Course: Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques

Secure the future of our natural world tomorrow by surveying wildlife today.

The part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques is a dynamic blend of online modules and hands-on learning tailored for an international audience of professionals and volunteers, engaged in monitoring and assessing wildlife and habitats.

Learn to make informed, evidence-based decisions and assess the status of species and ecosystems, whilst expanding your professional and personal network and exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals working in your field.

Benefit from the wealth of experience and expertise of our esteemed Oxford University faculty, comprising academics and practitioners deeply immersed in ecological research and practice. Gain invaluable insights and skills directly from those at the forefront of ecological endeavours.

Customise your learning: The programme can be tailored to suit your field and specific interests through the optional modules you select. Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in surveying your choice of mammals, birds, fish, or invertebrates.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for a wide range of professionals and volunteers looking to develop practical skills to address environmental challenges and anthropogenic changes - including habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and the implementation of sustainable practices to mitigate human impact on ecosystems.

Many of our students are professional ecological consultants, environmental managers and rangers, research and postgraduate students, educators, as well as volunteers and those looking to make a career change. The course suits those looking for flexible study combined with expert training.

The techniques covered are universal using international case studies and examples. Past students have joined from the UK, the USA, Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Course content

In-person week in Oxford: Introduction to Ecological Survey Techniques

Spend 5 days in Oxford and gain a practical introduction to: Geographical Information Systems (GIS); an overview of approaches to plant and animal identification; an introduction to selected surveying techniques; University facilities and resources; and the Field Project.

It is a mix of classroom and field-based teaching, with two days spent in the field at Wytham Woods, Oxford's 'living laboratory,' with activities including the use of GPS, bird netting and ringing, and surveying bats and vegetation.

Online modules

You’ll then embark on four tutor-led online modules, all of five weeks in duration. Complete two core modules and select two of your choosing – enabling you to explore your own areas of interest, relevant to your professional needs.

Core modules:

• Plant biodiversity and habitat assessment methods
• Data Analysis: Statistics for Ecologists and Field Biologists

Elective modules (select two):

• Mammal and reptile survey methods
• Bird biodiversity and population monitoring methods
• Fish and amphibian survey methods
• Invertebrate biodiversity and population monitoring method

The online modules are also available as standalone modules, students can therefore expect to share their learning with a wide range of other professionals and researchers looking to develop their skills in a particular area.

Field Project

The Field Project consolidates and further develops the skills gained during taught modules by enabling students to apply them to their own research topic and undertake their own fieldwork.

It consists of 1 month of preparation time, 1-2 weeks of full-time (or equivalent) field work and 1 month of project writing for submission in September.

Four one-hour online tutorials will be provided to help students design, develop and implement their projects.

Take a look at some of the field projects explored by our students.