Postgraduate > Conservation Management:

MSc Conservation Management

Course Aims

This new course in Conservation Management aims to provide students with:

• A high level of understanding of complex scientific and policy issues involved in the conservation management of species and ecosystems
• A core body of transferable skills that will enable them to contribute effectively to successful conservation management
• The opportunity to develop expertise in designing, planning and undertaking appropriate research and management projects within the discipline
• The necessary preparation for further academic progression or employment in the fields of conservation and rural resource management in the academic, voluntary, public and private sectors

Who is the Course for

This course is for students who have achieved an Honours degree at 2.2 or above in an environmental subject or related discipline including geography. Consideration will be given to applicants with qualifications outside the stipulated guidelines if they are able to demonstrate significant industrial experience.

Delivery and Assessment

Teaching methods are a combination of structured lectures, group tutorials, workshops, seminars and field-based practical activities. Extensive farmed landscape within the College grounds, together with a variety of conservation protected areas in the surrounding countryside, form important training facilities in the delivery of this course. Students are assessed through both a formal exam process and a variety of coursework methods including case studies, critical review of scientific papers and project reports. The research dissertation / project provides students with the opportunity to undertake specialist investigative work. A member of academic staff with appropriate expertise in the field of study will act as supervisor over a 20 week period during the summer.

Key Features

• Focus on evidence-based conservation principles and practices
• International directives and policies that collectively inform conservation management strategies and practices at national level
• Field-based experience of conservation management in designated areas including Special Areas of Conservation
• Development of practical skills in conservation through site-based learning activities
• Opportunities to work in partnership with rural industry through the College's consultancy division - Centre for Environment and Rural Affairs (CERA)

Career Prospects

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to go into positions such as a conservation officer for English Nature (Natural England), an environmental officer for environmental agencies and consultancy positions for the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).