Applied Wildlife Conservation

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Accessibility statement

MSc

Intermediate award(s): PG Dip, PG Cert

Full-Time

This highly flexible course (delivered by a mix of face-to-face and distance learning) will give you the opportunity to develop skills important for wildlife conservation. The focus is on collecting, understanding (analysing) data and communicating information to various audiences. The content of modules has been developed in consultation with employers (NGOs, environmental consultancy) and is designed to provide specific skills important for employment in conservation.

The course will help you to develop:

in depth knowledge of wildlife conservation, and a critical understanding of concepts such as sustainability and sustainable development
an understanding of the construction and analysis of data sets, and how they are used (and sometimes misused) for different purposes
practical skills in mapping biodiversity and running spatial analysis to understand and illustrate conservation issues (GIS)
an understanding of ecological networks and ecosystem services, and how they are identified, mapped and protected
an understanding of environmental change and the consequences
approaches to habitat recreation
understanding of socio-political and ethical dimensions of conservation problems
confidence in use of universally available resources and open-access software
the transferable skills necessary for employment, including initiative, personal responsibility, leadership.

Masters core modules

GIS Tools for Biodiversity Mapping and Conservation (30 credits)

This module looks at how and why species distributions change over time and applies skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyse such changes.
Communication Skills for Conservation (30 credits)

This module explores how to communicate scientific information to different audiences (scientific or non-scientific) verbally and in writing, but also through web pages and social networks. Delivered by distance learning, this module represents an innovative experience for students both in terms of the learning experience and assessment.
Landscapes, Ecological Networks and Ecosystem Services (15 credits)

This module considers the principals and practicalities behind landscape-scale conservation, as well as the important concepts of ecological networks and ecosystem services. One important dimension will be in ecological restoration, with comparisons made between prescriptive approaches, and process-driven approaches.
Research Methods (15 credits)

This module (delivered by distance learning) has the aim of preparing you for your dissertation. The module will help you to develop research skills, and help lay the essential foundations for a dissertation of Masters quality.
Research Project (60 credits)

Here, you will be required to undertake a significant research project and to present the results in a thesis prepared to the highest scientific professional standards.

Masters optional modules

Study Tour: Understanding Biodiversity & Sustainability (15 credits)

This represents an opportunity to explore the issues central to wildlife conservation on a residential field trip to Borneo. You will integrate an understanding of the natural world and ecological processes, with current conservation problems, including their socio-political and ethical dimensions in a practical context.
Ecotourism and Nature Tourism (15 credits)

In this module, delivered by our Ashcroft International Business School, you will examine the potentials and problems of ecotourism and nature based tourism through case studies and analysis of definitions and its philosophy.
Sustainable Tourism Management (15 credits)

This module, delivered by our Ashcroft International Business School, explores changes in the tourist industry, in particular how conventional mass tourism has attracted criticism in recent years and is considered by some to be on the wane in favour of more niche-based tourism.
Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)

This is an advanced undergraduate module in conservation which aims to provide an awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of conservation, and the socio-political dimensions of conservation problems and solutions.
Biogeography (15 credits)

This module describes the spatial distribution of living things and how these have been affected by global change. You will become conversant with cluster analysis, principal components analysis, cladistics, track analysis and area cladograms.
Population Ecology and Wildlife Management (15 credits)

This module looks at first principles of population ecology and the ways this body of theory is applied practically in wildlife management. It has an important focus is the demography and dynamics of natural populations.
Practical Marine Biology (15 credits)

This module introduces the skills required for advanced field work in coastal habitats. A series of lectures and practical workshops delivered at Anglia Ruskin in Cambridge serve as a precursor for a residential field work at a UK marine biology field station.
Countryside Management (15 credits)

Here you will gain the knowledge and skills appropriate for working in practical ecology or conservation in the UK countryside. Survey methods, including the Phase 1 habitat surveys used as industry standard in the UK, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) (with an emphasis on the ecological aspects) will be taught as practical exercises.

Assessment

Assessment is diverse to reflect the scope and aims of the course. You can expect to be assessed by a combination of assignments, case studies, group work and presentations.

Special features

Field Work

The optional Study Tour will provide you with the opportunity to visit a research station in Borneo, and apply new skills in a tropical forest that represents a conservation priority. There is also a residential field trip associated with the module Landscapes, Ecological Networks and Ecosystem Services in which you will learn about the challenges of managing fenland habitat during these changing times.

Flexible delivery

This part-time course is designed for maximum flexibility. The course can accommodate research projects requiring more time, or in which data collection must occur at a given time of year. You have the option to exit the course with alternative awards (Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate) which permits the study of specialist modules but does not require completion of the research project.

Masters research

You are required to conduct research and will have the opportunity to work with experienced staff in the development of your independent research project. Cambridge represents a centre of activity for conservation and you may have the opportunity, through the Cambridge Conservation Forum, to work with NGOs and other conservation bodies.

Associated careers

Graduates from this course may find employment in the following areas:

working as a conservation biologist for an NGO or government body
working as an environmental consultant
working in the area of education
working in related industries (ecotourism).

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should possess or expect to possess a first or upper second class Honours Degree, based in a science related degree. Applicants with a lower second class Honours Degree but with relevant experience will also be considered; other applicants without standard qualifications but with extensive relevant practical experience may also be considered. Prospective students with non-standard entry qualifications are advised to discuss their personal position with the course tutor.

Entry requirements

International students

This course is not available to international students requiring Tier 4 Student visa because it does not meet the UK Border Agency requirements for Tier 4 study.