Wildlife Conservation

Entry requirements

• Applicants should normally possess an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science (or demonstrate equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. animal behaviour, conservation biology, zoology) including components of experimental design and statistical analysis. Applicants will also have relevant experience in the field.
• Students with a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in an unrelated area must demonstrate on application that they have equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. wildlife conservation, habitat or protected areas management, or ex-situ conservation.

We recommend that all applicants:

• Nominate two academic referees as part of their application who can provide letters of recommendation which highlight the applicant’s academic achievements, work commitment and relevant experience.
• Include in their personal statement and CV details of any relevant extra-curricular training, volunteering and/or relevant work experience they have obtained. This could include working with a local wildlife trust, animal rescue centre or zoo, for example.
• A transcript of marks should be presented with the application.
• Applicants may be interviewed.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Course overview

Our Master’s degree provides a unique training experience for someone seeking to develop a successful career in wildlife conservation.

The rapid decline of global biodiversity has made wildlife conservation a crisis discipline. This has led to growing local, national and international demand for specialists with academic and practical wildlife conservation skills. Our postgraduate course provides an opportunity to learn from conservation- and research-active scientists with UK and international experience.

Why study Wildlife Conservation with us?

We aim to build on and consolidate your existing skills/knowledge, and offer exposure to advanced concepts and practical applications in wildlife conservation. This will be done through exploration of our expertise in field and lab-based research on key species and habitats, in the UK and further afield.

Our staff are engaged in pioneering projects locally, nationally and globally, and have led the development of wildlife crime as an academic subject area. We are also involved in conservation of globally threatened species such as the Trinidad piping guan, Grenada dove and Philippine duck.

You will be engaged in a peer-based learning environment that includes field and lab work, which will provide insights into key research in wildlife conservation. We will also focus on the development of your professional skills and profile for your future career, and encourage links and networking opportunities with practitioners in the field.

How will I be taught?

Teaching is delivered through Moodle (the University's online platform for teaching); internet discussion boards; and residential school, including lectures, lab sessions, field trips and tutorials. Modules typically require 200 hours of study time, including:

• 21 hours of lectures, seminars, group discussions and laboratory/field activities
• 10 hours of tutorial support
• 169 hours of directed self-study.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via lab/essay assignments; critical assessments/reviews; research/funding proposals; multiple-choice quizzes/short answer questions; field reports; individual/group oral presentations; and preparation and presentation of posters. There are no final examinations.

Fees and funding