Ecological Impact Assessment

Essential skills for professional ecologists in this increasingly important and complex field.

The postgraduate programme in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) has developed from a high quality undergraduate programme in ecological assessment at Bath Spa University. It takes advantage of staff professional expertise in impact assessment, research and teaching. The course addresses skill gaps identified by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and the British Ecological Society: biological survey; data interpretation; environmental legislation; and professional practice. The development of this course has been encouraged and welcomed by industry.

Course Structure and Content

EcIA is a dynamic and expanding area of ecology bringing together theory and practice to address contemporary conservation issues. Our EcIA Programme is strongly vocationally oriented, but also emphasises the need for good professional practice being underpinned by good practice in ecological science. In addition to academic input, professionals from industry make key contributions to the teaching. A Steering Group of ecologists from consultancy, local government, the voluntary sector and government agencies, advise on industry relevance and credibility.

The course structure is designed to maximise flexibility. Full time teaching is based on teaching sessions scheduled on one day per week and part time teaching is based on three long weekends a year. Part time and full time students share part of the weekend school. Between contact times, studying is supported by the University's virtual learning environment, email support and opportunities for additional tutorials. Several levels of award are available to match your personal study or development needs: the full MSc, the Post Graduate Diploma or a choice of two Post Graduate Certificates. The part-time MSc programme runs over two and a half calendar years from September, and the full time over one calendar year starting in September.

Course Structure and Content

EcIA is a dynamic and expanding area of ecology bringing together theory and practice to address contemporary conservation issues. Our EcIA Programme is strongly vocationally oriented, but also emphasises the need for good professional practice being underpinned by good practice in ecological science. In addition to academic input, professionals from industry make key contributions to the teaching. A Steering Group of ecologists from consultancy, local government, the voluntary sector and government agencies, advise on industry relevance and credibility.

The course structure is designed to maximise flexibility. Full time teaching is based on teaching sessions scheduled on one day per week and part time teaching is based on three long weekends a year. Part time and full time students share part of the weekend school. Between contact times, studying is supported by the University's virtual learning environment, email support and opportunities for additional tutorials. Several levels of award are available to match your personal study or development needs: the full MSc, the Post Graduate Diploma or a choice of two Post Graduate Certificates. The part-time MSc programme runs over two and a half calendar years from September, and the full time over one calendar year starting in September.

MSc Ecological Impact Assessment (Final part of the MSc Ecological Impact Assessment)

• Research Project: You will research an aspect of Ecological Impact Assessment, supervised by a member of the teaching staff. Potential topics in this exciting field are many and varied. It could be related to a project you are already working on. Alternatively topics could be based on any aspect of the EcIA process from the testing and evaluation of survey methodology to the effectiveness of mitigation techniques.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Modules are taught via lectures, seminars, practical workshops and a web based Virtual Learning Environment. The Research Project is based in independent research, with supporting individual tutorials. Specialist tutors from industry lead or contribute to some sessions.

Facilities for delivering the award at Bath Spa are excellent. In addition to the range of species and habitats on the Newton Park campus, there are many sites to visit in the local area. In addition, the laboratories and other teaching resources are well equipped.

Course Length

MSc: full-time, three trimesters over one calendar year; part-time six trimesters over two and a third calendar years.