Program Overview
Home Study Postgraduate Taught home Courses Ecology and Conservation Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology MSc Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology UCAS code 1234 Duration 1 year full time 2 years part time Entry year 2026 Campus Penryn Campus Typical offer View full entry requirements Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or above in a relevant science subject Contextual offers Why study MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology at Exeter? Cutting-edge training in Evolution and Animal Behaviour and their application to tackling the global challenges of our time. Delivered by the Centre for Ecology & Conservation ; a globally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and conservation biology. Study as part of the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability in beautiful Cornwall.
Key Program Features
Why study MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology at Exeter?
- Cutting-edge training in Evolution and Animal Behaviour and their application to tackling the global challenges of our time.
- Delivered by the Centre for Ecology & Conservation ; a globally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and conservation biology.
- Study as part of the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability in beautiful Cornwall.
- Two-week field course studying animal behaviour in the wild in the Galapagos Islands. Or focus on the challenges of rewilding in a two-week UK-based field course; a low-carbon alternative.
- Extensive skills training, designed to fast-track research and ecology careers.
- Gain first-hand experience conducting a major research project in your chosen area.
- Outstanding research facilities & opportunities to study the wild biodiversity on our spectacular Cornish coastline.
- Tailor your study to your needs with one-year full-time and two-year part-time options.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Our programme is designed to prepare candidates for research and ecology-facing careers, whether within academia or the wider ecology and conservation sectors.
While many of our graduates go on to study for PhDs, the programme provides an excellent grounding for a wide range of post-graduate destinations linked to front-line research. For examples of the diverse career destinations of our past graduates, check out interviews with our MSc alumni on the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability blog .
Employer-valued skills this course develops
During the course you will gain first-hand practical experience with a diverse range of modern methods in evolutionary and behavioural research, ranging from quantifying behaviour in the field to genetic sequencing and microbial research in the lab. Your chosen research project provides an excellent opportunity to then deepen your practical skills and experience within the area that interests you most.
You will also develop the strong transferable skills needed to advance your career, including quantitative skills, scientific writing, public speaking, grant writing, CV writing, and the professional use of social media.
Networking opportunities By joining a globally recognised centre of excellence in evolutionary, behavioural and conservation-facing research , you will have outstanding opportunities to build a network of contacts in your area of interest, drawing on the academic community here as well as the wide array of external stakeholders and researchers who join us in our regular research and employability seminar series. Careers support Our careers teams at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities. Graduate destinations Below are a few examples of the career destinations of graduates from the MSc Programmes here at the Centre for Ecology & Conservation. You will also find examples of the career paths of our past graduates on the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability blog . PhD Researcher Ecologist Conservation Scientist Field Researcher Data Analyst Environmental Consultant Research Technician Research Assistant Science Media Officer Natural History Film Maker
Program Curriculum
Course content
This programme provides cutting-edge training in Evolution and Animal Behaviour and their application to Global Challenges, through inspirational teaching and practical, first-hand research experience. By building transferable knowledge, skills and experience, the course acts as a stepping stone into ecology, research and conservation-facing careers. The course is delivered by leading academics with global reputations in animal behaviour, evolution and conservation, and is based at the University’s internationally-renowned Centre for Ecology and Conservation on our Penryn campus in spectacular Cornwall.
Innovative taught modules
Our award-winning core taught modules provide in depth coverage of the frontiers and modern methods of evolutionary and animal behaviour research, interactions with leading researchers and practitioners working at the interface between animal behaviour and global challenges, and outstanding training in statistical analysis.
Galapagos Islands and UK field courses
As a major global centre for ecological research, we place a strong emphasis on teaching in the field. The programme therefore includes a two-week taught field course to either the Galapagos Islands or the UK, depending upon the programme variant you choose.
Research project
A key strength of the programme is the opportunity to conduct a major independent research project embedded within one of our world-class research groups . This allows students to deepen their technical knowledge, career-facing skills and research experience in the area that excites them most.
If you would like to study this programme part-time please contact the Programme Director.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 degree or above in a relevant science subject* is required, although applicants with a 2:1 degree in another subject will be considered if their CV and personal statement evidence significant relevant research experience.
*Relevant subjects include: Biology, Biosciences, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Geography, Marine Biology, Natural Sciences, Zoology.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications . Entry requirements for international students English language requirements International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1 . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 21,000/year (international)
Fees
2026/27 entry (with International Field Course)
UK fees per year:
£15,700 full-time; £7,850 part-time
International fees per year:
£31,000 full-time; £15,500 part-time
2026/27 entry (with UK Field Course)
UK fees per year:
£14,500 full-time; £7,250 part-time
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year , including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships * . We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page .
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details. .
Find out more about tuition fees and funding »
Field course The programme includes a two week taught field course to either the Galapagos Islands or the UK, depending upon the programme variant that you choose when you apply. Travel and subsistence costs for the field course are included within the programme fee, which differs slightly for the two programme variants. There may be additional costs entailed in the purchase of personal equipment (e.g. walking boots and rucksack), visas or vaccinations. Find out more about tuition fees and funding
About The University of Exeter
The University of Exeter
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date in 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)