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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Our masters’ has two pathways – conservation within the UK/EU or internationally.
The core modules for both pathways are:
 Ecology for Conservation
 Research Skills for Conservation Ecology
 Research Project.
The UK/EU pathway core includes:
 Taxonomy and Identification
 + 3 optional modules.
The International pathway core includes:
 International Legislation, Humans and Wildlife
 + 3 optional modules
Your optional modules can include:
 Any of the above listed modules not already studied
 Any of the listed optional modules.
We also offer a postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate options. These can stand alone as a qualification or serve as a step towards the full master’s.
The course structure supports working professionals. Your modules are clustered to reduce the number of days you will be on campus.
Learning and teaching
You will be taught with a variety of methods, including:
 field visits and exercises
 lectures
 directed reading
 workshops
 seminars
 practical exercises
 laboratory sessions
 project work.
Teaching focuses on current issues in conservation associated with:
 environmental change
 species identification
 survey techniques
 the key theoretical underpinning of conservation ecology
 national and international wildlife legislation
 GIS
 human-wildlife conflicts
 biodiversity assessment
 environmental impact assessment.
Overview
Global ecosystems are battling for survival. For decades, human activity has caused our planet untold damage. But there’s hope. We believe that a different kind of human activity can save it.
Our MSc Conservation Ecology degree gives you the skills to tackle the urgent global ecological crisis. Our lecturers, with their real-world experience, will prepare you for a rewarding career that requires strong species identification, ecology, technology, and communication skills.
Conservation needs a diversity of passionate, innovative and motivated people. So this course welcomes those with a science background and those looking for a career change. You are also welcome if your background is in:
 the medical profession
 journalism
 business
 social sciences’
 humanities; or other areas.
Modules
EU/UK Conservation Pathway
Compulsory modules
Ecology for Conservation (20 credits)
This module introduces appropriate theory and methods together with examination of areas of controversy and best practice for habitat and species conservation and monitoring.
Research Skills for Conservation Ecology
This module looks at the practical aspects of scientific work, such as designing and analysing experiments and presenting proposals for research and results to prospective employers.
Taxonomy and Identification (20 credits)
This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.
Optional modules
Ecosystem Degradation and Management (20 credits)
This module considers the nature and extent of ecosystem degradation resulting from human activities and the methods for conserving and restoring degraded ecosystems.
International Legislation, Humans and Wildlife (20 credits)
This module examines the role of international legislation in wildlife conservation and trade, and standard methods for assessing the status of species and habitats, together with a consideration of the role of human-wildlife conflicts in conservation.
Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (20 credits)
This module looks at the practical application of GIS and other computer-based techniques and models as tools to assist in environmental decision making.
Advanced molecular techniques (20 credits)
Effective and Proportionate Environmental Impact Assessment (20 credits)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (20 credits)
This module introduces the methods and practices of biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales and examines the essential role the components of biodiversity have in providing services for humankind.
Conservation Education and Outreach (20 credits)
This module provides the knowledge base required for effective conservation action is reviewed. This module centres on practical ways of conveying information about environmental decline and how public understanding is essential for effective conservation.
Genetic and Population Management (20 credits)
This module leads to an advanced understanding of the genetic and demographic management of both small captive populations and those that have become isolated in the wild. Principles of molecular and population genetics are placed in a practical context, and the skills of DNA sequencing and the use of micro-satellites and random sequencing techniques to assess genetic relationships are developed.
Independent Study (20 credits)
International Pathway
Compulsory modules
Ecology for Conservation (20 credits)
This module introduces appropriate theory and methods together with examination of areas of controversy and best practice for habitat and species conservation and monitoring.
Research Skills for Conservation Ecology (20 credits)
This module looks at the practical aspects of scientific work, such as designing and analysing experiments and presenting proposals for research and results to prospective employers.
International Legislation, Humans and Wildlife (20 credits)
This module examines the role of international legislation in wildlife conservation and trade, and standard methods for assessing the status of species and habitats, together with a consideration of the role of human-wildlife conflicts in conservation.
Optional modules
Ecosystem Degradation and Management (20 credits)
This module considers the nature and extent of ecosystem degradation resulting from human activities and the methods for conserving and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Advanced molecular techniques (20 credits)
Taxonomy and Identification (20 credits)
This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.
Effective and Proportionate Environmental Impact Assessment (20 credits)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (20 credits)
This module introduces the methods and practices of biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales and examines the essential role the components of biodiversity have in providing services for humankind.
Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (20 credits)
This module looks at the practical application of GIS and other computer-based techniques and models as tools to assist in environmental decision making.
Genetic and Population Management (20 credits)
This module leads to an advanced understanding of the genetic and demographic management of both small captive populations and those that have become isolated in the wild. Principles of molecular and population genetics are placed in a practical context, and the skills of DNA sequencing and the use of micro-satellites and random sequencing techniques to assess genetic relationships are developed.
Conservation Education and Outreach (20 credits)
This module provides the knowledge base required for effective conservation action is reviewed. This module centres on practical ways of conveying information about environmental decline and how public understanding is essential for effective conservation.
Independent Study (20 credits)
Placement
Optional modules
Work placement and professional recognition
We encourage you to conduct your research project with conservation organisations or with one of our research groups. We have good links with a range of national and local conservation organisations and ecological consultancies. On successful completion of this MSc, you will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. With an additional two years' work experience, you will be eligible to apply for associate membership.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
Research Project (60 credits)
This module is required for the MSc. It involves an individual research study on a selected topic in Conservation Ecology.
Research
Our Centre for Ecology, Environment and Conservation is developing the use of mobile applications for data collection and processing in the field.
Research in the following areas is undertaken via the Centre for Ecology, Environment and Conservation:
 invertebrate ecology and biogeography
 evolutionary developmental biology
 spatial ecology and land use
 evolution of animal development and morphology.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Applicants are usually expected to have (or be about to attain) at least a second class honours degree in a related scientific subject from a recognised institution of higher education. If you do not have these academic qualifications, you could still be offered a place on this course if you can show evidence of the potential to succeed based on professional and/or related experiences.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.5 in Reading and Writing, and 6.0 in Listening and Speaking) is required.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
You will be assessed using a variety of methods including:
 scientific reports
 verbal presentations
 mock grant applications
 critiques of published work and reports
 taxonomic collections
 dissertation, covering your research topic.
You will be assessed separately for the different subject areas relating to conservation through assignments, presentations and project reports.
We give you detailed feedback on all your submissions and provide opportunities for formative feedback.
Career Opportunities
This course is a vocational, work-ready master’s designed to fulfil the current requests from industry. As a graduate of this degree, you’ll be highly prized by employers in the ecological monitoring and conservation industry. Your unique skill set of national and international policy, statistical and mapping tools, identification, and ecological monitoring will be invaluable to different types of organisations.
Popular job roles include:
 conservationist
 ecologist
 environmental consultant
 field trial officer
 researcher
 geospatial analyst
 biosecurity officer
 environmental educator
 collection managers
 teacher
 lecturer.
Graduates have gone on to work for environmental consultants, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Natural England, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, natural history museums, wildlife parks, forestry organisations, NGOs, or created their own consultancies.
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