Biodiversity and Conservation

Entry requirements

Please see course page on Keele University website for up-to-date details.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Keele's MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation aims to provide you with an extensive understanding of biodiversity, ecology and conservation. You will explore and critically evaluate the contemporary issues facing our planet and apply your knowledge to propose robust solutions, demonstrating your expertise in environmental management. This programme will enable you to develop and enhance your research and fieldwork skills through theoretical and practical learning, contributing to high-level graduate attributes that will help to strengthen your career prospects.

Course summary

Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation allows you to explore the biodiversity and ecology of larger organisms, habitats and landscapes through various concepts and theories. You will delve into the key themes of conservation and environmental management and develop a range of high-level field and laboratory skills. You will be equipped to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills effectively in both case studies and real-world examples.

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to use Keele's green campus to explore issues facing the planet, apply your learnings and demonstrate your practical skills whilst developing knowledge in various specialisms aligned to your interests. You will strengthen your critical thinking skills through the collection of quantitative data, analysis and experimentation whilst working independently and with peers.

Having a hands-on practical approach to your learning will enable you to develop valuable skills as an independent thinker and problem solver, attaining skills to think critically about subject matter with reference to impacts on society as well as broader insights of the 'bigger picture'.

Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation offers the exciting opportunity to engage with advanced fieldwork during your studies, enabling you to demonstrate your expertise and further develop your professional skills and career prospects.

During your studies at Keele, you will be supported by various staff and teams to help with your personal and academic endeavours. You will benefit from introductory sessions with the Programme Director to help familiarise yourself with course content, teaching methods and assessment methods, enhancing your study experience and personal development.

You will also have an Academic Mentor who will be available for general academic advice and guidance, whilst Student Experience and Support Officers will be available for pastoral queries. This enables you to access the support you require and be signposted accordingly to relevant teams across the university. There is also Careers and Employability Support available for your professional development in preparation for graduation.

In addition to this, you will also be assigned a supervisor and a co-supervisor during your dissertation module who will help to support your learning and final assessment.

On this MSc, you may have the option to complete qualifications on taxonomic identification skills, e.g. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC). A FISC is a botanical identification test during which plant identification skills are assessed and graded (grades 0-7). FISC certificates are valued highly by employers in the ecology and conservation sector.

Information for international students

This course is available for international students. Please see course page on Keele University website for up-to-date details.

Fees and funding

Please see course page on Keele University website for up-to-date details.