Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Postgraduate degree

Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour

Develop your understanding of the natural world by conducting an in-depth research project in a topic you are passionate about within ecology, evolution or behaviour.

Start Date:

September 2023

Duration:

1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)

Degree Type:

MbyRes

Number of credits:

180 credits

Students should get in touch with a potential supervisor when they are developing an application to discuss potential research project topics. Potential supervisors and research projects can be found here.

Specific entry requirements

2.1 degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with a 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have higher marks in relevant modules, e.g. final year research project, final year modules in ecology/evolution/behaviour topics. Other relevant professional experience will also be considered. 

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Course and Module Details

Overview

The ecology, evolution and behaviour of organisms are key elements of the natural world we see around us. Improving our knowledge of these topics is important in mitigating the impacts of environmental change, improving food and water security, increasing animal welfare and explaining the diversity of life we see across the globe. 

This research master’s gives you the opportunity to develop your understanding of the natural world by undertaking an independent research project in a topic within ecology, evolution or behaviour.  

You will undertake this research project with the support of a dedicated research-active supervisor who is an expert in the field. They will guide and support you as you develop and conduct your project, giving you the opportunity to take ownership of a piece of research that you are passionate about. Supervisors will be members of staff from the dynamic and vibrant research community within the School of Life and Health Sciences. This includes world-leading researchers from the Centre for Research in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour and the Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Interdisciplinary Anthropology. Details of potential supervisors and research projects can be found here. When you’re developing your application, you should in touch with a potential supervisor to discuss potential research project topics.  

With the support and guidance of this supervisor, you’ll spend the full duration of the programme conducting your research project. This includes developing hypotheses and predictions, collecting data, analysing these data and presenting these data in a final written report. This final report includes a paper suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and a press release to promote your project's findings.  

The programme will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of your chosen topic. In addition, it also places an emphasis on providing you with transferrable skills in areas such as project management, data analysis and communication that will help you develop a future career in further research, non-academic or commercial sectors. You can find out more on the course's Twitter and Instagram pages.

You’ll also receive dedicated training in research methods. This includes learning skills in scientific project design, data analysis and scientific reporting. Dedicated sessions are also provided in transferrable skills such as scientific communication, grant writing, CV writing and interview preparation. 

Modules

 


These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.

Tuition fees and funding

September 2023 entry tuition fees

Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.

UK EU and International
£10,500 £16,500

Career Options

This course provides students with preparation for a wide range of future careers. These include careers in further research (e.g. PhDs), conservation projects and organisations, animal welfare groups and environmental charities. It also provides students with research skills that will valuable in a range careers in the public and private sectors. 

How to apply

Postgraduate programmes

You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.

All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.

If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.

International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.

  • See our Finance pages for more details

Postgraduate application process FAQs

 

To apply, you need to complete our online application form.

No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.

We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.

If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.

We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.

Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.

You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.

Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.

Find out more on our accommodation pages

Need help before you apply?

Course Facilities

Image -  Access to our state-of-the-art facilities  
  As well as taught classes in our computer labs, you’ll have access to a range of facilities to aid in your research project.    

Access to our state-of-the-art facilities 

As well as taught classes in our computer labs, you’ll have access to a range of facilities to aid in your research project.  

Image -  Medieval skeleton collection  
  Opportunity to spend time studying our human osteological collection comprising of 300 Medieval burials.   

Medieval skeleton collection 

Opportunity to spend time studying our human osteological collection comprising of 300 Medieval burials. 

Image -  Field sites in the UK and abroad  
  You can collect research project data at sites in the UK and overseas, facilitated through the professional contacts of our academic staff.   

Field sites in the UK and abroad 

You can collect research project data at sites in the UK and overseas, facilitated through the professional contacts of our academic staff. 

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Our Research

For an overview of the research carried out by our academics within the School of Life and Health Sciences, please visit the departmental research pages.

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Doing all we can to support our students' lives at Roehampton 

At Roehampton, we can offer all new students the opportunity to live in accommodation on our beautiful parkland campus, including affordable and high-end options. 

We offer scholarships, provide hardship funding and help you find advice on managing your finances while you study.

We provide plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, through volunteering, playing sport or music, or joining one of our many active student societies.