Master of Arts in Conservation Studies

at University of York United Kingdom

Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science' as it covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human genome project.

Environmental change raises important concerns over the future well-being of our planet. Although it is apparent that some changes result at least in part from human activities, it is equally clear that natural variations also play a major role.

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about the chemical basis of the environment and to understand our impact upon it. 

 Course Highlights

• Chemical evolution of the Earth
• Chemical oceanography
• Meteorology and climate change
• Archaeological environments in the geological past
• Atmospheric modelling and measuring techniques
• Impact of air pollution on climate and human health 

Combine the study of Italian with investigations into the nature of language itself. You'll be taught in Italian from the start, so you'll become confident using Italian as a means of communication, and for critical thinking. You'll gain an understanding of Italian culture and society which will underpin your abilities as a high-level communicator. Italian has close links to Romance languages and to Latin which will greatly enhance your understanding of various languages.

Your communication skills and intercultural understanding will be complemented by studying linguistics. In studying linguistics you will learn the science behind how we communicate. You’ll engage with the study of language on a conceptual level as well as the detailed level of raw linguistic data. Our department is one of the highest-ranked centres for research in linguistics in the UK, and the strength and diversity of our research is reflected in our teaching.

The course has flexibility in terms of how much Italian and linguistics content you study over the four years. Your knowledge and understanding of how a language works, and how we communicate, will give you a solid foundation for many careers.

Our MA in Forensic Phonetics combines general linguistic-phonetic theory and method with extensive practical experience in analysis of forensic materials.

You'll learn about theoretical and methodological problems in performing forensic speech and audio analysis. The course also enables you to perform original research in speaker comparison and speech content analysis.

The MA provides you with the necessary skills for further work in the forensic domain and related employment. It is also excellent preparation for a PhD in phonetics, sociolinguistics, language variation and change, or acoustics.

Funerary archaeology combines analysis of human remains with their archaeological context to take a truly interdisciplinary approach to studying both life and death in the past.

Our course will enable you to use the latest techniques and equipment to build key, practical knowledge and explore the varied archaeological and methodological approaches to funerary archaeology. You'll have the chance to develop your skills in a range of different methods and techniques, but all centred on learning how to investigate death and burial in the past.

The flexible nature of the course enables you to pursue your own particular period or methodological interests by selecting modules that appeal to your research interests. You'll work alongside internationally renowned specialists and gain 'hands on' experience of the analysis of human remains. You'll get the chance to learn through field trips to local museums and relevant sites, such as the prehistoric monuments in the Yorkshire Wolds.

The European Iron Age is a dynamic focus of contemporary archaeological research. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, studying archaeological evidence alongside classical literary sources, and examines the impact of new scientific analysis.

You'll discuss the nature of Celtic identity and the broader meaning of ethnicity in past societies. Scientific developments, for example in ancient DNA research, will inform our ideas and spark new debates.

You can tailor the course with options covering a huge range of topics, including landscape, society, animals, conservation, and scientific techniques such as isotope and ancient DNA analysis. The skills you develop in laboratory and fieldwork will be useful for careers or further research in archaeology and heritage.

This is the only UK masters specialising in European Iron Age archaeology. The University of York is establishing itself as a major centre for research on the period, and the Department of Archaeology is home to staff with specialist expertise in the field.

Cyber security covers concepts, policies, guidelines, tools and technologies used to protect the cyber environment, organisational assets and users.

Our integrated Masters helps you develop as a multi-skilled, highly competent practitioner. The course provides a solid foundation in computer science and cyber security, including coding, mathematics and basic engineering.

You will then undertake advanced training, informed by our world-class research, in topics such as secure systems, cryptography and forensic analysis, gaining a solid theoretical foundation to take full advantage of emerging new technologies.

You'll spend a year in industry, furthering your knowledge, networking and getting real-life experience.

On graduation, you’ll be prepared for a career in cyber security or related fields across industry and government.

Our Biotechnology and Microbiology course examines how microorganisms can be used to produce improved therapeutic drugs, and why an understanding of microbial evolution is important for controlling pathogens.

This course is ideal if you want an interdisciplinary approach to Biotechnology and Microbiology. You will have a wide range of options to tailor the course to your developing interests.

Microorganisms are an important but often overlooked form of life. They are causative agents of many diseases, and can be harnessed to produce a wide range of useful products including antibiotics and other medicines. Microbes are also vital for providing multiple ecosystem services and are crucial for agricultural systems. They can provide the means to decontaminate polluted environments and act as important models for understanding biological processes. At York, you will learn about the practical application of biological knowledge to economically important areas, such as health, food and the environment.

Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are both an option with this course too, so you can benefit from the advantages that a year away can bring. The Department of Biology will provide you with the opportunity to learn in new, spacious and modern teaching laboratories which provide excellent facilities for practicals and small group project work, alongside our state-of-the-art computing facilities.

The MSc in Clinical Anatomy provides unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the practical and in-depth study of clinical anatomy. The programme is built around core dissection-based modules covering the whole body. You will be encouraged to be a self-directed learner and challenge your knowledge and ways of thinking about the human body.

In this programme, you will carry out whole-body dissection in small groups during formal dissection sessions, and at your own pace in your own self-directed learning time, using cadavers with both Thiel, that ensures material is as close to living tissue as possible, and Formalin, that keeps the material in defined anatomical relationships.

You will have the unique opportunity to learn from experts in their field who are at the forefront of new developments in clinical anatomy, visiting surgeons and consultants. As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and learn how to become a self-directed learner as you continue to develop your anatomy knowledge throughout your clinical career – and ultimately make a difference to patients’ lives.

You will also benefit from guest seminars from visiting surgeons and consultants, who will bring patient cases to share with you, so you can apply your knowledge within a clinical context. These experts come from a range of specialities including plastic, thoracic and orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, radiologists and emergency medicine doctors.

You can choose to study full-time for one year, or part-time over two or three years to fit around your work and home life.

History gives you an in-depth view of the world. It enhances your understanding of the forces that play a part in economies, societies, cultures, power and faith.

‌Historians are critical readers of evidence. They understand how to construct knowledge. They're quick to recognise context. And they're adept at constructing engaging arguments and proposing alternative solutions.

Study in detail the topics that interest you, as well as exploring themes which span across the centuries. With more than 45 academic staff, the breadth and quality of the modules we offer will ensure that you'll find your niche.

Develop an in-depth understanding of the nature of contemporary armed conflicts, transitions from war to peace, and challenges of post-war peacebuilding.

Explore the context of contemporary armed conflict and war, and subsequently how peace is forged at the local and national levels, all the time taking into account the interplay between domestic and international actors.

You'll have the opportunity to undertake a fieldwork placement, where you'll apply your skills to a professional setting and conduct research to inform your dissertation. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand understanding of, and approaches to, conflict resolution and peacebuilding in war-affected contexts.

You'll graduate with both an academic understanding of conflict and post-war development and a clearer appreciation of the difficulties confronted by practioners and policy makers.