| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation
Introduction
Develop the skills you need for a rewarding career in wildlife conservation. Learn from environmental experts, and get hands-on experience of tools such as GIS and PCR in Cambridge. Communicating conservation messages and data handling are core parts of this exciting Masters course.
Why Applied Wildlife Conservation at ARU?
- Gain hands-on field skills such as ecological survey and species identification, which are crucial for forging a career in wildlife conservation.
- Take part in an exciting optional European study tour to a field station in southern France.
- Deep dive into the discipline of conservation biology to respond to the extinction crisis and climate emergency by expertly analysing and interpreting data for effective conservation strategies.
- Hone your research and communication skills by working on projects in collaboration with an active network of local, national and international environmental organisations.
- Award-winning lecturers and high-impact ecological researchers, alongside guest lecturers, will help you gain exposure to partnerships with conservation organisations.
- Engage in diverse conservation projects both locally and internationally through field trips, gaining hands-on experience and understanding of wildlife management challenges worldwide.
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:
- Core modules:
- GIS Tools for Biodiversity Mapping and Conservation (15 credits)
- Distributions, Landscapes and Conservation (15 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:
- Study Tour: Understanding Biodiversity and Sustainability (15 credits)
- Practical Applications of DNA Based Technologies (15 credits)
- Sustainable Land Management (15 credits)
- Core modules:
Entry Requirements
- A first degree, with Honours, in a Science related subject and at a minimum final classification of upper second (2:1). Applicants with slightly lower qualifications may be considered if they have substantial work experience in conservation.
- 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)
- Additional course costs:
- Walking boots: £60
- Waterproof coat: £50
- Wellingtons: £25
- Waterproof trousers: £20
- Poster printing: £20
- Cost of printing dissertation/individual project
- Field trip costs
Student Experience
- Field trips
- Collaborate with experts in the field
- Hands-on learning
- Outstanding student support
Facilities
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Field trips
- Connect with conservation organisations in Cambridge and beyond
- Team up with a conservation NGO for your Masters Research Project
Lecturers
- Joseph J Bailey
- Bas Boots
- Peter Brown
- Paty Celis
- Dannielle Green
- Thomas Ings
- Jim Littlemore
- Helen Wheeler
- Hannah White
Careers
- Our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation will prepare you for careers in areas such as conservation biology, environmental consultancy and conservation education.
- You may also develop a career within a non-governmental organisation (NGO), charity, zoo, private company, a government body or in a related field such as ecotourism.
- Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Biology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Program Outline
Teaching:
Methods:
- Distance learning
- Research seminars
- Computer practicals
- Field trips
- Discussion sessions
Faculty:
- Award-winning lecturers
- High-impact ecological researchers
- Guest lecturers
Unique Approaches:
- Collaboration with conservation organizations
- Optional European study tour
Careers:
Potential Paths:
- Conservation biology
- Environmental consultancy
- Conservation education
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Charities
- Zoos
- Private companies
- Government bodies
- Ecotourism
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Tuition fees for UK students (2023/24)
£8,800 UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Tuition fees for international students (2023/24)
£15,800 International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.
Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)
£9,300 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)
£17,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.
Additional course costs
Walking boots - £60 Waterproof coat - £50 Wellingtons - £25 Waterproof trousers - £20 Poster printing - £20 Cost of printing dissertation/individual project Field trip costs Field trips that are a compulsory part of your course have no additional cost. Optional residential field trips have an additional cost. These will be confirmed as it becomes clear what is possible due to the Covid-19 situation.
