In the face of unprecedented global environmental challenges, there is an urgent need to train scientists that can preserve our natural world and mitigate the impact of human activities on our ecosystems. This MSc is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to tackle this Global Change crisis.
Introduction
The MSc in Global Change Ecology and Evolution provides a comprehensive understanding of the anthropogenic stressors affecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Students critically assess ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change and explore strategies to mitigate human impact. The program develops key skills in communication, problem-solving, statistics, and experimental design, along with advanced quantitative and ‘omics techniques, highly valued in research, conservation, policy, and industry.
Taught by leading experts from Liverpool’s Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behaviour (DEEB), the course utilizes specialised facilities, including the Buxton Climate Change Lab, Brian Moss Mesocosm Facility, Henry Wellcome Laboratory of Mammalian Biology and Evolution, and the NERC Environmental ‘Omics Facility (NEOF). These resources provide exceptional hands-on learning opportunities.
Through a blend of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, including a 10-day overseas field course (a UK option is also available), graduates will be well equipped to develop evidence-based solutions for global change related challenges.
Who is this course for?
This programme is aimed at graduates with a bachelors degree in a biological sciences area and who are interested in evolution, ecology and conservation or global change biology.
What you'll learn
The diversity of anthropogenic factors impacting natural populations.
An understanding of fundamental processes in ecology and evolution that dictate responses to environmental change from the individual to the ecosystem, including interactions between and limits to these processes
The current evidence base underpinning global change biology and key knowledge gaps
Knowledge and skills relating to ‘omics and other cutting-edge approaches used to study global change biology.
Field skills for quantifying and monitoring biodiversity
Understanding of models and data used to understand and predict biological responses to global change.
How to plan, execute and present a major piece of original, independent research in the laboratory and in the field.
Experimental design and data skills in R
Science communication for a variety of audiences
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
This master’s programme provides a comprehensive overview of the anthropogenic stressors impacting the natural world and the research and intervention strategies designed to mitigate these effects. Students will explore the ecological and evolutionary responses to various stressors and critically evaluate mitigation strategies for human activities.
The programme offers a deep understanding of ecology and evolutionary biology applied to real-world challenges, while enhancing skills in communication, problem-solving, statistics, and experimental design. Additionally, students will gain hands-on field skills for quantifying biodiversity across different ecosystems and taxa, alongside developing quantitative expertise in ‘omics and other advanced approaches, essential for careers in research, conservation, policy, and industry.
Semester one compulsory modules –
LIFE707 – Biological Data Skills
IVES701 – Introduction to IVES Research
IVES713 – Ecology in the Anthropocene
IVES712 – Evolution in the Anthropocene
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
This master’s programme provides a comprehensive overview of the anthropogenic stressors impacting the natural world and the research and intervention strategies designed to mitigate these effects. Students will explore the ecological and evolutionary responses to various stressors and critically evaluate mitigation strategies for human activities.
The programme offers a deep understanding of ecology and evolutionary biology applied to real-world challenges, while enhancing skills in communication, problem-solving, statistics, and experimental design. Additionally, students will gain hands-on field skills for quantifying biodiversity across different ecosystems and taxa, alongside developing quantitative expertise in ‘omics and other advanced approaches, essential for careers in research, conservation, policy, and industry.
IVES701 – Introduction to IVES Research
IVES725 – Skills for Global change biology
IVES726 – Global change biology field course
LIFE762 – Understanding models and data
Compulsory modules
Understanding models and data (LIFE762)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
In recent years, data and statistics have become a feature of emerging public health situations to an extent that is historically unprecedented. Scientists, policy makers and the public have had to become confident consumers of numbers and model predictions. The actors involved in the management of infectious diseases are not necessarily modelling specialists themselves, but nevertheless need to interpret statistical and modelling results and be aware of their limitations.
This module will train students to understand what can and cannot be learnt from data and modelling results. The module does not assume that students are experts in statistics or modelling. Students will receive training in how to use simple visualisations and analysis to gain a robust understanding of key patterns in data, and how to recognise common pitfalls in data interpretation. Students will learn the distinction between different approaches in statistics and quantitative modelling, and when it is appropriate to use them. Particular attention will be paid to the management of uncertainty in model predictions. The module will equip students to interpret critically the quantitative results in scientific papers and reports, and how to use them to inform the management of infectious diseases. The module will be assessed by the combination of a presentation and a short report, in the spirit of authentic assessment.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
IVES702 – IVES Research Project
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
The program integrates lectures, workshops, and student-led seminars to provide foundational knowledge and cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Lectures are supplemented by independent study and interactive elements like quizzes and group work, while workshops focus on ecological and conservation challenges posed by global environmental change, encouraging collaborative solutions in smaller groups.
A ‘Journal Club’ format enhances engagement with current research, promoting critical analysis and reflective learning.
Field courses offer experiential learning through hands-on practice, demonstrations, and independent research in real-world contexts.
All students will also undertake an independent research project under the supervision of an Academic on a research project related to their specific programme of study. Projects are generally either lab, field or computer based (or a combination).
How you're assessed
Assessment of knowledge, practical skills, and transferable skills in the MSc in Global Change Ecology and Evolution emphasizes authentic assessment methods that mirror real-world scenarios and professional tasks.
This includes practical and project reports, essays, workbooks, presentations, and data handling and interpretation tasks. These assessments are designed to provide students with practical experience and enhance their readiness for professional challenges.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
This course is led by the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. The Institute integrates cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems, nationally and globally. Their work addresses major societal challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, food security, antimicrobial resistance and the impacts of environmental change. Research-led teaching provides exciting opportunities for students, who will form the next generation of researchers and medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
We envisage an increasing demand for graduates that understand how the natural world responds to anthropogenic challenges within research institutes, government departments, conservation bodies and charities, agriculture, industry, scientific communication and teaching.
Graduation from the Global Change Ecology & Evolution MSc programme will provide lifelong learning skills, scientific training and opportunity for employment. These opportunities include diverse careers spanning scientific research and teaching, consultancy, industry and NGOs where the skills can be applied in different and bespoke ways. Progression in academic and scientific research careers will be enabled by enhancing research skills for PhD and beyond, as well as industry.
The skills and expertise that students develop over the course of the programme will support a transition to a career as a research scientist, environmental consultant, environmental agency, environmental education officer, higher education lecturer, nature conservation officer or science writer
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The MSc Global Change Ecology and Evolution prepares you for a diversity of job opportunities in the public and private sector. Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, the roles of:
PhD Student/ Academia
Scientific or policy positions in public sector agencies, non-government organisations or charities
Scientist employed in private sector organisations with a focus on bioscience, environment, and public and veterinary health
Environmental consultant
Conservation Officer
Scientific writer
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Normally students should have a first degree in a Biological Sciences subject with a final result of at least a 2:1 Honours Degree or above. Students with a degree in an Environmental Sciences subject may also be accepted if there is sufficient biology related scientific content acceptable to the programme director.
We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
Students who do not meet these criteria may still be considered if you hold significant professional experience in conservation or environmental industries.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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