MSc Conservation Biology
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Location Ambleside
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Duration 1, 3 year/s
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Mode of study Part-time, Full-time
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Start date September 2012, 2013
Why study with us?
Increasing damage to the environment is resulting in globally declining biodiversity and extinction. Changes in public perceptions and legislation have led to a growing international demand for professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage the conservation of species and ecosystems, to slow and ultimately reverse, the decline in biodiversity. The core staff are active researchers in conservation biology, with research projects in globally important ecosystems from British Columbia to Borneo, as well as closer to home. Interests range from conservation of large carnivores to invertebrates. Staff are also highly active within conservation organisations, especially the Society for Conservation Biology, and pride themselves on their active support of students.
Course Summary
You have a thorough grounding in conservation biology, along with an appreciation of the wider issues facing natural resource managers.
Modules
Core modules include Conservation Biology, Conservation in Practice, and Research Methods (with an optional overseas field course). Among the optional topics are Assessing Biological Diversity, Conservation Genetics, Forest Ecology and Ecosystems, GIS, Global Environmental Issues, Population Ecology, and Project Planning. In the dissertation you study a topic of your own choice.Taught modules are assessed through coursework and examinations. The final three modules make up a research project which allows you to specialise in a topic of your choice.
Resources and facilities
The Ambleside campus is an excellent location for studying conservation biology as we're close to numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest and habitats ranging from the high Cumbrian fells to ancient lowland woods. We also have excellent links to local, yet internationally important, conservation projects and we make regular use of these resources in our teaching. Other conservation courses may offer occasional trips to see significant sites; we have them on our doorstep and make regular use of them in our teaching, providing an effective complement to our international field trip. Research seminars complement formal teaching.
Entry requirements
See course specific entry requirements listed below.
More about levels and credit
Selection criteria
At least a second class Honours degree in an appropriate subject together with demonstrable interest in studying conservation biology at postgraduate level. Applicants with non-standard qualifications but relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
A fee discount is offered to graduates of the University of Cumbria. Holders of undergraduate degrees obtained since 2008 can obtain a 20 percent discount on their first postgraduate course of study.
Visit
www.cumbria.ac.uk/conservation
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