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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO IVES RESEARCH (IVES701) | 30 |
| ECOLOGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE (IVES713) | 15 |
| EVOLUTION IN THE ANTHROPOCENE (IVES712) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| UNDERSTANDING MODELS AND DATA (LIFE762) | 15 |
| SKILLS FOR GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY (IVES725) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO IVES RESEARCH (IVES701) | 30 |
| GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY FIELD COURSE (IVES726) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| IVES RESEARCH PROJECT (IVES702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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).
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.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
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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
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:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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..
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a Biological Sciences subject. 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. Students who do not meet these criteria may still be considered if you hold significant professional experience in conservation or environmental industries. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Contact name: Dr Stew Plaistow Phone number: +44 (0)151 795 4556 Email: S.Plaistow@liverpool.ac.uk
Last updated 27 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions