Natural Resources, MSc (by Research)
Gain expertise in sustainable development from the Natural Resources Institute with an MSc by Research in Natural Resources.
This research master's in natural resources is for graduates and professionals looking for greater knowledge and expertise in natural resources and sustainable development.
The MSc consists of a selection of taught courses (from our MSc Global Environmental Change and MSc Agriculture for Sustainable Development) plus an extended research project which enables you to focus on an aspect relevant to your interests.
The programme provides awareness of natural resources, their management and sustainable development. You'll also understand how to apply the principles of sustainable natural resource management to your own discipline.
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School
Location
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
£11,325 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
At NRI, we hold high professional standards and place the student experience at the heart of all we do. We have over 80 academics publishing work of internationally leading quality, with 22 professors involved in research leadership. Many of our staff have become Associate Fellows, Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, including a research element.
Applicants who don’t meet the above but have significant experience may be considered.
Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Two-thirds of this course (120 credits) is a research project that will help students develop significant expertise and research skills. Students also choose courses worth 60 credits from the Institute's master's-level portfolios that are relevant and/or required for the topic of the research project. The course is ideal for industry-based projects and has been a popular option for part-time students already in employment.
Class sizes
There are around 30 students on the MSc programmes in NRI. For specialist modules, our classes are often limited to about 6 students in lab sessions and 20 in lectures. This helps to create familiarity between students and staff and ensure a great learning experience. Because students choose different taught courses from a wide range of options, the class size is usually suitable in lectures and laboratory work.
Independent learning
The main assessment of this course is a research project. For this, much of your study time will be spent working independently.
There are also taught elements from other master's courses. Here, your independent study will include any reading, preparation and assessments required to complete these successfully.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students (available to UK/EU only), this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying, but is normally half of the full-time equivalent.
Assessment
The taught modules (60 credits) are assessed through a mixture of examinations, assignments, presentations and group work.
The research project (120 credits) is assessed by a written thesis and a viva exam. This will involve an external examiner, an internal examiner and a panel chair, depending on the most appropriate method of measuring the learning outcomes.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,325 | £5,663 per year | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | £8,988 per year | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates from this course can pursue opportunities in research and development in their chosen field.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide employment opportunities. Subject-specific employability skills are also embedded in the modules and the research project.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You will be assigned at least two supervisors. Your lead supervisor is normally a subject specialist in your area of investigation. The second supervisor will likely be a generalist who can advise on aspects of presentation, general editing and style.
You also have a personal tutor, who is separate from the supervisory team, plus access to guidance and support from the Programme Leader and the teaching team. A significant amount of support is available from a range of sources.
In your first term, you must complete the mandatory 'Research Methods for Postgraduates' course. This provides a general overview of approaches to research and our facilities, and acts as a route for developing your research project.
Support from the department
All students prepare a research proposal identifying a programme of work and the equipment and resources required. This is approved by the supervisory team and the Natural Resources Institute's Health and Safety Manager.
We are fully equipped to support a range of research disciplines with our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Field-based work is also supported, by agreement of the research proposal and work plan.
Ongoing research is supported by a seminar series delivered by current staff, visiting researchers and postgraduate research students, as well as similar Faculty-level initiatives.
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We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
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