General information
Threats to the goods and services within an ecosystem, such as clean drinking water and sustainable fisheries, are frequently appearing in the media and on the agendas of governments. Maintaining these goods and services requires us to have a fundamental understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystem processes responsible. Without this knowledge there can be no effective management of aquatic resources and multiple stressors to an ecosystem.
This programme has been designed to balance the latest in ecological theory with practical application in both freshwater and marine systems. Students will take part in three residential field-courses (Dorset, Cumbria and one from either the Western Isles of Scotland, Borneo or Crete) for practical ‘hands-on’ training.
You will be co-supervised by either established PhD students or a potential employer organisation and encouraged to publish your project work.
Why study your MSc in Freshwater and Marine Ecology at Queen Mary?
You will be taught by staff in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, who are internationally recognised for their fundamental research on freshwater environments and its applications in environmental management.
- Small taught component aligned to well established MSc Freshwater and Coastal Sciences (FACS), led by expert staff with world class research profiles from both the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and the Geography Department.
- Residential field-skills training module, making use of the Freshwater Biological Association’s River Laboratory on the River Frome in Dorset.
- The programme’ s Advisory Board is made up of experts from the government, the voluntary sector, compliance agencies, water undertaking and conservation fields – who give input to the course so that it is as relevant and up-to-date as possible.
- We offer you close links with industry, through visiting lectures, industrial visits and the completion of a research project in collaboration with the water industry.
- The London base provides a wealth of field locations and data sets relevant to managing heavily impacted water courses, and we host a London river web-based information system. (www.urbanriversurvey.org) You can also attend external events within the London area (eg, the London Freshwater Group meetings) as part of the programme.
- This multidisciplinary approach means you learn from academic experts in biochemistry; ecology; geomorphology; hydrology; modelling; river management, rehabilitation and restoration.
Structure
You will take five core modules and choose one extra module (total: 90 credits), all taught by experts in aquatic ecology and with staff from external agencies and institutions contributing. The remainder of the necessary 90 credits comprises a 24-week Individual Research Project aligned to cutting edge research groups within the Centre for the Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment, or with external agencies and charities like the Environment Agency, Wild Trout Trust, Froglife, or the Broads Authority.
| Core Modules | Optional Modules |
| Ecosystem Structure and Function | Marine Mammals & Turtles – fieldcourse to western isles of Scotland |
| Aquatic Systems: Hydrological, Hydrochemical and Geomorphological Processes | Catchment Hydrology: Managing Water Resources and Hydrological Extremes |
| Statistics & Bioinformatics | Biogeochemistry: Carbon, Nutrients and Pollutants in Aquatic Systems |
| Science into Policy & Management – includes week in Dorset | Tropical Ecology & Conservation – fieldcourse to Borneo |
| Sampling & Surveying Techniques for Ecology – includes week in Cumbria |
Graduate Employment. With aquatic ecosystems under threat from multiple stressors, we have designed a programme to equip you with the necessary interdisciplinary practical skills and theoretical understanding for employment in this area or further research.
Careers in research-focused positions. Some of our graduates apply their degree knowledge directly, working in research-focused positions such as chemistry consultants, molecular microbiologists and conservation officers in labs as far afield as Australia, South Africa and the USA. Many others pursue their academic interests from MSc to PhD-level, or from PhD to postdoctoral research associate or research fellows, and eventually to lectureships.
Content
The highlighted icons, represent the fields of education (in compliance with ISCED Classification) engaged during this course/programme.
Venue
London, United Kingdom
Application
Click here to apply: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyfortaughtprogrammes/index.html
Cost:
<p>This programme includes one compulsory overseas field course. Students must choose one fieldwork option in either Cape Verde, Borneo or Crete and will have to contribute £1,000, £1,000 or £400 respectively towards the cost of these field trips. Costs for compulsory fieldwork within the UK are covered by the university.</p> <p><strong>Full-time programme</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>UK/EU students: </strong>£8.450</li> <li><strong>Overseas students: </strong>£16.950</li> </ul> <p><strong>Part-time programme</strong> (per annum over 2 years)</p> <ul> <li><strong>UK/EU students: </strong>£TBC</li> <li><strong>Overseas students: </strong>£TBC</li> </ul>
Prerequisites:
Degree Requirements
Undergraduate degree (minimum second class honours) in a relevant subject such as environmental science, biology, chemistry or geography. Individuals with relevant professional qualifications or other experience and qualifications will also be considered.
Language Requirements
Candidates are expected to have good English language ability. Read more about English language requirements.
All international students are required to provide evidence of their ability in English language.
The minimum level required for entry to our postgraduate programmes is:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) - 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each category)
- WELT (Warwick English Language Test) – BBC/BCC
- TEEP (Test of English for Educational Purposes) – 6.5
- Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English – B
- Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English – C
Am I eligible? To check your eligibility contact our Postgraduate Admissions team:
Email: sbcs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3328
Application Procedure:
Use the online application forms for the course according to your prefred study mode: full-time programme form, part-time programme form. You must provide the following supporting documentation:
- Completed application form
- Degree transcripts
- Two references
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Resume
Although not mandatory, you are encouraged to send in the following documents in support of your application:
- Statement of purpose (should explain why you want to study your chosen programme and how it will help your life and career. Typically one side of A4 paper.)
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if applicable) or other acceptable proof
Application Deadline: there is no fixed closing date for applications but you should remember that decisions on applications will be made as quickly as possible and popular programmes may become full so we advise applying as soon as possible.
Grant Opportunities:
There are a number of sources of funding available for Masters students. These include a significant package of competitive Queen Mary bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas, as well as external sources of funding. For full details and eligibility criteria, please visit the 'Funding a masters' webpage of the University.
Qualification
Assessment:
Students are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. A few modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of a research project or dissertation, and the tutor project supervisor offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment. You will also be assessed on a supervised 10.000-word dissertation.
Qualification: Master of Science
Credits:
Threats to the goods and services within an ecosystem, such as clean drinking water and sustainable fisheries, are frequently appearing in the media and on the agendas of governments. Maintaining these goods and services requires us to have a fundamental understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystem processes responsible. Without this knowledge there can be no effective management of aquatic resources and multiple stressors to an ecosystem.
This programme has been designed to balance the latest in ecological theory with practical application in both freshwater and marine systems. Students will take part in three residential field-courses (Dorset, Cumbria and one from either the Western Isles of Scotland, Borneo or Crete) for practical ‘hands-on’ training.
You will be co-supervised by either established PhD students or a potential employer organisation and encouraged to publish your project work.
Why study your MSc in Freshwater and Marine Ecology at Queen Mary?
You will be taught by staff in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, who are internationally recognised for their fundamental research on freshwater environments and its applications in environmental management.
- Small taught component aligned to well established MSc Freshwater and Coastal Sciences (FACS), led by expert staff with world class research profiles from both the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and the Geography Department.
- Residential field-skills training module, making use of the Freshwater Biological Association’s River Laboratory on the River Frome in Dorset.
- The programme’ s Advisory Board is made up of experts from the government, the voluntary sector, compliance agencies, water undertaking and conservation fields – who give input to the course so that it is as relevant and up-to-date as possible.
- We offer you close links with industry, through visiting lectures, industrial visits and the completion of a research project in collaboration with the water industry.
- The London base provides a wealth of field locations and data sets relevant to managing heavily impacted water courses, and we host a London river web-based information system. (www.urbanriversurvey.org) You can also attend external events within the London area (eg, the London Freshwater Group meetings) as part of the programme.
- This multidisciplinary approach means you learn from academic experts in biochemistry; ecology; geomorphology; hydrology; modelling; river management, rehabilitation and restoration.
Structure
You will take five core modules and choose one extra module (total: 90 credits), all taught by experts in aquatic ecology and with staff from external agencies and institutions contributing. The remainder of the necessary 90 credits comprises a 24-week Individual Research Project aligned to cutting edge research groups within the Centre for the Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment, or with external agencies and charities like the Environment Agency, Wild Trout Trust, Froglife, or the Broads Authority.
| Core Modules | Optional Modules |
| Ecosystem Structure and Function | Marine Mammals & Turtles – fieldcourse to western isles of Scotland |
| Aquatic Systems: Hydrological, Hydrochemical and Geomorphological Processes | Catchment Hydrology: Managing Water Resources and Hydrological Extremes |
| Statistics & Bioinformatics | Biogeochemistry: Carbon, Nutrients and Pollutants in Aquatic Systems |
| Science into Policy & Management – includes week in Dorset | Tropical Ecology & Conservation – fieldcourse to Borneo |
| Sampling & Surveying Techniques for Ecology – includes week in Cumbria |
Use the online application forms for the course according to your prefred study mode: full-time programme form, part-time programme form. You must provide the following supporting documentation:
- Completed application form
- Degree transcripts
- Two references
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Resume
Although not mandatory, you are encouraged to send in the following documents in support of your application:
- Statement of purpose (should explain why you want to study your chosen programme and how it will help your life and career. Typically one side of A4 paper.)
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if applicable) or other acceptable proof
Application Deadline: there is no fixed closing date for applications but you should remember that decisions on applications will be made as quickly as possible and popular programmes may become full so we advise applying as soon as possible.
Students are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. A few modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of a research project or dissertation, and the tutor project supervisor offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment. You will also be assessed on a supervised 10.000-word dissertation.
Graduate Employment. With aquatic ecosystems under threat from multiple stressors, we have designed a programme to equip you with the necessary interdisciplinary practical skills and theoretical understanding for employment in this area or further research.
Careers in research-focused positions. Some of our graduates apply their degree knowledge directly, working in research-focused positions such as chemistry consultants, molecular microbiologists and conservation officers in labs as far afield as Australia, South Africa and the USA. Many others pursue their academic interests from MSc to PhD-level, or from PhD to postdoctoral research associate or research fellows, and eventually to lectureships.
Degree Requirements
Undergraduate degree (minimum second class honours) in a relevant subject such as environmental science, biology, chemistry or geography. Individuals with relevant professional qualifications or other experience and qualifications will also be considered.
Language Requirements
Candidates are expected to have good English language ability. Read more about English language requirements.
All international students are required to provide evidence of their ability in English language.
The minimum level required for entry to our postgraduate programmes is:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) - 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each category)
- WELT (Warwick English Language Test) – BBC/BCC
- TEEP (Test of English for Educational Purposes) – 6.5
- Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English – B
- Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English – C
Am I eligible? To check your eligibility contact our Postgraduate Admissions team:
Email: sbcs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3328
