Projects fall within the research fronts detailed earlier. PhD students attend the Graduate School Training Programme and we hold regular research seminars including external speakers. In 1986 The Behavioural and Environmental Biology Research Group at Manchester Metropolitan University began the first MSc in Behavioural Ecology in the UK, and in 1991 developed a sister MSc in Conservation Biology. Since their inception both these courses have emphasised the applications of behavioural ecology, and the contribution of behavioural ecology to conservation. These courses provide full training in theoretical, experimental and field techniques.
All students undertake a substantial research project.
Over 60 of these MSc projects are currently in progress, many based overseas. MSc students have the use of our MSc Resource room, laboratory facilities and field equipment. Many students use their training in further degrees or employment. A thriving BEB postgraduate culture has evolved over the years which helps all new students find their feet and maintains a substantial research output. Many overseas students have taken these courses, and a postgraduate student is employed as MSc Tutor, one of whose roles is to help overseas students in particular to settle in.