Designed in conjunction with employers, this practical course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to help manage and conserve biodiversity.
The greatest challenge facing conservation biologists today is the preservation of the world’s biodiversity in the face of considerable human demands on space and resources.
By combining the disciplines of wildlife biology and conservation biology, experienced staff will help you develop and apply both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to address this challenge.
Our graduates have gone on to work for government agencies and independent wildlife organisations nationally and internationally.
This can be a part-time course, starting in September or January, however, the development of theory and practice are best facilitated with a September start.
This can be a distance learning course, offering you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and place, possibly alongside work in the conservation industry.
See the website
http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Wildlife-Biology-and-Conservation-Postgraduate-FullTime What you'll learn
This course has been designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies. The main focus is on the development of practical employability skills.
In addition to studying relevant theory, you’ll have the opportunity to develop:
• advanced analytical skills for population investigation and management
• practical skills used in identifying, quantifying and assessing biodiversity
• transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R, Mark, Estimate S), problem solving, research and team working
You’ll need to be available to participate in a three-week intensive field course based in Scotland to help embed practical skills in sampling, identification (plants, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, small mammals, birds) and data analysis.
In addition, guided visits to several sites and talks from managers will highlight how conservation and management are informed by the aims and objectives of the site owners. This usually takes place in early May.
Our staff have years of experience working worldwide in wildlife conservation and consultancy and are keen to help you develop your potential. In addition, external speakers from a range of government agencies, charities and consultancies share their experiences and give insights into career options.
This is a one year full-time course split into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either September or January. However, the development of theory and practice are best facilitated with a September start.
You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips and independent study, supported with information on the virtual learning environment.
As your interests develop through the taught course you'll be able to design a final research project to suit your individual goals.
Modules
• Principles of wildlife management
• Scientific methods
• Humans and wildlife
• Biodiversity and conservation
• Management of aquatic protected areas
• Field and laboratory skills
• Modelling wildlife populations or case studies in applied ecology
Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
Careers
Returning graduates, who share their experience of the work environment each year, have emphasised the importance of the skills gained from the course in their subsequent success.
You could develop a career with government agencies such as Scottish Natural Heritage and Natural England, non-governmental agencies and charities such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wildlife Trusts or private consultancies.
How to apply
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply SAAS Funding
Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more:
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses
Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above, preferably including aspects of ecology/biology. If English is not your first language, it is usually required that you sit an English language test in order to gain entry onto our postgraduate programmes. This course requires the standard IELTS 6.0 with no individual component score of less than 5.5 or equivalent.
