Cornwall College

MSc Land and Ecological Restoration

Duration

2 years

(with placements)
Course type

Part-time

Study location Cornwall College (Newquay and Eden Project)
The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate courses across seven campuses throughout Cornwall and Devon, including Bicton College, Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. We offer specialist courses designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals. During your studies you will get the opportunity to work on live projects and start your career before you even graduate.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CORC406
    Planning and implementing a restoration programme

    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.

    CORC410
    GIS and survey techniques in land restoration

    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.

    Optional modules

    CORC408
    Biosecurity and invasive species management

    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.

    CORC411
    Wetland ecosystem and riparian zone restoration

    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.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORC407
    Principles and practice of ecological restoration

    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

    CORC409
    Postgraduate research methods

    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.

    CORC413
    MSc Dissertation

    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

    CORC412
    Work Placement

    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.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements

UK/EU

A relevant degree with honours or an equivalent professional qualification. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International

Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with Cornwall College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
 
Plymouth students working on a group project