MSc Wildlife Conservation
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 18,380 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full-time International students; Home students £11,990 per year
Introduction
Biodiversity is under threat. With the recognition that our planet can no longer support our unsustainable ways, find out how you can be part of the solution in protecting precious ecosystems with our MSc Wildlife Conservation postgraduate degree.
Developed to nurture the next generation of conservation leaders, our course aims to support a move towards a sustainable future for humans and wildlife. Led by a highly qualified, research-active staff course team, you will develop knowledge and practical skills to tackle complex issues surrounding our biodiversity crisis.
You will:
- Explore current methods and techniques used to measure and evaluate biodiversity in the field
- Understand the role that invasive species and pathogens play in altering local ecological communities and biodiversity
- Develop and apply essential tools used to produce and interpret maps for conservation planning and monitoring
Ideal Students
This is for you if...
- You want to develop knowledge and skills for a future career where you can help to create global solutions that reduce the risks facing ecosystems and wildlife populations
- You are passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental issues and want to contribute to initiatives designed to support biodiversity and species protection
- You want to realign your skills to take advantage of research or employment opportunities emerging in conservation and biodiversity protection
Curriculum
Our MSc Wildlife Conservation postgraduate degree course comprises seven carefully-designed modules, plus one research-based dissertation project.
The course is delivered full-time in one year. You will complete taught modules across the first two trimesters on campus. In the final trimester, you will complete a 60-credit research dissertation
Learning experience
We've designed the course to equip you with the skills a wildlife conservation biologist will need to make an impact. During your studies, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Field trips form an important part of your learning experience, and you will also have opportunities to engage with research and projects led by our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre.
The course curriculum is designed to develop your knowledge in key areas of wildlife conservation. Alongside studying the fundamentals of conservation biology theory, you will focus on genetics, biodiversity monitoring, invasions, infections and conservation planning.
In preparation for your future career in either research or practice, the course includes modules and activities to build your technical skills using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. You will also develop transferable skills by learning to design and conduct academic research at the postgraduate and professional levels.
The Wildlife Conservation postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and subject knowledge. The team is part of an environmental community with prominence in shaping conservation best practice.
Trimester one
- Research Skills and Design for Conservation Science
- GIS and Remote Sensing Applied for Wildlife Conservation
- Conservation Genetics
- Global Conservation Challenges
Trimester two
- Contemporary Topics in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
- Conservation Planning
- Conservation Fieldwork in the Tropics
Trimester three
- Dissertation
Career Opportunities
Conservations specialists are in demand. We need more conservation biologists to solve and mitigate the problems caused by human activities that are detrimental to the survival of wildlife, such as unsustainable forest use.
Wildlife conservation biologists work throughout the world in roles with a wide range of institutions, from NGOs and federal agencies to universities. Typical roles include working as an active practitioner conducting research or active conservation management, providing consultancy services or leading campaign-based advocacy.
Equipped with the knowledge and skills you will develop in this course, you can choose to pursue career opportunities working with state institutions, private companies, environmental consultancies and research institutions.
Further Study
You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring a range of conservation-related fields, from ecosystem services to environmental assessment.
Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.