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Course description

“It [ÎÞÂ붯»­] is already a centre of excellence for entomology teaching and research in the UK”

Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018

The course

The course has a particular focus on conservation and agriculture. There is currently a shortage of expertise in this important topic, which is a key element in the effort to ensure global food security and the understanding of biodiversity. By successfully completing this course you will develop a range of abilities that will prepare you for an interesting 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 important role in all of our ecosystems. They range from beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural enemies to essential parts of the decomposition cycle. Many insects are also important pests of agriculture, horticulture and forestry, compromising food security and causing significant economic losses. A number of insects are also pathogen vectors and pose a serious threat to 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 specialised training in entomology, conservation and pest management. Specifically, the course will:

• Prepare students for a career in entomology and/or conservation
• Offer vocational training in the area of applied entomology or insect conservation
• Prepare students for PhD studies 

The course is intended to provide students with a detailed, yet balanced, understanding of both basic and applied entomology and the issues associated with insect ecology and conservation as well as pest management. An extensive programme of agri-environment research and long-standing national and international collaborations with research institutes, universities and other research organisations 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 organisations. This participation takes a variety of forms, including guest lectures, field visits and specific training courses, but may also include providing research projects in their organisations.

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

How will it benefit me?

The MSc covers a broad range of topics in entomology and conservation and all students receive training in fundamental skills which will enable them to enter an entomological work environment or a research career in ecological entomology or insect conservation. There is, however, considerable flexibility, enabling each student to focus on specialist subjects consistent with their interests and future career intentions.

Having completed the taught part of MSc you will be able to identify insects to at least family level, determine their key characteristics, and critically evaluate the role of insects in managed and natural ecosystems. You will also learn to assess and exploit technology to solve insect-related problems as well as the core principles of sustainable pest management.

The research project for the MSc will allow you to test hypotheses relevant to pure and applied entomological research by designing, carrying out, analysing and interpreting experiments or surveys. You will also learn to evaluate and interpret data and draw relevant conclusions from existing entomological studies.

Scholarships and funding

typically funds three bursaries each of £4,000 to support the MSc Entomology course. Please visit the for further details and application information.

Both full-time and part-time (two year) courses are eligible for a postgraduate loan.

Block-based study

Modules are delivered in one-week (and in a select few modules two weeks) blocks on campus. You will know in advance which weeks require physical attendance as they’ll be scheduled on the timetable. In addition to this, you will be required to allocate time for self-study to complete the assignments associated with each of the modules. Some modules may also include research and/or exam elements, these are also highlighted on the timetable.

Entomologists are like endangered mammals such as tigers and polar bears in that they and their habitats are on the verge of extinction and this is likely to have a profound negative effect on science in general

The Biologist, 2009