Program Overview

MSc Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation

Introduction

Understand how animal behaviour research can be applied to solve modern conservation problems and develop the practical skills you need for a career in animal conservation, with our Masters degree in Cambridge.

Course Options

• 12 months full-time
• 15 months full-time
• 28 months part-time
• 33 months part-time

Key Facts

• Study options: 12 months full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Cambridge
• Fees:
  • £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

12 months full-time (September start)

• Year 1:
  • Technology and Techniques in the Study of Animal Behaviour (30 credits)
  • Current Topics in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
  • Behavioural Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
  • Communication Skills for Conservation (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Masters Research Project (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Practical Applications of DNA Based Technologies (15 credits)
• Study Tour: Understanding Biodiversity and Sustainability (15 credits)
• Sustainable Land Management (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A first degree, with Honours, in a Science related subject and at a minimum final classification of upper second (2:1).
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26): £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees for international students (2025/26): £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Student Experience

• Field trips to understand the links between humans and nature conservation in the UK and abroad.
• Learn how to sustainably manage land for wildlife.
• Collect data on a range of species in the UK and abroad.
• Discover nature and learn a range of survey techniques to monitor biodiversity.

Facilities and Accreditation

• Specialist facilities: £45m Science Centre in the heart of Cambridge, featuring seven floors of labs and teaching spaces, a biosciences laboratory, and a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.
• Outstanding student support: award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources, expert staff, and full support from our Employability Service.

Lecturers

• Çağlar Akçay, Senior Lecturer
• Krishna N. Balasubramaniam, Lecturer
• Bas Boots, Senior Lecturer
• Peter Brown, Associate Professor
• Paty Celis, Lecturer
• Dannielle Green, Associate Professor
• Thomas Ings, Deputy Head of School
• Jim Littlemore, Senior Lecturer
• Claudia Wascher, Associate Professor
• Helen Wheeler, Associate Professor
• Hannah White, Senior Lecturer

Careers

• Graduates build successful careers in many roles, including conservation biologist, scientist or curator at a zoo, conservation educator, or in ecotourism or environmental consultancy.
• Opportunities to work with many organisations, from private companies to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government departments.
• Access to support through our dedicated Employability Service.