MRes Ecology and Conservation at University of Brighton

Programme overview

Drawing on the expertise of our ecosystems and environmental management research group, this MRes Ecology and Conservation degree programme advances your academic standing and enables you to conduct an original ecological research project. It prepares you either for a PhD or for industry-based work, as you gain experience with modern research methods and build on your theoretical knowledge of the subject area. Research interests of our department include:

Faculty: School of Applied Sciences | Department: Geography, Earth and Environment | Duration: full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The Ecology and Conservation MRes is typically completed as a full-time, one-year degree. To be awarded the MRes, you must obtain 180 M-level credits, 40 credits from taught and subject-specific modules and 140 credits through the completion of the research project. The research project is central to the masters course and allows you to work at the forefront of the discipline as you advance your knowledge of research methods and ecological principles. You will design your own project under the supervision of one or more members of the ecosystems and environmental management research group. Modules include Communicating Issues in Ecology and Conservation, Research Fundamentals, MRes Research Project.

Career pathways

Graduates from this Ecology and Conservation masters degree course are thoroughly equipped to enter a PhD programme in ecological science, as well as careers in industry and the public sector. The Ecology and Conservation MRes provides well-rounded and practical training, plus the necessary transferable skills to prepare you for employment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree and experience. A 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. Students with a degree that does not fall within this category but who have significant relevant experience, will also be considered. All applicants should provide a full description of any research projects undertaken, relevant work experience and non-academic qualifications. ATAS requirements. The JACS code for this course is C180, meaning that students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will have to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before they apply for a visa. Details can be found on the gov.uk website. Research proposal. Please provide a description of your area of interest, field of study and the particular focus of your intended research project which needs to relate to a research area of the school. This should include the context of your project, a short review of the key literature, your research questions, your methodology, considerations of the research ethics, a schedule and a list of references. English language requirements. If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,792 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Duration: full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

Apply through the official page: https://evsipr.brighton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app_crs

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