MSc Land and Ecological Restoration

Year 1

Core modules

• Planning and implementing a restoration programme (CORC406)

  The module uses a case study approach with external visits to give an overview of the activity of land restoration from baseline survey and stakeholder engagement through agreement of objectives, selection of methodology, aftercare and evaluation. The module develops in learners the ability to select and use project management tools.

• Principles and practice of ecological restoration (CORC407)

  The module introduces the ethos, key definitions and fundamental concepts of ecological restoration and provides opportunities to apply learning to live case studies. Drawing heavily on research, learners explore and evaluate techniques used by practitioners and will develop an appreciation for the distinctive nature of a relatively young and evolving applied science discipline

• Postgraduate research methods (CORC409)

  The module develops the research and communication skills that postgraduates need to carry out an original project within the paradigm of hypothesis-led research at the forefront of their academic discipline. Emphasis is given to the philosophy, design, ethics and management of research, effective communication to a range of audiences, and advice on career management and presentation skills involved in job applications and interviews.

• GIS and survey techniques in land restoration (CORC410)

  This module explores applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in land restoration programmes, which rely on accurate baseline assessments of the physical environment and associated plant and animal communities together with ongoing monitoring of progress against objectives. Learners will populate and maintain GIS datasets using data from a variety of sources including habitat assessment and drone surveys.

• MSc Dissertation (CORC413)

  Candidates will produce a dissertation to satisfy the requirements of this Masters level qualification. In doing so they will demonstrate the ability to synthesise and apply learning gained throughout the programme to identify a research topic, formulate and test a hypothesis through original research and communicate outputs according to agreed scientific format.

Optional modules

• Biosecurity and invasive species management (CORC408)

  Invasive species may cause environmental and economic harm and deflect the desired trajectory in programmes of ecological and habitat restoration. The module introduces techniques for identifying and managing invasive terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species and provides an opportunity for learners to participate in research and visit trial sites. Relevant UK and EU legislation is summarised and critiqued.

• Wetland ecosystem and riparian zone restoration (CORC411)

  Wetland ecosystems and riparian zones include a range of naturally biodiverse and globally important habitat types that continue to experience degradation due to the activities of humans. This module reviews threats to habitats within these ecosystems and the effectiveness of practical techniques used to restore the structure, function and resilience of habitats.

• Work Placement (CORC412)

  The module allows the student to gain credit for completing not less than 120 hours of work experience related to the programme aims and objectives. This will usually be with industry practitioners / ecological consultants working on or providing services to land restoration or associated environmental management projects.