• Tropical Ecology- 20 credits (Optional)
  This module encompasses dive training; a 16-day excursion (variable destinations, e.g. Borneo, Honduras, Philippines); one-week tropical forest surveys, one-week coral reef diving – organism identification and surveying.

• Environmental Management and Legislation – 10 credits
  We look at how legislation protects the environment, planning laws and policies, environmental economics and cost-benefit analysis.
  
  
• Wildlife Surveying – 10 credits
  You will conduct pond and river water quality surveys (BMWP and PSYM methods) and river habitat surveys (RHS). You will learn freshwater invertebrate identification skills and plant identification.
  
  
• Tools for Sustainable Development – 20 credits (Optional)
  This 100% coursework module includes a four-day workshop. We look at energy use/resources and climate change. We also investigate sustainable alternatives to current lifestyles, consumerism, fossil fuel use and the implications for conservation policy and practices, plus how to obtain funding for community and sustainability projects.
  
  
• Restoration Ecology – 20 credits
  In this module we study ecology and biodiversity; re-wilding: beaver, lynx, wolf reintroduction; restoration approaches for various habitats and tropical forest management.

• Terrestrial and Aquatic Conservation – 20 credits
  You will study protected areas and their management; the impact of climate change on terrestrial habitats; agricultural systems and impact on conservation; the 
  ecology of rivers, lakes and marine habitats; the human impacts on freshwater habitats and identifying freshwater life.
• European Field Expedition – 20 credits
  You will study vegetation surveys (forest structure surveys, thermal zone assessment, various transect techniques, habitat mapping); land use and management issues; bird survey methods (bird identification skills).
  
  
• Work Based Learning Project – 20 credits (Optional)
  The optional Work Based Learning module enables our students to gain 60 hours work experience under the supervision of an employer. You will also be assigned an academic supervisor who will advise you on a suitable employer based on your area of interest. Recent organisations who have hosted our students include Capita Symonds, Natural Resources Wales, Wales Heritage Coastal Path and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
  
  
• MSc Project – 60 credits 
  This project is often done in co-operation with conservation organisations such as National Parks; English Nature / Countryside Council for Wales; National Botanic Garden; Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts. Examples of recent projects include coral reef conservation in the Bahamas; feeding habits of Groupers off Honduras; deforestation in SE Asia; invasive species in Cardiff Bay; biodiversity increase with organic farming; butterfly reintroduction and habitats; recognition of Japanese Knotweed by remote sensing.
  
  
• Tropical Environmental Monitoring – 20 credits (Optional)
  This module is all about conservation and wildlife / safari management. We look at field monitoring techniques and identification skills, and animal tracking on both foot and by vehicle.

• Applied Geospatial Analysis – 20 credits
  This offers a practical introduction to Geographical Information Systems and their use in environmental management. We will look at remote sensing techniques; animal population modelling; pollution modelling and the use of statistical software for parametric and non-parametric analysis, correlation, regression and ANOVA analysis. 

Full-time students will spend over the academic year, between 12 to 16 hours per week in lectures, practical sessions and fieldwork. The variation in hours will depend on the options chosen.

Part-time students attend the equivalent of one day per week, generally completing the MSc in two years. However, based on individual circumstances, for part time students, the MSc Project may extended into your third year of study. This would need to be agreed as part of a discussion with the course leader.

We teach using a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, problem solving tutorials, video presentations and practicals. You will also undertake fieldwork excursions within the UK and overseas (additional costs apply). The number of hours of formal teaching will vary depending on your module choice.

You will also be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning by completing guided reading and various interactive computer packages. Please note some field trips will vary from a day to more than a week in duration while optional fieldwork can last for around two weeks.

You will be assessed through a range of methods depending on your module choice, these include: examinations, coursework such as writing reports of field excursions. You will also analyse case studies, undertake presentations, participate in workshops and analyse data.