Overview
The Ecology MRes is for graduates in the field of environmental and related sciences. You’ll gain the skills required to follow successful careers in the environmental and wildlife conservation sectors. You’ll also develop the advanced skills and knowledge required for further academic study, or research-focused industry roles. By studying our Ecology MRes you can help support the protection of our planet.
The degree is for anyone who wants to:
- find sustainable solutions to global development challenges
- join UK and international research teams working on ecological or conservation challenges
MRes research project
Your research project will be in one of the areas covered by the marine science research groups:
- Marine Resources and Renewable Energy:
- antifouling and ballast water treatment
- bacterial bioactive products
- bioenergy
- Ecology
- Modelling, Evidence and Policy
The MRes will provide you with advanced training in:
- ecology
- environmental management
- conservation
You’ll gain a professionally focussed postgraduate qualification, relevant to ecology and wildlife conservation.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MRes – Master of Research
An MRes is available in various subject areas. This award combines taught modules, research training and a dissertation.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll learn
The Ecology MRes will enable you to develop:
- advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife conservation theory, the principles of biodiversity
- practical skills in ecological and environmental data collection, data handling, data analysis, and modelling methodologies
- field skills in wildlife and environmental monitoring, surveying, and GIS
- critical thinking to address UK and global ecology and conservation problems
- advanced research capabilities, project management experience and stakeholder engagement
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MRes Research Project | 120 |
You take 60 credits from the optional modules above.
How you’ll learn
The Ecology MRes is delivered by a range of:
- taught modules
- a research dissertation project on a topic of your choice, in collaboration with an academic supervisor
You’ll take a range of optional taught modules. These provide a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative skills. These skills are essential in modern ecological science.
You will be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab/workshop sessions
- group work
Most modules will be taught in Semester 1. This ensures that you’ll benefit from peer-support and reach a high technical standard before starting your individual research project.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Poster
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Thesis
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Choose a research project supervisor
Our faculty boasts a wide range of active research academics with whom you can choose to carry out your research project. You’ll choose an academic staff member, from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, that aligns with your research interests.
Your development
You’ll learn a variety of in-demand skills from the environmental sector. These include:
- advanced conceptual understanding and detailed factual knowledge of key subjects
- specialised technical and research skills, and professional awareness
- overseas and UK study/field trip opportunities where applicable
- training and case studies including examples from the UK and overseas
Your international training and case studies will help you to understand the requirements for international sustainable development.
Your future
The Ecology MRes will provide you with a route into PhD level study. It prepares you for a wide range of careers in the environmental and conservation sectors.
We have strong research, industry, and business links in the UK and globally. Where possible, we link these to taught modules and research projects. This will enable you to gain direct experience working with stakeholders in the sector. It also provides an opportunity to build on these relationships for your future.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Environmental Sciences – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Natural and Environment Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support your studies including laboratories for you to carry out your research project.
Ecological facilities include:
- more than 800 hectares of farmland
- polytunnels and greenhouse capacity for plant growth and competition experiments, insect-plant interaction studies
NU Farms
NU Farms is a research, teaching, and engagement platform based across our two local farms.
- Cockle Park Farm: 262ha mixed farm that includes the renowned Palace Leas hay meadow experimental plots
- Nafferton Farm: 300ha farm with long-running organic versus conventional trial plots
Gosforth Nature Reserve
Just 10 minutes from campus is Gosforth Nature Reserve. This protected area has many habitats and management strategies for carrying out ecological monitoring.
Dove Marine Lab
We study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With a live aquarium on-site, you’ll examine and study a range of wildlife.
The Princess Royal
Our research vessel, the Princess Royal, is an integral part of your learning experience at Newcastle. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as:
- ecology
- environmental science
- biology
- geography
We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications and relevant experience.
