Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science discipline, such as animal sciences, biology, environmental sciences or ecology.

Months of entry

September

Course content

You study biodiversity conservation as applied ecology in the context of land use - agriculture, forestry and amenity. Focusing on wildlife conservation in the UK and Europe, you develop practical skills in plant identification and habitat assessment from a wide range of upland and lowland areas.

Your studies focus on wildlife conservation with a particular emphasis on agriculture, forestry and amenity. Elements of the course have strong links with national, statutory and non-governmental conservation organisations. Practical management skills are gained through involvement in management problems on nature reserves and field courses that provide experience in species identification.

The course has compulsory and optional modules, giving you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your personal interests. Through the compulsory modules you will develop knowledge and skills in core concepts such as:

• understanding the range of temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species
• developing a critical awareness of contemporary conservation issues and research insights
• understanding scientific survey, habitat assessment and experimental techniques and the ability to identify common species from selected habitats
• the development of effective management plans for species and ecosystems
• understanding complex biodiversity and ecosystem management issues
• advanced knowledge and understanding of the influence of environmental, management and land-use factors on ecosystems and wildlife species

You also undertake a major conservation project and are supported through training in designing and delivering a project based on a laboratory or field-based investigation. After choosing your topic you collect, analyse and interpret data to produce a thesis.

Information for international students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 2 English Language requirements: Direct Entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills). If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course.

Fees and funding

See our course fees and funding web page.

Qualification and course duration

MSc