Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques MRes; MSc
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.
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Brackenhurst - an inspirational campus
It's the perfect environment to put theory into practice and develop field techniques right on site.
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Exciting research opportunities
You can undertake a research project using NTU's links with national and international conservation projects.
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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).
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97%
of postgraduate taught students in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences would recommend studying at NTU (PTES 2024).
What you’ll study
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.
Protected Species Surveying (20 credit points)
Gain a detailed knowledge of the identification and taxonomy for a range of protected species. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge to carry out and evaluate the different methods used to survey and record species distribution and abundance. Many of the survey techniques demonstrated in this module are applicable internationally.
Geographical Information Systems (20 credit points)
GIS is an important tool for monitoring biodiversity and can be used to store, manipulate, analyse and present large amounts of spatial and attribute data - data that can be used to target surveys and monitoring schemes. Data collected during field surveys and from remotely sensed images taken into GIS allows for the monitoring of both the location, and the extent of the change. In this module, you'll explore the application of GIS and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology within conservation.
Applied Population Ecology (20 credit points)
Learn how to utilise advanced analytical methods and technologies to conduct animal population studies in aid of their conservation. You'll also develop effective technical and digital communication skills as you use and interpret a range of different digital media and tools.
Applied Spatial Ecology (20 credit points)
This module will equip you with advanced skills in utilising the most recent technological and analytical developments in the fields of animal movement and landscape use. You'll develop research questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data and report outcomes to wider audiences.
Remote Sensing and Advanced Geographical Information Systems (20 credit points)
Obtain and utilise existing remote sensing data to enhance research in ecology and conservation. This module will also give you the skills and experience to operate and collect information from a range of recent and emerging geospatial technologies.
Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credit points)
Learn advanced skills in the interpretation of relevant quantitative and qualitative research data, and develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations involved in the collection of data. You'll present your findings and research in a variety of ways, as well as critically evaluating, interpreting and relaying knowledge gained from secondary sources, to peers.
Research Project (MRes 120 credit points; MSc 60 credit points)
Research in depth a chosen topic area related to ecology and geospatial technologies. You'll design and implement a relevant research project with a strong aspect of originality, communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Our Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques course is offered at both MSc and MRes level. The differences between these two courses are as follows:
MSc
The MSc course comprises a taught programme of six modules and a research project.
Compulsory modules
- Protected Species Surveying
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Applied Population Ecology
- Applied Spatial Ecology
- Remote Sensing and Advanced Geographical Information Systems
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Research Project
MRes
The MRes course offers three taught modules and provides the opportunity to undertake an extended research project.
Compulsory modules
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Research Project
Optional modules
You will have the opportunity to select two optional modules:
- Protected Species Surveying
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Applied Population Ecology
- Applied Spatial Ecology
- Remote Sensing and Advanced Geographical Information Systems
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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.
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
92% 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 2021/22).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
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.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
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.
