Program Overview

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Overview

The Master of Conservation Biology is a 24-unit program that can be completed in 12 months. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the ecosystems and evolutionary potential of the world's flora and fauna.

Program Details

• The program includes advanced-level coursework, fieldwork teaching at unique sites, and research experience.
• Students will learn from UQ's experts and industry leaders and apply these theories during interactive classes.
• The program covers topics such as conservation in context, conservation and wildlife biology, sampling design and analysis in conservation science, and environmental philosophy.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, students must have:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or
• A graduate certificate in conservation biology.
• A grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in their previous qualification.

Relevant Disciplines

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications include:

• Botany
• Conservation
• Ecology
• Environmental studies
• Evolution
• Mathematics or statistics
• Marine science
• Zoology

English Language Requirements

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6.
• TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
• PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

Student Visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Conservation Biology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

Additional Application Information

Summer semester (January) commencement is only available to students continuing from the UQ Graduate Certificate in Conservation Biology.

Fees and Scholarships

• The indicative annual fee for the program is $10,495 (2026).
• The program includes one or more compulsory field trip courses that may incur additional costs.
• Students may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can lead to various careers, including:

• Endangered species ecologist
• Biodiversity educator
• National parks and wildlife officer
• Natural resources manager
• Policy developer
• Agribusiness consultant
• Zoologist
• Bush regeneration consultant
• Ecotourism manager
• Environment and sustainability consultant

Program Structure

The program is taught in an intensive mode, allowing students to complete the equivalent of one-and-a-half academic years in just 12 months. The program includes:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Research experience
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork

Program Highlights

• Learn from UQ's experts and industry leaders
• Gain a comprehensive education in the ecosystems and evolutionary potential of the world's flora and fauna
• Take advantage of opportunities for marine and terrestrial research and field- and lab-based learning
• Access unique biodiversity hotspots and fascinating ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs to World Heritage rainforests

Events

The university hosts various events, including information webinars and experience days, to provide students with more information about the program and university life.

Stories

The university features stories from current students and graduates, highlighting their experiences and achievements in the Master of Conservation Biology program.