This course offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the study of integrated freshwater and coastal systems, combining aquatic science with conservation and environmental management.
You will explore the interactions between aquatic ecology and hydrogeomorphology while engaging with contemporary topics including aquatic landscape ecology, restoration ecology and rewilding. The curriculum also covers the design of aquatic monitoring programmes and the modelling of aquatic system dynamics, providing a strong foundation in both empirical research and predictive methods.
A key feature of the course is its emphasis on connecting scientific research with real-world practice. Through public engagement, citizen science and science communication activities, you will develop the skills to apply scientific knowledge to environmental challenges. You will also gain specialist expertise in sediment core analysis to reconstruct past environmental change, supporting a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics and resilience over time.
This course is designed to equip you with a robust set of transferable skills and applied knowledge for a wide range of careers in conservation, ecology and environmental management.
You will develop expertise in project, survey and aquatic monitoring design, taxonomy through field- and laboratory-based species identification across multiple biological groups, stakeholder engagement and environmental governance, quantitative methods including statistical and numerical analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), palaeoecological methods, environmental modelling, and the design and delivery of science-informed conservation and restoration strategies. You will also strengthen your scientific writing, communication and research dissemination skills, develop your critical thinking and theoretical analysis, and gain the confidence to design and conduct original, independent research.
Graduates from this MSc are well prepared for careers across environmental consultancies, nature conservation organisations, NGOs, government agencies and the private sector. Many go on to roles in environmental management, ecological consultancy, conservation, restoration, and policy and advisory services, applying their specialist knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
The course also provides a strong foundation for further study. Many graduates choose to pursue PhD research and contribute to academic and applied research in aquatic conservation, ecology and ecosystem restoration.*