Global Biodiversity and Conservation

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second class (with 55% average) honours degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related field.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Be part of a global movement to protect and restore the planet’s natural diversity with Swansea University’s MSc in Global Biodiversity and Conservation.

This programme will equip you with the scientific understanding, practical skills and global perspective needed to address one of the most urgent challenges of our time—the loss of biodiversity.

Throughout the programme, you will study the patterns, processes and drivers of biodiversity, from local to global scales, learning to understand how they inform conservation action. Alongside this, you will also learn how policy, governance and sustainable development shape biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Given the increasing reliance on digital tools in conservation science, the programme integrates technology-enhanced learning to ensure you are equipped with essential analytical and digital skills. Training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data visualisation will enable you to analyse and interpret biodiversity data effectively. Workshops in data science and programming will introduce you to the use of large ecological datasets and predictive modelling in conservation planning.

The programme is deeply research-led, incorporating the latest scientific findings into the curriculum, and encouraging you to engage in cutting-edge biodiversity and conservation science. Teaching is delivered by leading researchers who are actively involved in field and policy-based conservation projects, ensuring that you can learn from experts working at the forefront of the discipline.

You will have numerous opportunities to develop practical conservation skills, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity assessment, wildlife surveys and environmental impact evaluation across a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Why Global Biodiversity and Conservation at Swansea?

Your learning experience will be enhanced by Swansea’s exceptional natural surroundings—nestled between the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the Brecon Beacons National Park. You’ll get to study in one of the UK’s most biodiverse regions while exploring global conservation issues.

Our Biosciences Department, not only has state-of-the-art facilities, but is also internationally recognised for its research that informs our teaching in biodiversity and conservation:

• 97% of Research Outputs are Rated World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)
• 100% of the Research Environment is Rated World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)

Our research facilities include the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, an 18-metre catamaran marine survey vessel, and a globally unique visualisation centre that displays multi-dimensional information from animal tracking data.

With increasing global demand for skilled conservation professionals, this MSc prepares you for impactful careers in biodiversity conservation, environmental management, policy, research, and consultancy—at local, national, and international levels.

Your Global Biodiversity and Conservation Experience

You’ll get the chance to work alongside active research groups, collaborating closely with world-leading scientists, tackling issues such as bird flight behaviour, parasite dynamics in wild horses or sustainable agriculture.

This MSc also gives you the chance to put your learning into action through an independent research project guided by world-leading scientists.

Many projects focus on local conservation monitoring, giving you the chance to contribute to protecting rare or ecologically important species. Working alongside councils, NGOs, and environmental consultancies, you’ll gain valuable experience, while producing research that makes a difference, contributing meaningfully to the field of biodiversity and conservation.

Throughout the programme, you’ll be able to get hands-on experience where it matters most, in the field. You’ll take part in a series of intensive day trips across South Wales’ incredible habitats. You’ll learn to identify species, conduct biodiversity surveys, and assess ecosystem health, while applying your knowledge to real conservation challenges.

You can also choose to join an international field course — from exploring biodiversity challenges in the Himalayas to developing a conservation and restoration plan for a species in Egypt’s marine or terrestrial ecosystems.