Our Ecology and Conservation with Integrated Master's offers an advanced understanding of ecology, conservation biology, conservation practice and environmental management to address the ecological and conservation issues facing our planet.

With a strong emphasis on applied learning, the programme includes fieldwork opportunities - such as day activities and residential field courses during each year of your studies. Integrated Master's are highly valued by employers as you will graduate with an enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge and a range of advanced skills and competencies needed for particular specialist roles in the field.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to bring together the diverse learning experiences across the cohort, enabling common understanding of ecology and conservation issues. Core first year modules examine topics such as approaches to conservation in policy and practice, the diversity of animals in the world and ecology and plant biology.

To help you develop the appropriate skills needed to succeed in this field, you will study a 'core skills' module. This will provide you with a suite of study skills and subject-specific practical skills in areas such as:

• Fieldwork in both laboratory and field-based environments
• Statistics and R programming
• Geographical information systems
• Techniques of data capture
• Writing and communication
• Risk assessment and research ethics

Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules. This will add breadth and depth to your learning and enable you to personalise your degree towards your career aspirations and interests.

Year two

During your second year, you will develop an understanding of more advanced topics in the field - such as environmental biology. From carrying out research in the real world through an environmental impact assessment, to spending time gaining work experience in a relevant industry - our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to apply your learning to environments similar to those you may encounter within your career.

Year three

Your studies will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and build on the techniques you have acquired during your studies. You will have the opportunity to conduct an ecology and conservation-focused dissertation project. Our 600-acre campus may serve as a ‘living lab’ where you can conduct your dissertation. Alternatively, you may wish to develop a dissertation project in consultation with our many external conservation partners. To personalise your degree to your career aspirations or interests, you can also choose from a wide variety of optional modules.

Year four

Your final year will include a dissertation and research skills module, as well as the option to take modules in applied ecology and conservation, biodiversity skills and advanced GIS and remote sensing.

Fieldwork

From mapping habitats to sampling waters, soils and invertebrates, fieldwork is embedded into core modules throughout your studies to ensure you graduate with key ecology and environmental observation and interpretation skills.

Fieldwork activities may include:

• Environmental experimental design
• Plant and animal identification and census techniques
• Habitat mapping
• Environmental impact assessment

Enhance your employability

Employability is at the heart of our curriculum, and we aim to equip you with the necessary tools and practical experience to support your graduate journey. The programme is taught by staff who currently work in or have worked in the ecology and conservation sector. This means that you will benefit from learning relevant and up-to-date skills and techniques that will enhance your employability.

Our optional year two employability module offers a variety of work relevant experiences. From project-based learning to research opportunities - you will learn about and experience a variety of career paths and identify skills that are essential in these roles. 

Between years two and three of your degree, you can also spend a year gaining work experience with an ecologically focused company or organisation. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

There is an additional opportunity in year three that will could help your portfolio of skills stand out. If you choose to undertake the Advanced Environmental Field Skills module, you will sit the external Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) that is recognised by employers. The certificate is the run by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and the assessment is paid for by the School of Life Sciences.

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to experience different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Student support

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of an assigned academic mentor and a member of staff from Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to the field is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends and share interests with fellow students.