Sadly, many universities and institutes have now significantly reduced or even discontinued their teaching and research in entomology and related areas.  There is currently a shortage of expertise in this important topic, which is a key element in the effort to ensure global food security and the understanding of biodiversity. There is also a danger that valuable skills will be lost as researchers and teachers retire.  By successfully completing this course you will develop a range of abilities that will prepare for an interesting and fulfilling career in an area with considerable opportunity.

The course

Insects and allied invertebrates comprise approximately 78% of the world’s macro-biodiversity, whereas vertebrates, even using the most generous estimates, make up less than 3%.  Insects and their relatives play an important role in all our ecosystems, they range from beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural control agents to essential parts of the decomposition cycle such as dung and carrion insects and of course, many are also important pests of agriculture, horticulture and forestry, in addition to those that cause human health problems. 

Many insects are also rare and endangered and need to be managed for conservation.  Other insects are used as model organisms for evolutionary and genetic studies.

The aims of the course are to provide students with specialized training in entomology and conservation. Specifically, the course which will (a) prepare students for a career in entomology and/or conservation, (b) offer vocational training in the area of applied entomology or insect conservation, (c) prepare students for PhD. studies and (d) enable students to make a more informed choices for further study and career development

The course is intended to provide students with a detailed understanding of basic and applied entomology and the issues associated with, on the one hand, their ecology and conservation and on the other the control of harmful species worldwide.  The course is underpinned by an extensive programme of agri-environment research at Harper Adams and long-standing collaborations with research institutes and other organisations in the UK and overseas.

How will it benefit me?

So you want to be an entomologist?   We think it is a great idea but why do you want to be an entomologist, and what do you see yourself doing after you have completed the course?

Having completed the taught part of MSc you will be able to identify insects to at least family level, determine their key characteristics, and critically evaluate the role of insects in managed and natural ecosystems.  You will also learn to assess and exploit technology to solve insect related problems. The course will focus on producing integrated management solutions that pay due regard to agronomic, social and environmental requirements. Students also learn how to disseminate issues and ideas relating to insect control and conservation to a range of audiences using various methods of communication.

The research project for the MSc will allow you to test hypotheses relevant to pure and applied entomological research by designing, carrying out, analysing and interpreting experiments or surveys. You will also learn to evaluate and interpret data and draw relevant conclusions from existing entomological studies.

The MSc covers a broad range of topics in entomology and conservation and all students receive training in fundamental skills which will enable them to enter an entomological work environment or a research career in ecological entomology or insect conservation. There is, however, considerable flexibility enabling each student to focus on specialist subjects consistent with their interests and future career intentions. 

Careers

Students from the MSc in Entomology have gone on to work for Research Institutes such as Rothamsted, FERA, the James Hutton Institute, commercial biological control companies, the agrochemical industry and as agronomists and ecological consultants.  They have also gained employment with conservation bodies such as Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage or overseas.  A number of graduates have worked as forensic entomologists.  Typically 70% of Entomology MSc graduates will go into research careers or onto PhD courses.

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)

(60 credits from the following)

Module Title (click for more info)	Credit Value	Compulsory
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15

Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)

(120 credits from the following)

Module Title (click for more info)	Credit Value	Compulsory
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	30

Master of Science (MSc)

(180 credits from the following)

Module Title (click for more info)	Credit Value	Compulsory
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	15
	60