MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

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173

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Home/United Kingdom/Reading /University of Reading/MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement

University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450 / year

Next Intake September-2026

MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement

About

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills with this hands-on degree that includes a six-month paid placement with one of our ecological consultancy partners.*

This course will provide all you need to work in the competitive consultancy and conservation sectors. To achieve this, the School of Biological Sciences has teamed up with ecological consultants at RSK Group Ltd since 2011, and more recently with Aspect Ecology, to deliver a course that provides the skills and knowledge demanded by these industries.

This programme was previously named MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills and has been renamed to better reflect learning outcomes. It's taught by experienced ecologists with visiting lecturers from our partner consultancies – many of whom are alumni from the programme. In fact, more than half of all credits on this programme are overseen by consultants, making this course unique in the UK.

You’ll participate in hands-on and field-based training with all of your assessments being skills-based and fit-for-purpose, with no written examinations. You'll gain a thorough grounding in the skills needed for ecological surveying and species identification, including specialised report-writing and hands-on activities such as species translocation.

In addition to the taught component of your degree, you will be expected to take a six-month paid work placement with a leading ecological consultancy to apply your learning in the workplace.* This will involve working as a field ecologist alongside consultant ecologists planning and undertaking on-site surveys and completing ecological survey reports. The salary is covered by the employer, is at the market rate, and is taxable. In addition, any travel and accommodation while on surveys with the consultancy are covered as expenses by the employer following their expenses procedures.

100% of graduates from MSc Ecological Survey Skills (formerly known as MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills) are in work 15 months after the end of their course (based on our analysis of HESA data ©, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20 and 2020/21 data combined).

A new feature of this programme is our module on molecular species identification and surveying. On this module, you’ll learn about the molecular methods used to survey and identify species, and you’ll also get practical experience in designing, collecting, processing, and analysing environmental samples.

97% of our research outputs are of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Biological Sciences).

You may also be interested in our MSc by Research Entomology programme.

* The University has ringfenced paid placements with partner ecological consultants. Students are required to pass an interview with the placement provider and hold a driving licence.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a related subject such as biological sciences, geographical sciences, agricultural sciences or environmental sciences, but each application will be considered individually.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

The six-month placement with an ecological consultancy is dependent on passing an interview stage and holding a valid driving licence.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Career

This programme emphasises the practical skills that employers need, whether it is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments, or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques.

As a University of Reading MSc Ecological Survey Skills graduate, you will be in demand with a degree well-recognised in the ecological consultancy sector.

Many of our graduates find immediate work with their placement provider or with other consultancies across the UK. Others have used their skills to move onto conservation roles.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

1. Check our entry requirements

Please see our postgraduate subject finder for minimum entry requirements for the programme you are interested in; entry requirements can vary from one programme to another. International students can consult our country-specific pages for information and guidance on alternative qualification equivalencies for master’s study.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet our English language requirements. You can find the IELTS requirements on each course page. We also accept a range of alternative English language qualifications.

If your English ability is not at the required standard, you can choose to apply for one of our Pre-sessional English programmes. The programmes will equip you with the study skills and preparation needed for academic study in English. The length of your Pre-sessional English programme is determined by your current level of English against the English language requirements of your chosen master’s programme.

2. Application and funding deadlines

Although most master’s programmes do not formally close for applications, some programmes do have application deadlines; if your programme has a deadline it will be specified on the course page under the ‘Entry requirements’ section. For programmes that do not have a specific application deadline, places may be limited and programmes may become full. We recommend that you apply as early as possible (particularly if you are an international student) to allow time not only for us to process your application, but for you to ensure that you can meet any offer conditions, arrange your accommodation and, importantly, funding for your studies. For admission in September, we do recommend that you apply by 1 August (if you are a UK applicant) and 1 July (if you are an international applicant requiring a visa to come to the UK) however, we are happy to still consider applications after these dates.

International applicants should also see our advice and guidance on visas and immigration.

Funding deadlines

We require an offer of study for many of our master’s scholarships and bursaries. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, and each scholarship or bursary will have specific application instructions. We may add scholarships throughout the year, so it is a good idea to re-visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

3. Submit your application

You can apply for master’s programmes directly through our online application system, RISIS. For our PGCE/Teacher Training programmes, applications must be made via the Department of Education's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training portal. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation.

Various documents are needed to make your application. You should electronically upload:

full transcripts of all degree programmes taken. If these are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Please do not mail original copies; we only require PDF copies via electronic upload,
an English language certificate (for example IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language (this can also be provided after you submit your application),
contact details for two academic/professional references. Your references will automatically be invited via email to upload their reference directly once you have submitted your application. Please remind your references to check their junk/spam filters for the email and let them know that the link to the form is only valid for 20 days,
statement of purpose. Your personal statement should outline your academic performance, interest in applying to master’s study, any relevant work experience and skills gained,
a copy of your passport (for international students).

Application fee

We do not charge an application fee to apply for our master’s programmes.

4. Track your application

You can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading, a personalised resource including information about your programme of study, student stories and what's happening here at Reading. It has everything you need to know, all in one place. When we have made a decision on your application, we will contact you via email. If we are able to make you an offer for a place to study, your offer will contain information about what to do next, including how to accept your offer, pay a deposit (if applicable), and any conditions you must meet to study with us.