University College London (UCL)

Biodiversity and Global Change MSc

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, discussion classes, and group work, as well as undertaking personal reading and research for your dissertation under the supervision of at least one expert in the field.

Assessment is through essays, project reports, presentations and practicals. The research project is assessed by dissertation and a poster presentation.

In terms one and two, there are typically around 15 hours per week of taught classes. Term three onwards is devoted to the Research Project. When considering contact hours and self-study hours together, each 15 credit module requires 150 learning hours in total and so the 90 credit project is therefore expected to require 900 learning hours.

Modules

Full-time

Term one consists of two compulsory modules (30 credits total) and one optional module (15 credits total).

Term two consists of two compulsory module (30 credits total) and one optional module (15 credits total).

Term three and the summer period consist of working on a research project (90 credits total).

The project is non-condonable. The taught modules are condonable.

Compulsory modules

• Computational Methods in Biodiversity Research
• Biodiversity Generation and Maintenance
• Applied Biodiversity Conservation
• MSc Biodiversity and Global Change Research Project
• Biodiversity dynamics on a changing planet

Optional modules

• Behavioural Ecology for the Anthropocene
• Science Communications for Biologists
• Foundations of Citizen Science
• Primate Behaviour and Ecology
• Species Conservation and Biodiversity
• Plant Evolution and Ecology
• Technology for Nature
• AI for the Environment
• Primate Anatomy, Evolution and Environments
• Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits comprising compulsory modules of 135 credits and optional modules of 45 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Biodiversity and Global Change.

Fieldwork

Students undertake a field trip to Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Taking place towards the beginning of term one, students are introduced to field techniques and experimental design.

What this course will give you

Climate change, human population growth and agricultural intensification are just a few of the factors contributing to today’s alarming trends of biodiversity loss. This full-time MSc offers a scientific study into how we monitor the changes, understand what’s causing them – and decide what action is needed to prevent further decline.

What you will gain from this course:

• Study within UCL's Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment working with globally renowned academics. UCL is ranked 6th in the world for biological sciences.
• Benefit from our partnership with the Zoological Society of London and the Natural History Museum, giving you insights into globally-significant research in areas like the ecological basis of zoonotic disease, wildlife health, field-based conservation and sustainable food supply for humans, as well as access to vast museum collections.
• Get hands-on training in the science of biodiversity and biodiversity change, and the fundamental knowledge that underpins conservation decisions.
• Spend six months on taught modules, learning the science behind biodiversity patterns and biodiversity change, computational and analysis methods, and the application of biodiversity science to real-world conservation decisions – and build your programme to match your interests with optional modules in areas like behavioural ecology, plant evolution and AI for the environment.
• Spend the second half of your year immersed in your own research project, building your investigative, analytical and presentation skills with close supervision and mentorship from a leading academic.
• Learn to collect, manipulate and perform statistical analysis on field courses at Blakeney Point in Norfolk.
• Benefit from studying within UCL’s diverse postgraduate community.
• Leave well-equipped to pursue a PhD, or to advance the work of government agencies, conservation charities and consultancies, or sustainability-aware organisations in the private sector.

The foundation of your career

You could use it to carve out a career in environmental policy and management, applied conservation, environmental charities, NGOs or scientific journalism.

Your specialist scientific foundation could also be a launching point to academic roles or a PhD.

Employability
Your suite of technical and analytical skills, together with in-depth biodiversity knowledge and independent research experience, will equip you to play your part in the conservation work needed to secure a sustainable future. Graduates will be able to find employment in conversation, policy work, NGOs, government, education, and many other fields.

Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and build professional contacts as part of your master’s.

• Network with students and academics from within and beyond the faculty at divisional, departmental and other research seminars.
• Take part in seminar series at the National History Museum and the Zoological Society of London.
• Join regular social events organised by the three partner institutions.
• Take part in careers events through UCL Careers during the academic year, and enhance your CV writing and interview skills.
• Meet alumni to hear about their experiences and how the course has helped them progress in their careers.