MSc Biodiversity Conservation

Core units
 

• Conservation in Practice: Field trips, discussion groups and guest speakers combine to cover the scientific knowledge and principles relating to the structure and function of ecosystems, and how these can be applied to the management, conservation and restoration of biodiversity.

• Field Ecology Skills: Develop field observation, species identification and survey techniques that will equip you with skills that are relevant to professional biodiversity conservation, monitoring and research. Partly based around a field course, you will develop your skills in a variety of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, supported by seminars and demonstrations.

• Frontiers in Biodiversity: Explore the latest theories and concepts in conservation science, develop in-depth subject specialism as well as advanced literature-based research and reporting skills.

• Quantitative & Spatial Analysis: Core skills for environmental scientists in data handling, processing, statistical techniques and spatial analysis (GIS) are taught on this unit. You will learn these techniques through industry standard programmes including  the statistical environment of R.

• Research Project: Develop your expertise in research methods, data collection, analysis, interpretation and synthesis and explore in detail core aspects of your subject area, with a view to generating new practical or theoretical insights. Previous research projects have included reindeer grazing and forest restoration, and habitat use by dolphins around Hong Kong.

The normal requirements for embarking upon this course are:
 

• A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in a required subject.
• Required subjects include: Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Earth & Geographical Sciences, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Ecology & Wildlife Conservation.

​Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:
 

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty.
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.
• Accommodation and living costs. 
• Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. 
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
• SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

As a Biodiversity Conservation graduate, you will be prepared to undertake roles such as:
 

• Ecological consultant
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental conservation manager
• Academic researcher.