Master of Research - Biodiversity Conservation

Program Description

Increasing pressure on land-use across the world has led to a growing demand for postgraduates with environmental surveying qualifications. This course provides students with the knowledge they will need to work within the environmental and ecological consulting and conservation professions. The MSc course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

This course combines research and academic skills with field surveying skills, ready for practical application within the ecological consultancy industry. It's designed to meet a rising need for highly skilled conservationists.

Through practical experience, taught sessions and interaction with experienced field ecologists, students will gain taxonomic expertise. This will enable students to accurately identify a wide range of species and communities; use the appropriate field skills and techniques to carry out biodiversity surveys across different habitat types; and produce reports and assessments to professional standards. Students will also have an additional and distinctive opportunity to be trained in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) - a vital tool in the surveying and management of the environment.

The skills students learn will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge of why some species and communities are conservation priorities in law or policy. Students will be given the chance to become a critical thinker, capable of evaluating what they do, and adept at reporting their findings to the key audiences.