Ecology
Study the living world with our practical postgraduate ecology degrees. Learn from enthusiastic academics with expertise in entomology, ecology, botany, ornithology, and British mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Our research
We emphasise cross-disciplinary and quantitative approaches to research. Our interests span the broad scope of modern biology, from individual molecules to global biodiversity and sustainability.
Our facilities
Use our campus as your laboratory. The 320-acre Whiteknights Park and Harris Garden – most of which is managed for wildlife and biodiversity – is home to over 2,300 species of animals and plants.
You’ll also have access to:
- the new £60m Health and Life Sciences building
- the Cole Museum of Zoology and the University of Reading Herbarium, which contain more than 4,000 zoological specimens and around 400,000 plant specimens
- laboratories dedicated to whole organism study and research, containing a wide range of microscope and photographic facilities
- computing laboratories for Geographic Information Systems (GIS), population modelling, image analysis, wildlife recording and survey assessment
- controlled environment suites, glasshouses and experimental grounds for invertebrate and plant research.
Careers
Our postgraduate ecology degrees provide an excellent route into a career in the ecology, conservation and ecological consultancy sectors.
Overall, 93% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes graduates of MSc by Research Entomology and MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills (formerly MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement)).
Industry partners
If you choose to study MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement, you’ll undertake a six-month paid placement with one of our ecological consultancy partners. The University has ringfenced these placements with our partners, RSK Group and Aspect Ecology.
Our MSc by Research Entomology students benefit from close links with Natural England, the National Trust, the Natural History Museum, RSPB, and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, among many others.
Looking for postgraduate research opportunities?
Come to Reading for your PhD or professional doctorate and join a talented and diverse community of fellow researchers working to improve lives across the globe.
Courses
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MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement
Full Time: 12 months
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Full Time: 12 months