Program Overview

MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation

Overview

The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work in the field of wildlife biology and conservation. The program combines the disciplines of wildlife biology and conservation biology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of conservation.

Mode of Study:

• Distance learning (available as Full-time and Part-time)

Duration:

• 3-4 years

Start date:

• January and September

Entry Requirements:

• A Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above, preferably including some aspects of ecology/conservation/zoology/biology/environmental management/environmental science/countryside management/botany.
• Applicants with unrelated degrees, or related degrees at below 2:2, may be considered if they have related work/voluntary experience and their personal statement indicates efforts to gain the necessary ecological and analytical skills required to succeed.

English Language:

• If English is not the first language, students will normally need to undertake an approved English language test and meet the minimum English language requirements.

International Students:

• The University welcomes applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
• Entry requirements by country are available on the University's website.

Admissions Policies:

• The University is committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from its programs of study.
• Admissions policies are available on the University's website.

Fees & Funding:

• Tuition fees for 2024/25:
  • Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £1,105 (taught modules), £650 (60-credit dissertation module)
  • Overseas and EU: £2,820 (taught modules), £1,900 (60-credit dissertation module)
• The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programs to its alumni.
• Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers:

• The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation program prepares students for a range of careers in conservation, wildlife, and the environment.
• Potential career paths include:
  • Ecologist
  • Ecological consultant
  • Wildlife ranger
  • Education officer
  • Conservation project officer
  • Wildlife technician
  • Doctoral researcher
  • Scientific adviser
  • Species licensing officer

Course Details:

• The program is designed to allow students to study at a pace that fits with their other commitments.
• The academic year is split into three trimesters, with the taught modules running in the spring and autumn trimesters only.
• Students can complete the program in 3-4 years, depending on their study rate.
• Modules include:
  • Humans and Wildlife
  • Management of Aquatic Protected Areas
  • Scientific Methods
  • Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Principles of Wildlife Management
  • Case Studies in Applied Ecology
  • Species Identification Skills
  • Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation
  • Project

Assessments:

• There are no traditional, end-of-module exams.
• Assessments include a variety of relevant professional tasks, both written and oral.
• Examples of assessments include:
  • Zoning document
  • Biodiversity report
  • Development proposal
  • Recordings of audio-visual presentations, including a research proposal pitch
  • Taxonomic identification and statistical analysis are key skills that are assessed using time-limited online tests.

Research:

• The program has been designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies.
• The main focus is on the development of a range of knowledge and skills to equip students to work in the field.
• Staff have years of experience working worldwide in wildlife conservation and consultancy and are keen to help students develop their potential.
• External speakers from a range of government agencies, charities, and consultancies share their experiences and give insights into career options.
• The program develops MSc research project topics in collaboration with a wide range of conservation organizations, so that students' MSc research answers pressing questions and their findings can be directly applied to real-world problems.

Lead Academics:

• The core academic team boasts a wide range of skills and research interests.
• Staff include:
  • Patrick White (bird and mammal ecology and conservation)
  • Jay Mackinnon (botany, environmental education, social research)
  • Jason Gilchrist (behavioural ecology and biodiversity)
  • Rob Briers (conservation planning, GIS, and aquatic ecology)
  • Emilio Pagani-Núñez (field ecology, statistics)
  • Matt Wale (marine biology, experimental design)
  • Gavin Ballantyne (pollination ecology)
  • Jennifer Dodd (freshwater ecology and restoration)
  • Karen Diele (marine and coastal ecology and restoration)
  • James Thorburn (marine protected areas; sharks, skates, and rays)
  • Mark Huxham (coastal and mangrove ecology)
  • Paul Ward (population and habitat modelling)
  • Luke Holman (evolution, sexual selection, animal communication)