Aquatic Conservation, Ecology and Restoration MSc

UCL (University College London)

Tackle the urgent challenges facing aquatic ecosystems – from pollution to habitat loss – through the interdisciplinary MSc in Aquatic Conservation, Ecology and Restoration. Combining ecological science with practical conservation and restoration approaches, the course offers extensive fieldwork across UK freshwater and coastal environments, equipping you with the critical knowledge and hands-on skills needed for research, policy, and environmental management careers. This course offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the study of integrated freshwater and coastal systems, combining aquatic science with conservation and environmental management. Students explore the interactions between aquatic ecology and hydro-geomorphology, and engage with advanced topics including aquatic landscape ecology, restoration ecology, and rewilding. The curriculum also emphasises the design of aquatic monitoring programmes and the modelling of aquatic system dynamics, providing a strong foundation in both empirical research and predictive methods. A key part of the course is connecting scientific research with the real world. Students will take part in public engagement, citizen science and science communication, helping to apply what you learn to real environmental challenges. Students also gain specialist skills in the analysis of sediment cores to reconstruct past environmental changes, supporting a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics and resilience over time. By combining scientific rigour with practical application, this MSc enables students to develop a critical and applied understanding of the links between aquatic science, environmental policy, and the implementation of effective conservation and restoration strategies. This course is ideal for graduates from environmental science, geography, oceanography, biology, chemistry, engineering or related disciplines who are passionate about aquatic ecosystems. It also appeals to those from other backgrounds with relevant practical experience seeking to develop specialist skills for careers or research in aquatic conservation and ecological restoration.