MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation

Overview

The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation is a postgraduate program that combines the disciplines of wildlife biology and conservation biology to address the challenge of preserving the world's biodiversity. The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to work in the field of wildlife conservation.

Mode of Study

• Full-time (available as Part-time / Distance learning)

Duration

• 12-18 Months

Start date

• January and September

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above, preferably including some aspects of ecology/conservation/zoology/biology/environmental management/environmental science/countryside management/botany.
• Applicants with unrelated degrees, or related degrees at below 2:2, will be considered if they have related work/voluntary experience and their personal statement indicates efforts to gain the necessary ecological and analytical skills required to succeed.

English Language

• If English is not the first language, students will need to undertake an approved English language test and meet the minimum English language requirements.

International Students

• The University welcomes applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
• Entry requirements by country are available on the University's website.

Admissions Policies

• The University is committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from its programs of study.
• Admissions policies are available on the University's website.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition fees for 2024/25:
  • Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
  • Overseas and EU: £20,395
• The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programs to its alumni.
• A range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries are available to students resident in specific countries.

Careers

• The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation program is designed to provide students with the practical, technical, and intellectual knowledge to apply their skills within the field.
• Graduates can work in a range of different organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental agencies, charities, private consultancies, and research institutions.
• Examples of roles that graduates can pursue include:
  • Conservation Project Officer
  • Ecological Consultant
  • Biodiversity Officer
  • Ecologist
  • Wildlife Ranger
  • Education Officer
  • Conservation Project Officer
  • Wildlife Technician
  • Doctoral Researcher
  • Scientific Adviser
  • Species Licensing Officer

Modules

• The program includes the following modules:
  • Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
  • Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)
  • Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (on-campus) (ENV11119)
  • Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
  • Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
  • Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
  • Research Project (ENV11117)
  • Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
  • Species Identification Skills (on-campus) (ENV11120)

Assessments

• There are no traditional, end-of-module exams.
• Assessments include a variety of relevant professional tasks, both written and oral.
• Examples of assessments include:
  • Zoning document
  • Biodiversity report
  • Development proposal
  • Taxonomic identification
  • Statistical analysis
  • Audio-visual presentations
  • Research proposal pitch

Facilities

• The program is based at the Sighthill Campus, which has excellent well-equipped laboratory and IT facilities.
• The campus is located near a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, allowing for easy access to fieldwork opportunities.

Disclaimer

• Study modules mentioned above are indicative only and may be subject to change.
• Full information is available in the University's disclaimer.

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MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation - Edinburgh Napier University

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation program at Edinburgh Napier University is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the challenges of preserving biodiversity in the face of human demands on space and resources.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced analytical skills for population quantification and management.
• Gain practical skills in identifying, quantifying, and assessing biodiversity.
• Enhance transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R), problem-solving, research, and teamwork.

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Description:

• This is the first and only degree in Scotland accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Graduates have secured positions in environmental consultancies, government agencies, and independent wildlife organizations both nationally and internationally.
• The program boasts a 100% overall student satisfaction score (PTES, 2023).
• Typical entry points are in September and January.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program focuses on developing practical employability skills.
• It combines relevant theory with practical experience.
• Students have the opportunity to work on research projects in collaboration with conservation organizations.

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Structure:

• Full-time program with a duration of 12-18 months.
• Part-time and distance learning options are available.

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Course Schedule:

• September-starting students:
• Trimester 1 (September - December):
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)
• Trimester 2 (January - April):
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120)
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119)
• Trimester 3 (May - August):
• Project (ENV11117)
• January-starting students:
• January - April:
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120)
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119)
• May - August: No teaching, but this period can be used to gain additional work or voluntary experience.
• September - December:
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)
• January - April:
• Project (ENV11117)

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Modules:

• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100): Explores levels and patterns of biodiversity, measurement techniques, and conservation challenges.
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115): Presents real-world case studies in wildlife management and conservation, utilizing practical exercises and guest lectures.
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119): Focuses on advanced techniques for population monitoring and ecological sampling, providing hands-on experience in field and lab settings.
• Field and Laboratory Skills (ENV11108): Includes practical sessions in the field and lab, culminating in a residential field course where students conduct sampling and monitoring in various habitats.
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101): Examines topics like ecotourism, human-environment interactions, urban ecology, and community engagement in conservation.
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112): Covers marine and freshwater protected area planning, legal frameworks, water quality management, and GIS applications.
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116): Covers wildlife population dynamics, capture techniques, sampling design, and advanced analytical techniques.
• Research Project (ENV11117): Students design and conduct an independent research project, developing skills in scientific writing and data analysis.
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109): Covers the philosophy and practice of science, statistical analysis using R, and an introduction to taxonomy and species identification.
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120): Provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in identifying plants, terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, and birds.

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Assessment:

• No traditional end-of-module exams.
• Assessments include a variety of professional tasks, both written and oral.
• Examples include zoning documents, biodiversity reports, development proposals, taxonomic identification tests, statistical analysis exercises, and audio-visual presentations.

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Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips, independent study, and technology-enhanced learning.
• Faculty: Experienced staff with expertise in wildlife conservation and consultancy.
• Unique Approaches:
• Collaboration with conservation organizations for research projects.
• Guest lectures from professionals in government agencies, charities, and consultancies.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Ecologist, ecological consultant, wildlife ranger, education officer, conservation project officer, wildlife technician, doctoral researcher, scientific advisor, species licensing officer.
• Opportunities: Government agencies, non-governmental agencies, charities, private consultancies, research institutions.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in wildlife conservation and environmental management.

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Other:

• The program is based at the Sighthill Campus, which offers well-equipped laboratory and IT facilities.
• The campus's location provides access to a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats for field studies.

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Tuition fees for 2024/25 Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £tba Overseas and EU £20,395 £tba

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management