Applied Ecology - International Programme
Key Details
- How to apply
- https://www.imae.online/how-to-apply
Overview
Become a world-class ecological specialist on this prestigious programme that sees you study in several different universities and field locations around the world.
The MSc Applied Ecology – International Programme corresponds to the second year specialisation of the International Masters in Applied Ecology (IMAE) at UEA. IMAE is a two-year Masters that brings together six leading universities, giving you the chance to learn at the forefront of research in several Higher Education institutions. You’ll learn practical skills from a variety of fields of ecology – such as biodiversity conservation, tropical ecology, ecotoxicology or functional ecosystem dynamics and will have the chance to join field trips in the Mediterranean region and in tropical ecosystems. You will learn practical applied ecology techniques with experts from some of the best ecology departments in the world. The first year starts at the University of Coimbra, Portugal and finishes in Kiel, Germany. In the second year, students choose a specialisation area. Those that come to UEA specialise in environmental sciences and conservation and are challenged to think about biodiversity conservation and sustainability in a changing world.
During the second year of IMAE at UEA you will gain a wide range of skills and knowledge that will enable you to pursue a career in environmental sciences, ecology and conservation. You will be taught by world-leading experts from across our Schools of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences and external organisations (e.g. Birdlife International, World Land Trust, Fauna and Flora International, Cambridge Conservation Initiative).
About the course
The institutions involved in IMAE are University of East Anglia (UK), University of Coimbra (Portugal), Christian-Albrechts-Universitat in Kiel (Germany), University of São Paulo (Brazil), University Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and University of Sakatchewan (Canada).
At UEA, the 2nd year specialisation is in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Change. You will be challenged you to think about recent strategies and actions that produce effective biodiversity conservation in a changing world transformed by humans. You will discuss how to establish conservation targets in a changing world and will examine strategies to tackle climate change, population growth and the need for socio-economic development and environmental justice.
This course aims to give you an in-depth understanding of recent conservation projects carried out by National and International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). These case-studies will be presented by invited speakers and this will give you the opportunity to discuss conservation strategies with experts in the field. You will learn practical skills that will enable you to collect and analyse ecological data for a variety of applications including conservation, rewilding, consultancy, policy making and environmental protection.
You will graduate with a Masters in Applied Ecology – International Programme and will obtain the IMAE programme joint degree from University of Coimbra and Kiel stating all the universities you have engaged with, see details in International Master in Applied Ecology website.
MSc Applied Ecology – International Programme at UEA focuses on biodiversity conservation in a changing world. You’ll take two compulsory modules: Evidence-Based Global Conservation and Statistics and Modelling for Scientists Using R and will carry out an independent research project for your dissertation.
Evidence-Based Global Conservation is an interdisciplinary module focusing on the critical evaluation of scientific evidence as a basis for effective biodiversity conservation policy, strategy and interventions. You will learn to analyse evidence and find solutions for conservation problems. This module focuses on biodiversity conservation in a human dominated planet that is rapidly changing.
In Statistics and Modelling for Scientists Using R you’ll learn to use R – a free programming language for statistical computing and graphics. Learning R will equip you with a flexible statistical, modelling, and graphics tool to carry out data analysis and present results. You will practice the use of statistical tests and will gain access to tools and skills that are widely requested by employers.
In addition to your compulsory modules you’ll choose three optional modules from a wide selection available including: GIS and its applications for modelling ecological and environmental change; Ecological Survey Methods; Practical Conservation and Work Experience; Climate Change: Physical Science Basis; Political Ecology; Conservation Genetics; Sustainable Consumption and many more.
For your dissertation you’ll work on a full-time research project between mid-March and early August, with the support of a faculty member. You’ll conduct an extensive, original and quantitative investigation on a conservation or applied ecology topic carried out in the laboratory or the field. This could be in different locations worldwide. We have special agreements with University of Adelaide, Australia and University of Otago, New Zealand. You can collect your own data or, alternatively, analyse existing data. You can undertake your project in the Schools of Biological or Environmental Sciences, or with an international, national or local conservation agency (e.g. World Land Trust, Birdlife International, Wildlife Conservation Society, WWF). You’ll write up your research project as a 10,000-word dissertation.
Course related costs:
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
Applications are submitted online to the IMAE portal. These are coordinated by the University of Coimbra the consortium leader.
Tuition fee for nationals of a European Union (EU-28) country: 4.500€/year
Tuition fee for nationals from a non EU-28 country: 9.000€/year
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
All our teaching is research led. This means you benefit from the teaching expertise of enthusiastic academic staff that work along with leading conservation organisations – who’ll ensure the most recent scientific advances and new ideas are incorporated into all our courses. You’ll also benefit from the differing teaching styles and educational environments of the other universities involved in the project. Many of the modules are available for several MSc Courses so you will be joining a healthy cohort of Masters’ students across the Schools of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldwork in some of the world’s most ecologically fascinating environments.
You will be challenged to become an independent thinker, to develop your study skills and analytical thinking. You will work independently and in groups, learning to work in teams.
You will develop accuracy and precision in your written work through organising and summarising evidence.
Independent study: You will conduct your own unique research project for your dissertation on a subject of your choice in one of a number of worldwide locations.
While at UEA you’ll get the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops conducted by world-leading scientists to keep up with the latest research in Ecology. These are organised by The Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC) – one of the largest groups of ecologists and evolutionary biologists in Europe, with scientists from UEA, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Birdlife International, British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), WWF, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) among many others.
The assessment is module specific, it will encompass a diversity of work, essays, project presentations, leaflets, project reports, journal articles. All these aim to improve your writing and presentation skills and prepare you for the working environment (e.g. as a researcher, a consultant or conservation officer)
After the course
You will graduate as a skilled, adaptable specialist in applied ecology who will be uniquely prepared to lead projects anywhere in the world. What’s more you’ll have a wealth of connections with international organisations and universities, plus a depth of hands-on experience from fieldwork.
You could go on to a career in many different areas – from biodiversity conservation, ecological research, natural resources management, consultancy and environmental education. Governmental and non-governmental organisations, consultancies and academic institutions are the main destinations of our graduate students. Many students progress to PhD study after their Masters degree.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- PhD study
- Ecological research
- Conservation of endangered species
- Protected area management
- Environmental consultancy
- Environmental management and conservation
- Management of natural resources