MSc Conservation Science and Policy

at University of Exeter

This programme examines both scientific and policy-oriented aspects of conservation. Teaching covers the breadth of this important field, examining how conservation goals may be achieved under climate change scenarios, in combination with food security requirements, while taking social justice issues into account. The breadth of the degree gives flexibility to pursue those areas most relevant to your professional development and contains a significant research component supported by leading researchers.
 

Integral to the whole programme is extensive liaison with conservation practitioners from a wide range of collaborating governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as a broad suite of international organisations. Key individuals from some of these organisations contribute to classes and field visits and a number of our project students will be placed with such organisations.

Modules:
 

120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
 

a You may select only one of the field course modules. If you have mobility or health disabilities and want to undertake fieldwork, then reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered.

Compulsory modules

• Research Project    
• Statistical Modelling    
• The Art of Science    

All applicants are considered individually on merit, although we usually require an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
 

English language requirements
 

• IELTS

  Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
   

• TOEFL

  Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

UK fees per year:
£14,500 full-time; £7,250 part-time

International fees per year:
£25,500 full-time; £12,750 part-time
 

Fieldwork

The fees include costs of field trips including a 2-week residential course to Africa.
 

When participating in field courses, where necessary, you will be required to cover any visa costs and purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations.
 

You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Our MSc Conservation Science and Policy is aimed at individuals who are interested in working at the interface of environmental science and social science. The programme has been developed with recent graduates in mind as well as more professionally experienced individuals, for example people currently employed in fields of conservation or related areas, who wish to develop further their knowledge and research skills.
 

We are committed to providing you with quality personal support throughout your degree to ensure that when you leave us, you feel informed, prepared, and well equipped to reach your full potential in your future career.
 

Career destinations

As a graduate of the programme you will be well prepared to pursue a variety of career paths in areas such as:

• Public sector conservation and policy
• Environmental and conservation consultancy services
• Non-governmental and charity work
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
   

You will also be ideally placed if you wish to progress to doctoral research in social or life sciences.