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2023/24
2024/25

MSc by Research Entomology

Our MSc by Research Entomology is one of the few research master’s programmes in entomology in the UK, this course prepares graduates from a variety of disciplines for employment in insect ecology careers.

Are you interested in insects and want a career in research or another aspect of entomology? Through theoretical and practical experience, you’ll learn how entomology is studied and applied in the UK and overseas and gain an appreciation for the range of insect-related issues in the UK and abroad.

You will also learn essential principles of research design in entomology, gain competence in a range of research methods for data collection, and gain detailed expertise in a subset relevant to your own research interests.

Develop expertise in data management and analysis, as well as the issues affecting data interpretation, and gain an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in the conduct and dissemination of a research programme.

You will learn the written and oral skills required for communicating research output, and gain an awareness of the issues facing those pursuing a career in entomological research. You’ll also gain transferable skills, such as using computers for statistics and data analysis, and the ability to collect field data on a variety of taxonomic groups.

This programme places an emphasis on CV development, and extracurricular activities help you to hone the skills and qualities desired by employers. Overall, 97% of graduates from Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes postgraduate (taught) and postgraduate (research) Biological Sciences responders).

You will learn almost entirely through practical work, with small class sizes (mostly between five and 20 students) and no written examinations. 

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

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website. 

You may also be interested in our MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement programme.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800

New international students: £22,350

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

There are a wide range of employment opportunities for people with expertise in applied entomology. This includes opportunities in the agriculture sector dealing with pest control and advice (with organisations such as the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), conservation and biodiversity (with organisations such as Natural England and various wildlife trusts), and research (with organisations such as the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology).

All our master’s programmes emphasise the practical skills that employers need, whether that is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques. As a University of Reading MSc graduate, you will be well equipped to work in the field or the lab, and in the private or public sector. 

Typical roles of graduates from our ecology and wildlife-based MSc programmes include conservation officers, project managers, field ecologists and environmental consultants. Graduates from our biomedical MSc programme typically go on to pursue PhD studies or work in the pharmaceutical industry.