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Universities United Kingdom Edinburgh Napier University Courses MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation

MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation
at Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 17,370
Country Rank-
Duration12 Months
Score IELTS: 6

Program Overview

The greatest challenge facing conservation biologists today is the preservation of the world’s biodiversity in the face of considerable human demands on space and resources.

By combining the disciplines of wildlife biology and conservation biology, experienced staff will help you develop and apply both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to address this challenge.

This is the first and only degree in Scotland to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Our graduates have gone on to work for government agencies and independent wildlife organisations nationally and internationally.

Course Content
This course has been designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies. The main focus is on the development of practical employability skills. In recognition of the strong practical and employability focus, this the first and only degree in Scotland to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), meaning you'll graduate with an accredited MSc.

In addition to studying relevant theory, you’ll have the opportunity to develop:
- advanced analytical skills for population investigation and management
- practical skills used in identifying, quantifying and assessing biodiversity
- transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R, Mark), problem solving, research and team working
Field course

You’ll need to be available to participate in a three-week intensive field course based in Scotland to help embed practical skills in sampling, identification (plants, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, small mammals, birds) and data analysis.

In addition, guided visits to several sites and talks from managers will highlight how conservation and management are informed by the aims and objectives of the site owners. This usually takes place in early May.

Our staff have years of experience working worldwide in wildlife conservation and consultancy and are keen to help you develop your potential. In addition, external speakers from a range of government agencies, charities and consultancies share their experiences and give insights into career options.

Lead academics and short bio

The core academic team boast a wide range of skills and research interests. Staff include:
- Patrick White (population dynamics, habitat utilisation, GIS, birds)
- Jason Gilchrist (behavioural ecology and biodiversity)
- Rob Briers (conservation planning, GIS and aquatic ecology)
- Jay Mackinnon (botany, environmental education, social research)
- Gavin Ballantyne (pollination ecology)
- Paul Ward (population and habitat modelling).
Entry Requirement
You will be eligible to apply if you have gained a bachelors degree with overall grade of 55% or above.
For our MSC Computing with Professional Placement course you will need an overall grade of 60% or above.

Fees & Scholarships

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries.

Career Prospect

Returning graduates, who share their experience of the work environment each year, have emphasised the importance of the skills gained from the course in their subsequent success.

Jobs include:

Ecologist
Wildlife ranger
Education officer
Conservation project officer
Wildlife Technician
Species licensing officer

Our network of alumni have developed careers with organisations such as:

government agencies (e.g. Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, British Columbia Fish and Wildlife)
non-governmental agencies and charities (e.g. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wildlife Trusts)
private consultancies (e.g. Jacobs, Atkins, Atmos, Echoes Ecology)

Cost Of Studying At Edinburgh Napier University

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

Check Loan Eligibility

MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation at Edinburgh Napier University