Ecosystem Services

Advertisement

Human welfare depends on many different ecosystem services, including the provision of clean water and food, regulation of the climate and flooding, the control of pests and diseases and numerous other contributions to human health and happiness. However, over the last 50 years, our consumption of natural resources has substantially altered the ecosystems that provide these services. Major ecosystems are threatened and unable to continue to function in ways beneficial to humanity. Expertise is in great demand with the ecosystem services concept now firmly rooted in many international initiatives across government, academic and non-government organisations. This exciting new MSc aims to enhance your comprehension of the ecosystem processes that support us and other life forms. It also provides an intellectual basis for evaluating the contribution of ecosystems to human well-being, using tools from economics and the social sciences.

Careers

The UKs research councils cite the skills gained on this MSc as among the most-wanted skills in the environmental sector. As the demand for sound evidence of ecosystem services increases, both policymakers and businesses are looking for graduates who are able to translate complex science into policy and business opportunities. Here in Edinburgh, we have strong links with businesses and key industry players who will want to make use of these skills. Committed to helping our graduates to meet prospective employers and to facilitate networking with those active in the field, we organise a yearly Programme Careers Fair and actively support students to conduct their dissertations in partnership with external organisations.

Programme structure

This interdisciplinary MSc programme consists of two semesters of taught courses. Each course consists of a balance of lectures, seminars, workshops and field work. In addition, you will undertake individual or group dissertation projects and also benefit from a field trip.

Core courses

* Ecosystem Services 1: Ecosystem Dynamics and Functions
* Analysing the Environment
* Ecosystem Services 2: Ecosystem Values and Management
* Analysing the Environment Study Tour
* Research Project in Ecosystem Services

Through consultation with your Programme Director you will also choose from a range of option courses.

Suggested option courses may include

* Applications in Ecological Economics
* Climate Change and Corporate Strategy
* Encountering Cities
* Energy & Society
* Environmental Geochemistry
* Environmental Impact Assessment
* Forests and Environment
* Foundations in Ecological Economics
* Frameworks to Assess Food Security
* Fundamentals for Remote Sensing
* Human Dimensions of Environmental Change and Sustainability
* Integrated Resource Management
* Integrated Resource Planning
* Introduction to Radar Remote Sensing
* Land Use/Environmental Interactions
* Marine Systems and Policies
* Novel Strategies for Carbon Storage in Soil
* Participation in Policy and Planning
* Political Ecology
* Principles of Environmental Sustainability
* Principles of Geographical Information Science
* Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection
* Soil Protection and Management
* Soil Science Concepts and Application
* Sustainability of Food Production
* Understanding Environment and Development
* Values and the Environment
* Waste Reduction and Recycling
* Water Resource Management

You should have a UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent: English Language Requirements:IELTS 7.0 (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section) TOEFL-iBT: Total 100 (with no score lower than 20 in each section) A degree from an English speaking university may be accepted in some circumstances. More information about other qualifications we accept is online:

Ecosystem Services has historically secured several Scottish Funding Council Full Fee Scholarships as well as £5,000 Head of School Scholarships. Details of these and other current opportunities may be found on our website. Deadlines apply so early application is encouraged: