Master’s Degree Module in Forest Protection
The Centre for Forest Protection works in partnership with Bangor University to deliver a postgraduate module in Forest Protection.
About the Module:
The Forest Protection module (ENS-4311), which was delivered for the first time in 2025, provides students with a broad and thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to ill health in trees, woodlands and forests. Students will gain the knowledge and many of the in-demand skills required for a range of careers in forest management, science, policy, and consultancy.
This module has been developed in partnership between:
- Bangor University, a renowned leader in forestry education with a legacy spanning over a century
- The Centre for Forest Protection, a Defra-funded collaboration led by Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which aims to protect our trees from environmental and socioeconomic threats.
ENS-4311 Forest Protection Module (Bangor University & Centre for Forest Protection)
Teaching and Learning:
Module teaching consists of practical labs, a field trip and lectures on topics including*:
- Key and Emerging Pathogens
- Key and Emerging Pests
- Biosecurity
- Genetic Components of Tree Health
- Tree Health and Climate Change
- Genetics and Research Techniques
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Health of Urban Trees
- Mammal Damage and Conservation
- Tree Breeding for Resilient Forests
- Practical Fieldwork Skills
*Subject to change.
Why study at Bangor University?
Bangor University has been ranked No.1 in the UK for Agriculture & Forestry in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2026, making it the top choice for future forestry leaders!
By choosing to study this module at Bangor, students will get the chance to learn from world leading experts at the Centre for Forest Protection, and benefit from strong connections with key UK forestry agencies, including the Forestry Commission, Forestry England, and Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales.
Who can study this module?
Currently only those who are enrolled on, or have applied to study one of the following postgraduate courses at Bangor University can undertake the module:
- MSc Environmental Forestry
- MSc Forestry
- MSc Tropical Forestry
The module is optional for all students on these degree programmes, except for those on the one-year MSc Environmental Forestry degree programme, where it is a compulsory module.
Students can choose to enrol on these degree programmes either full or part-time, and via distance learning or in-person on campus. Some of our previous part-time students have studied the course alongside their roles as employees of forestry authorities, forest managers, and consultants.
Further Information:
Bangor University Module Webpage:
Module ENS-4311: Forest Protection, Bangor University
Contact:
- Dr James Walmsley MICFor, Senior Lecturer in Forestry at Bangor University: j.walmsley@bangor.ac.uk / +44(0)1248 382448
- The Centre for Forest Protection: info@forestprotection.uk
Why should we protect our trees and forests?
Trees and forests play a vital role in mitigating climate change and reducing its impacts on society and the environment.
They also support biodiversity, help to improve human health and well-being, provide timber and economic benefits, and many other services but there are many risks threatening the future of our trees and forests including:
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Dyfi Forest Field Trip (Feb 2025)
What do our past graduates have to say about the module?
“This module gave me a comprehensive understanding of the importance and scope of Forest Protection, from biosecurity to plant health research, and the opportunity to delve deeper into specialist areas such as DNA sequencing. I was able to use this knowledge to secure my current role with Forest Research.”
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Hugh Cresswell, Field Research Technician (Forest Research)
“I thought the field trip was excellent and well-run. It was an invaluable opportunity to meet and question experts in their field in a beautiful location.”
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ENS-4311 Student (2025)
Science & Research
Our science programme will support the UK governments' forest and tree strategies and the successful delivery of tree planting programmes. Research outcomes will also directly contribute to the improved resilience of the UK’s forests, woodlands and trees and help promote enhanced capacity and capability in forest and tree health research.
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