Ecological Management & Conservation Biology

Overview

We’re in the middle of a biodiversity crisis; the sixth mass extinction event on Earth driven by man. Wildlife populations have declined by 68% since 1970 while climate breakdown is pushing the Earth beyond safe ecological limits.



There is unprecedented pressure on the environment from overexploitation, habitat degradation and destruction, climate change, invasive species, pollution and emerging diseases. However, you can be part of global and local solutions.



Course Details

The MSc may have up to around 50 students. The programme has a backbone of taught academic lectures covering the full spectrum of subjects contained within conservation biology including:



Animal Behaviour

Biodiversity

Conservation genomics

Climate change

Emerging diseases

Environmental economics

Environmental impact assessment

Grassland management

Invasion biology

Marine conservation

Soil biology

Wildfire ecology

Semester 1 Modules

Ecological Management and Conservation Biology (40 CATS)

Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 CATS)

Conservation Biology Group Project (10 CATS)



Semester 2 Modules

Skills in Ecological Management (30 CATS)

Literature Review (20 CATS)



Semester 3 Modules

Option 1: Work Placement Research Project (60 CATS)

Option 2: Academic Research Project (60 CATS)

Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant area of science, such as any type of biology (including animal science, biological science, environmental science, marine biology and zoology), agriculture or veterinary science and paleoecology or geography degrees are acceptable.



We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, therefore applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.



Examples of relevant experience include (but are not limited to); farming, zoo work, conservation charities, environmental consultancy, conservation relevant NGOs, relevant Government Departments and overseas conservation volunteering.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

Continuous Assessment such as coursework and module assignments based on self-driven, independent, study (there are no examinations).


A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDIP) student who achieves 50% or higher in completed modules may be permitted to transfer to the MSc Pathway subject to General Regulations. The MSc will be awarded with Distinction to a student who achieves an average mark exceeding 70% and with Commendation for those achieving a mark between 60-69%.

1 year (Full Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

The course has a mix of students from Ireland, Great Britain and international students (previously from, for example, but not limited to: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, the USA etc.)



If you undertake a Work Placement Project this MSc will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in conservation or ecological consultancy. If you undertake a Research project this MSc will qualify you for entering further research e.g. a PhD programme.