MSc Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Handbook

Welcome to the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity MSc and to the School of Biological Sciences.

The MSc will prepare you for a breadth of careers that are set to play a vital role in guiding the natural world through this unprecedented period of change, whether that is taking the next step in academia with a PhD, or jobs in conservation, ecological consultancy or policy. Lectures will draw on a great breadth of expertise on the impacts of global change on different systems, from climate change on Soay sheep to ocean acidification on microbes. Then alongside the lectures you will have many opportunities to develop a portfolio of skills, including statistics, programming, GIS, and communicating to different audiences.

By the end of the taught part of the MSc you will be well prepared for the research project that runs from May to August. The project provides you with an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of ecology, evolution and global change and to experience being part of an active research group. This is a great way to discover whether a research career is for you.

The MSc starts with a field course on the beautiful Scottish island of Arran in welcome week, allowing you to get to know your fellow course mates and lecturers from the beginning. For those of you coming from overseas it also provides a great introduction to the ecology of the dramatic Scottish Highlands.

On behalf of everyone involved with teaching on this programme I wish you every success. I look forward to helping you get the most out of your time here, and look forward to meeting you.

Prof Ally Phillimore

MSc Programme Director

The Degree Programme Table (DPT) lists the compulsory and optional courses for your programme. 

Students are not allowed to take more than a total of 30 credits below level 11. 

An alternative appropriate course may be substituted with the permission of the Programme Director. 

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated course page on Learn. Note that access to our Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is restricted to current students only.

Personalised Timetables 

Information on your timetable can be accessed via MyEd.  

• This includes a personalised timetable service called MyTimetable.
• Your personalised timetable also appears on Office 365 calendars, which you can view on your smartphone or other device. 

Access your timetable on MyEd

Timetable information for students

Your final degree classification is based on the mark for the taught component of your degree and the dissertation component. For MSc Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, if the taught component average is within 2% of the classification threshold and the project mark meets that threshold, then the median of the taught component marks (weighted by credits) is taken. If that median exceeds the threshold, then the higher classification is awarded.

As a member of the School of Biological Sciences, you are welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.