Global Conservation Science MSc

at University of Leeds

By drawing on expertise from across the faculties of Biological Sciences and Environment, you’ll gain a unique set of skills in biodiversity conservation and management. You’ll also explore topics on climate change, environmental policy, international development, and solutions to the biodiversity crisis. When not out in the field, you’ll have access to our high-quality teaching facilities, including computer clusters and interactive meeting rooms.
 

Semester 1

You’ll upskill with a variety of technical modules in biodiversity and research methods, R programming and GIS that will enable you to conduct practical day-to-day work in a conservation setting to develop effective and evidence-based solutions for global biodiversity and conservation.
 

You’ll visit and learn from one of the world’s leading conservation organisations, The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, based at Jersey Zoo. This residential two-week course will be an immersive, exciting opportunity to learn about the practical side of conservation from leading experts. There will be a focus on project planning using Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), and you’ll also learn how to harness a range of global datasets, design species recovery plans, and develop broader skills including teamwork and grant writing.
 

Semester 2

You’ll gain specialist knowledge in varied disciplines that are vital to ensure effective and efficient work within the conservation sector, both in NGO and government roles. Modules include areas such equitable sustainability, environmental economics & policy, and decision science, a unique aspect of our training at Leeds. You’ll also deepen your knowledge in solution-facing global change ecology, where you will examine threats to biodiversity such as climate change, land-use change, and habitat loss and how to manage them.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to GIS    
• Conservation Project Management   
• Biodiversity and Conservation MSc and MRes Summer Project    
• Conservation Decision Science    
• Equitable Sustainability   
• Biodiversity and Conservation Skills    
• Global Change Ecology    

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 honours or equivalent, from a biological, environmental, or social science subject, with a strong interest in conservation and a commitment to interdisciplinary study. Given a strong interest and experience in conservation, we will also consider applicants from other backgrounds.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Fees

• UK: £11,500 (total)
• International: £24,250 (total)
   

On graduating from this course, you’ll be able to engage with all aspects of conservation work at a leadership level. You’ll be highly employable in both the public and third sectors, for example the Wildlife Trusts, Worldwide Fund for Nature, the RSPB, and The Nature Conservancy, as well as by non-governmental organisations, where a multidisciplinary understanding of real-world problems is needed to arrive at effective solutions.
 

With a clear understanding of how to manage environmental problems from multiple perspectives, you’ll also have the necessary knowledge and skills to work within public sector organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, and regional equivalents around the world.
 

Our dedicated Employability and Professional Development Officer will support you throughout your time with us, ensuring that you’re aware of events and opportunities, with a goal of helping you into graduate employment. In addition, our Masters career development programme will support you to:
 

• Explore career options and career planning.

• Understand the PhD application process and optimise PhD application.

• Learn how to use LinkedIn and other social media for effective networking and career opportunities.

• Practice interviews for both job and PhD applications.