Description

Contents

EcIA is a dynamic and expanding area of ecology bringing together theory and practice to address contemporary conservation issues. Our EcIA Programme is strongly vocationally oriented, and emphasises the need for good professional practice underpinned by good practice in ecological science. In addition to academic input, professionals from industry make key contributions to the teaching. The development of this course has been encouraged and welcomed by industry, and receives good feedback from its students and external examiner.

The course structure is designed to maximise flexibility, and all teaching is based on extended weekend schools. Part-time and full time students share these weekend schools encouraging interaction between students new to the field and students who are already working in the industry. Between contact times, studying is supported by the Universitys virtual learning environment, email and additional tutorials. Several levels of award are available to match your personal study or development needs: the full MSc, the Postgraduate Diploma or a choice of two Postgraduate Certificates. The MSc programme starts in September and runs over fifteen months full-time and thirty months part-time.

Modules
PG Cert Field Biology (Part one of PG Dip and MSc EcIA) * Introduction to Field Biology: Using a range of methodologies, this module equips you to understand the requirements of general habitat surveys, and how they should be reported. Coursework gives you experience of reporting protocols and assessing the limitations of evaluating habitat surveys for EcIA.
* Survey Design, Management and Costing: This module examines survey design in the context of impact assessment. Some elements of professional practice are also drawn upon in terms of managing teams, scheduling and costing.
* Field Biology: Specialist Groups: Professional ecologists are often expected to have specialist knowledge of selected species or habitats. This module provides a starting point in developing a personal specialism. Both survey skills and understanding of the ecological requirements of the habitats or species are developed in terms of how this expertise is applied to EcIA.
* Data Analysis, Interpretation and Management: It is important that survey data are analysed appropriately so that subsequent decisions and assessments are scientifically robust. This module introduces a range of approaches to data analysis, interpretation, and management. It also provides some practical experience of data analysis.

PG Cert EcIA (Part two of PG Dip and MSc EcIA) * Planning, Policy and Legislation: In addition to the general legislation and policy that relate to impact assessment work, there are specific requirements that relate to ecological resources. This module addresses, amongst other things, PPS 9 and Appropriate Assessment in terms of the framework that they provide for ecological assessment. In addition, it examines how this legislation should be used in an ecological context.
* Ecological Impact Assessment: The planning system demands an objective, scientific approach to assessing impacts. This module critically examines and gives practical experience of the techniques used to assess environmental impacts on systems of ecological value. Standard reporting protocols are used for coursework items.
* Mitigation and Monitoring: Mitigation measures are often applied with limited knowledge of their effectiveness. Long-term monitoring may lead to a better informed approach, however such studies are rare. Through a case study approach, this module critically reviews commonly applied mitigation techniques including habitat translocation and creation. In addition, it reviews the appropriateness of different monitoring regimes.
* Professional Practice in EcIA: This module explores the role of the ecologist, with particular regard to EcIA. In connection with this, it considers the IEEM code of professional conduct, health and safety requirements, professional indemnity insurance, project management and business management. The module also addresses your continuing professional development needs.

MSc EcIA (Final part of MSc EcIA) * Research Project: You will research an aspect of Ecological Impact Assessment, supervised by a member of the teaching staff. Potential topics in this exciting field are many and varied and it could relate to an existing project.

Alternatively topics could be based on any aspect of the EcIA process from the testing and evaluation of survey methodology to the effectiveness of mitigation techniques.

Requirements

Entry normally requires a good first degree in a relevant subject. Applicants will be assessed primarily on their commitment and ability to benefit from the course. Previous experience and learning can be taken into consideration. Applicants will be asked to submit a brief outline of their research interests and ambitions to accompany the application form. All applicants will be interviewed.

* IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

English Language Requirements