of working in the field.

Graduates from this degree can enter various roles in the ecological, environmental and landscape planning sectors, including:

  • Ecological Consultant
  • Environmental Scientist
  • GIS Specialist
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Ecological Restoration Specialist
  • Landscape Planner
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Environmental Planner
  • Data Scientist

96% of our postgraduates from the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).

You can also progress on to further academic research pathways via PhDs and as Research Assistants / Fellows.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst campus - a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farmland and countryside estates. It offers a good range of wetland and terrestrial habitats, which are invaluable for learning and practising surveying techniques, and the sampling of species. You'll also benefit from active conservation projects on the estate, including bird ringing and small mammal trapping and monitoring, alongside environmental impact assessments on construction work and renewable energy technologies.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Just click the Apply now button and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.

International students

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Personal statement guidance

When you apply to NTU, we’ll ask you to submit a personal statement – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

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Further study

View information about PhDs

Keeping in touch

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