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2023/24
2024/25

MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills with our hands-on MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills degree.

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.

You’ll participate in hands-on and field-based training and, in addition to the taught component of your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a six-month work placement with a leading ecological consultancy. A bursary for this period is provided by the employer. 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).

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).

More than half of all credits on this programme are overseen by consultants when you choose to take a placement, making this course unique in the UK. All assessment is skills-based and fit-for-purpose, with no written examinations.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,100

New international students: £25,800

Fees for 2024/25 have not yet been set. For your reference, fees for 2023/24 are listed on this page.

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.

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. Many of our graduates go on to study for a PhD and pursue a career in research, either in industry or in universities.

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.