MSc by Research Entomology

Start date: September 2022

Our MSc by Research Entomology is one of the few research master’s programmes in entomology in the UK, this course prepares graduates from a variety of disciplines for employment in insect ecology careers.

Are you interested in insects and want a career in research or another aspect of entomology? Through theoretical and practical experience, you’ll learn how entomology is studied and applied in the UK and overseas and gain an appreciation for the range of insect-related issues in the UK and abroad.

You will also learn essential principles of research design in entomology, gain competence in a range of research methods for data collection, and gain detailed expertise in a subset relevant to your own research interests.

Develop expertise in data management and analysis, as well as the issues affecting data interpretation, and gain an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in the conduct and dissemination of a research programme.

You will learn the written and oral skills required for communicating research output, and gain an awareness of the issues facing those pursuing a career in entomological research. You’ll also gain transferable skills, such as using computers for statistics and data analysis, and the ability to collect field data on a variety of taxonomic groups.

This programme places an emphasis on CV development, and extracurricular activities help you to hone the skills and qualities desired by employers.

You will learn almost entirely through practical work, with small class sizes (mostly between five and 20 students) and no written examinations. 

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a related subject such as biological sciences, geographical sciences, agricultural sciences or environmental sciences, but each application will be considered individually.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

There are a wide range of employment opportunities for people with expertise in applied entomology. This includes opportunities in the agriculture sector dealing with pest control and advice (with organisations such as the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), conservation and biodiversity (with organisations such as Natural England and various wildlife trusts), and research (with organisations such as the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology).

All our master’s programmes emphasise the practical skills that employers need, whether that is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques. As a University of Reading MSc graduate, you will be well equipped to work in the field or the lab, and in the private or public sector. 

Typical roles of graduates from our ecology and wildlife-based MSc programmes include conservation officers, project managers, field ecologists and environmental consultants. Graduates from our biomedical MSc programme typically go on to pursue PhD studies or work in the pharmaceutical industry.

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.