Biodiversity and Conservation MRes

Overview

Are you ready to make your impact on biodiversity?

The University of Leeds has twice been recognised by the European Union as a “centre of excellence” for biodiversity and conservation training.

We believe biodiversity can only be managed and conserved when it can be measured and interpreted properly. Our leading researchers are making an impact through their dedicated research within the field of ecology and conservation. Your learning will be heavily influenced by their world-leading research, which drives national and international policy agendas around environmental change and global sustainability.

This distinctive course concentrates on the biological principles underlying biodiversity, its assessment and management. You’ll learn to identify plants and animals, understand the ecological factors underlying biodiversity and conservation and gain key analytical and practical skills for a range of academic and professional careers. You’ll also gain valuable experience in biodiversity and conservation-related research.

This course is designed to prepare you for further research at PhD level, or for a career in conservation. If you’re already an established conservation professional, our modules provide additional skills to support you to progress in your employment.

Learning and teaching

Your learning will be heavily influenced by the University’s world-leading research as well as our strong links with highly qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities. Thanks to these links, potential employers including Natural England, conservation bodies and commercial ecological consultancies, both local and national, contribute directly to teaching on a number of our modules, providing key practical training and invaluable networking opportunities.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including: formal lectures, interactive workshops, field trips, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.

Through your research project and biodiversity and conservation modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a professional who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.

Throughout your time at Leeds, you’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Career opportunities

We take both your personal and your career development very seriously. We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advises us on what they look for in graduates and on employability related skills within our courses.

Our graduates have gone on to a very varied range of biodiversity and conservation jobs and careers around the world. We know that the subject knowledge and training we provide is excellent, but we’re also trying to produce well-rounded graduates who have the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in a challenging job market.