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Ecology MRes

Explore sustainable solutions to the world's development challenges with our Ecology MRes.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
On campus Postgraduate Open Day. Wednesday 5 February, 12pm to 5pm. Sign up now

Overview

The Ecology MRes is for graduates in the field of environmental and related sciences. You'll gain the skills required to follow successful careers in the environmental and wildlife conservation sectors. You'll also develop the advanced skills and knowledge required for further academic study, or research-focused industry roles. By studying our Ecology MRes you can help support the protection of our planet.

The degree is for anyone who wants to:

  • find sustainable solutions to global development challenges
  • join UK and international research teams working on ecological or conservation challenges

The MRes will provide you with advanced training in:

  • ecology
  • environmental management
  • conservation

You'll gain a professionally focussed postgraduate qualification, relevant to ecology and wildlife conservation.

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Important information

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Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

What you'll learn

The Ecology MRes will enable you to develop: 

  • advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife conservation theory, the principles of biodiversity
  • practical skills in ecological and environmental data collection, data handling, data analysis, and modelling methodologies
  • field skills in wildlife and environmental monitoring, surveying, and GIS
  • critical thinking to address UK and global ecology and conservation problems
  • advanced research capabilities, project management experience and stakeholder engagement

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

You'll learn a variety of in-demand skills from the environmental sector. These include: 

  • advanced conceptual understanding and detailed factual knowledge of key subjects 
  • specialised technical and research skills, and professional awareness 
  • overseas and UK study/field trip opportunities where applicable 
  • training and case studies including examples from the UK and overseas

Your international training and case studies will help you to understand the requirements for international sustainable development.

Your future

The Ecology MRes will provide you with a route into PhD level study. It prepares you for a wide range of careers in the environmental and conservation sectors.

We have strong research, industry, and business links in the UK and globally. Where possible, we link these to taught modules and research projects. This will enable you to gain direct experience working with stakeholders in the sector. It also provides an opportunity to build on these relationships for your future.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environment Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support your studies including laboratories for you to carry out your research project.

Ecological facilities include:

  • more than 800 hectares of farmland
  • polytunnels and greenhouse capacity for plant growth and competition experiments, insect-plant interaction studies

NU Farms

NU Farms is a research, teaching, and engagement platform based across our two local farms.

  • Cockle Park Farm: 262ha mixed farm that includes the renowned Palace Leas hay meadow experimental plots
  • Nafferton Farm: 300ha farm with long-running organic versus conventional trial plots

Gosforth Nature Reserve

Just 10 minutes from campus is Gosforth Nature Reserve. This protected area has many habitats and management strategies for carrying out ecological monitoring.

Dove Marine Lab

We study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With a live aquarium on-site, you’ll examine and study a range of wildlife.

The Princess Royal

Our research vessel, the Princess Royal, is an integral part of your learning experience at Newcastle. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

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If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Overseas events

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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Marion Pfiefer
Associate Professor, Landscape Ecology and Management

Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8888
Email: snes.education@ncl.ac.uk
School of Natural and Environment Sciences
ncl.ac.uk/nes

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