Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology

• 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.

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.