Master of Research - Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour

University of Roehampton

The ecology, evolution and behaviour of organisms are key elements of the natural world. Improving the knowledge of these topics is important in mitigating the impacts of environmental change, improving food and water security, increasing animal welfare and explaining the diversity of life seen across the globe. 

This research master’s gives students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the natural world by undertaking an independent research project in a topic within ecology, evolution or behaviour.  

Students will undertake this research project with the support of a dedicated research-active supervisor who is an expert in the field. The supervisor will guide and support students as they develop and conduct their project, giving students the opportunity to take ownership of a piece of research that they are passionate about. Supervisors will be members of staff from the dynamic and vibrant research community within the School of Life and Health Sciences. This includes world-leading researchers from the Centre for Research in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour and the Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Interdisciplinary Anthropology. When students are developing their application, they should get in touch with a potential supervisor to discuss potential research project topics.  

With the support and guidance of this supervisor, students will spend the full duration of the programme conducting their research project. This includes developing hypotheses and predictions, collecting data, analysing these data and presenting these data in a final written report. This final report includes a paper suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and a press release to promote the students' project's findings.  

The programme will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of their chosen topic. In addition, it also places an emphasis on providing students with transferrable skills in areas such as project management, data analysis and communication that will help students develop a future career in further research, non-academic or commercial sectors.

Students will also receive dedicated training in research methods. This includes learning skills in scientific project design, data analysis and scientific reporting. Dedicated sessions are also provided in transferrable skills such as scientific communication, grant writing, CV writing and interview preparation.