Course Overview

The course has a particular focus on conservation and agriculture. There is currently a shortage of expertise in this critical topic, which is crucial in ensuring global food security and understanding biodiversity. By completing this course, you will develop a range of abilities that will prepare you for an exciting and fulfilling career in an area with considerable opportunities.

Insects and allied invertebrates comprise approximately 78% of the world’s macro-biodiversity, whereas vertebrates, even using the most generous estimates, make up less than 3%. Consequently, insects and their relatives play an essential role in our ecosystems. They range from beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural enemies to critical parts of the decomposition cycle. Many insects are also crucial for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry pests, compromising food security and causing significant economic losses. Several insects are also pathogen vectors and severely threaten human health. Although pest species generally receive the most attention, most insects are not pests. Many insects are rare or endangered and need to be managed for conservation. Other insects are used as model organisms for evolutionary and genetic studies.

The course aims to provide students with specialized training in entomology, conservation, and pest management. Specifically, the system will:

Prepare students for a career in entomology and conservation

Offer vocational training in the area of applied entomology or insect conservation

Prepare students for Ph.D. studies

The course is intended to provide students with a detailed yet balanced understanding of both primary and applied entomology and the issues associated with insect ecology and conservation, and pest management. An extensive program of agri-environment research and long-standing national and international collaborations with research institutes, universities, and other research organizations underpin this course.

A distinctive and integral feature of our MSc is the high degree of input from entomologists and ecologists in collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations. This participation takes various forms, including guest lectures, field visits, and specific training courses, but may also include providing research projects in their organizations.

Examples of collaborating organizations include The Natural History Museum London, CEH Wallingford, Butterfly Conservation, Bug Life, Horticultural Development Company, Rothamsted Research, and Forest Research.

General Eligibility

A UK honors degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent overseas qualification.  Applicants with a good FdSc/HND pass in a relevant subject area plus at least two years of relevant industrial or professional experience may also be considered.

Previous experience, referees' reports, and interviews will be used to determine the suitability of candidates for particular programs.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS Academic *

  6.0 overall (with no less than 5.5 in any component)