MRes Biology
This Masters by Research provides you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and research skills that are essential foundations for further research and an academic career. The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, teaching both practical and theoretical aspects of research. The focus is on acquiring the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, evaluate and disseminate your own individual research project. You will also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the capacity for critical thought, project management, time management, presentation skills, and the ability to disseminate original research.
The programme has been designed to suit candidates from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. It is particularly suitable if you are aspiring to work in a research-based career, focus on a single topic of interest, or gain ideal preparation for undertaking a PhD.
For an overview of the MRes, entry criteria and details of how to apply. Note that MRes projects do not incur bench fees or additional costs other than the tuition fees. Edge Hill graduates might be eligible for a 50% fee reduction.
We support MRes projects which broadly fall within the remit of our staff research interests, during the next academic year we are particularly interested in supporting MRes projects in the following areas:
MSc Conservation Management
An understanding of Biodiversity and its management is increasingly important. This is reflected in the various employment opportunities with consultancies, local councils, national agencies and voluntary bodies. However what is increasingly becoming an all graduate profession is rarely taught to any depth on undergraduate courses.
The Conservation Management course is characterised by its synthesis of the expertise of the field biologist with practical experience of managing habitats allied to a clear theoretical framework. An emphasis is placed on fieldwork, biological identification skills and experience of a broad range of management issues.
The course is suitable for recent graduates, more experienced conservation workers or those seeking a career change. The programme is also ideal for teachers wishing develop skills and knowledge in the environmental and ecological subject areas.
What do our students say?
"Well organised and clearly explained"
"Very interesting and useful"
"Thanks for making it so interesting and currently relevant"
Gaining valuable practical experience of managing habitats
The Conservation Management enables you to apply knowledge and skills developed on the course to a professional real-world setting. Through a 20-day placement over three to five months you will become immersed in the activities of the organisation. This may include field surveying, report writing, managing volunteers or communicating with the public. Tutors will support you in selecting a placement that suits you and enhances your CV, whether your aim is to develop new skills and knowledge or consolidate and enhance existing expertise. Recent placements organisations have included Atkins and Avian Ecology, the National Trust, Natural England, local councils and Lancashire Wildlife Trust. During your placement, in addition to gaining invaluable work experience you will learn how to critically assess conservation or management activities and reflect on your own development.
Read this Blog Post (PDF version) by recent graduate Natalie Hunt for an insight into the Conservation Placement module.