Learn to effectively assess and monitor biodiversity and ecosystems across all biomes.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques aims to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to conduct effective ecological field surveys for a range of key taxa, and to analyse field survey data with confidence.

The PGCert is taught via a mixture of face-to-face, online and experiential learning. A choice of modules enables you to explore areas of interest and specialism relevant to your professional needs.

Drawing on a rich pool of expertise, teaching is conducted by a highly knowledgeable and diverse team of practitioners and academics engaged directly with ecological issues.

Podcast Interview

Listen to our podcast interview with Dr Ada Grabowska-Zhang, from the University of Oxford. Ada is the Course Director for the Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques, a one-year flexible course which trains people in the practice of working as an ecologist or a conservationist.

We talk about the course, who it’s aimed at and how it works, and we also discuss Ada’s career path and she shares her advice for people seeking to work as an academic or as a lecturer. It is an insightful conversation about a fabulous course. Enjoy.

Who is the course for?

The course (taught part-time, normally over one year) is designed for both students and professionals needing to up-skill in: Environmental management; Environmental assessment; Biodiversity monitoring.

Many of our PGCert 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.

Charter Status

The course can help you to apply for Chartered Status (such as Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Ecologist) and to meet relevant professional competency thresholds. Further information can be found in our Chartered status and essential skills guide.

Course content

As well as an introductory face-to-face week in Oxford, students take four tutor-led online modules and conduct a Field Project.

Face-to-Face week

This five-day Core Module provides 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. Activities include the use of GPS, bird netting and ringing, and surveying bats and vegetation.

Online Modules

The online modules are also available as standalone modules, PGCert 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.

Core Online Modules:

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

Option 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

Field Project

The Field Project consolidates and further develops the skills gained during taught modules by enabling you to apply them to your own research topic and undertake your own field work. This year we have developed partnerships which will allow you to conduct research projects on sites of regenerative agriculture and rewilding.