run jointly with Writtle College
Click to find out more about funding for this masters
These two new Masters combine the international
expertise in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities at
University of Essex with Writtle College, one of the country's leading
colleges specialising in land-based, countryside and amenity
industries. The course is divided into a series of theory-based
thematic modules, core seminars, practical skills, and a
research-based dissertation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
is especially focused on the development of students' skills in the
practical and management aspects of Environmental Resources, linking
applied skills to the inculcation of theoretical knowledge and other
relevant postgraduate-level attributes. Teaching covers the full range
of applied ecological skills including surveying, protected species
monitoring, habitat creation and restoration, environmental impact
assessment and project management.
With its broad curriculum encompassing aspects of
Economics, Law, Politics and Society as they pertain to Environmental
matters, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
focuses strongly on situating its core concerns in their wider
context. This programme is designed for students who are interested in
gaining advanced knowledge of contemporary theoretical and conceptual
debates concerning relationships between environment, nature and
society. Students will have the opportunity to engage with key topics
of both theoretical and practical importance to understanding the
environment, such as: human-nature interactions; social practices
which shape the environment and nature.
Both Masters are directed by
Professor Ian Colbeck. A number of academic staff based at the
University of Essex and Writtle College lecture on the course but
various external guest speakers also contribute.
Aims of the Masters
Postgraduate students who have successfully completed either course
should be suitably qualified for further academic progression or
employment in the fields of conservation and rural resource management
in the academic, voluntary, public and private sectors. They should
also be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge on key aspects (natural resources,
conservation management, ecosystems, environmental issues) of
conservation biology and ecology [ERM]
• Critically evaluate complex scientific and policy-based issues
involved in the conservation management of species and ecosystems [NES].
• Demonstrate an ability to devise, initiate, undertake and
communicate the results of a research task.
• Conduct primary research in the field of natural resource management
research [ERM]
• Conduct primary research in the development or application of
environmental science [NES]
Degree Structure
The scheme extends over a full year
with taught courses during the Autumn and Spring terms (until Easter), followed by a
dissertation to be completed by mid-September. The course contains compulsory Core Seminars,
introductory Thematic Modules and Research Methods courses, and choices of
three specialist option streams. All assessment is via exam (H4B
modules) and coursework.
|
NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY |
|
BS781-G-FY |
Research
Project |
|
BS701-G-AP |
Seminars
in the Environment |
|
BS702-G-AU |
Natural
Resources and Ecology |
|
BS703-G-SP |
Economics
and Law |
|
BS704-G-AU |
Politics
and Society |
|
BS712-G-AP |
Research
Skills and Data Analysis |
|
H4B587 |
Managing
For Sustainable Ecosystems |
|
H4B585 |
Species
Conservation |
|
Optional
Modules – please choose one of: |
|
BS713-G-SP |
Mariculture and Fisheries |
|
BS348-G-SP |
Sustainability |
|
H4L499 |
Landscape
Ecology |
|
BS723-G-SP |
Conservation Management in Tropical Environments |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
|
BS781-G-FY |
Research
Project |
|
BS701-G-AP |
Seminars
in the Environment |
|
BS702-G-AU |
Natural
Resources and Ecology |
|
BS712-G-AP |
Research
Skills and Data Analysis |
|
H4B590 |
Biological
Surveying |
|
H4B586 |
Protected
Area Management |
|
H4B587 |
Managing
For Sustainable Ecosystems |
|
H4B585 |
Species
Conservation |
|
Optional
Modules – please choose one of: |
|
BS713-G-SP |
Mariculture and Fisheries |
|
H4L499 |
Landscape
Ecology |
|
BS348-G-SP |
Sustainability |
|
BS723-G-SP |
Conservation Management in Tropical Environments |
The course extends over a full year
with taught modules during the Autumn and Spring terms (until Easter),
followed by a dissertation to be completed during the Summer term. The
course contains compulsory Thematic Modules, an Environmental Seminars
Programme, applied science based modules and a module in Research
Skills and Data Analysis. There is also an optional component which
includes a field-based module taught on location in Indonesia.
Core Seminars (BS701)
The Environmental Core Seminars are taught over two terms (17 x 2hr)
sessions plus three field trips. These are delivered by a range of
external speakers (from other academic institutes, industry and
conservation bodies) and research staff within the department.
Thematic Modules (BS702, BS703, BS704)
These Thematic Modules (10 x 2hr) are designed to introduce students
the multidimensional nature of environmental questions and to provide
you with a wide perspective in which to analyse environmental
outcomes. They are assessed solely by coursework.
Applied Science Modules (H4B587, H4B585, H4B590, H4B586)
The modules will be taught at Writtle College. Teaching methods are a
combination of structured lectures, group tutorials, workshops,
seminars and field-based practical activities. Extensive farmed
landscape within the College grounds, together with a variety of
conservation protected areas in the surrounding countryside, form
important training facilities in the delivery of these modules.
Students will be assessed through both a formal exam process and a
variety of coursework methods including case studies, critical review
of scientific papers and project reports.
Research Skills and Data Analysis (BS712)
This module will be run over the two terms on alternative weeks. The
module will introduce you to all aspects of research skills and
involves qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis as
well as presentation (oral and written) of research findings to a
broad as well as a specific audience.
Optional Components (BS713, BS348, BS723, H4L499)
All students select an optional module (equivalent to 20 contact
hours) from a choice of four. BS348 deals with our relations with
nature, animals and places and is centred on the theme of connection
and disconnection. BS713 considers the future direction for fisheries
science and management. The third optional module is a field module
taught on location within Indonesia. The module, entitled Conservation
Management in Tropical Environments, will take place during the end of
the Spring term and approximately two weeks into the Easter vacation
and will require a student financial contribution. Landscape Ecology
(H4L499) examines the spatial pattern or structure of a range of
landscapes from wilderness to cities, particularly in relation to
conservation biology. Therefore the
optional components may be used to examine a specific component of
field-based conservation or to extend your knowledge into a new
disciplinary area.
Research Project
Central to each Masters course is the research
dissertation. The research orientated dissertation is supported by all
other modules but specifically the Research Skills and Data Analysis
module. The potential topic of the dissertation is wide-ranging and
dependent on the skills and interests of you, the student, and of the
University academic supervisor.
Dissertations can be based at the University, Writtle College,
nationally or internationally and will enable you to utilise the
skills that you have learnt throughout the course to design, implement
and report on a primary research project in your chosen field. There is
always the opportunity to undertake a project in collaboration with
local government, NGOs and conservation groups.
Applications and Further Information
Click here for information and sources of
funding opportunities.
Writtle College is approximately
30 miles to the west of Colchester and is well served by
public transport. The courses have been designed so that
teaching takes place at Essex on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at
Writtle on Wednesdays. Teaching at Writtle commences on Wednesday 23
September.
For further information about postgraduate study please contact: Graduate Administrator, Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK.
International enquiries:
email:
biosci-pgt@essex.ac.uk
telephone: +44 1206 874470
Home and EU enquiries:
email:
bsgradtaught@essex.ac.uk
telephone: 01206 872051
For informal enquiries about the course contact:
Professor Ian Colbeck:
colbi@essex.ac.uk
telephone: 01206 872203
Apply
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