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.



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



What Else Will You Do?

Each week there is either a physical or virtual field trip to experience the practicalities of what you’ve learned in class and to see ecological management application in-the-field.



These include captive breeding facilities for endangered species, river corridors along which invasive species are managed, ground-nesting bird conservation programmes, national nature reserves including sand dunes, bogs and species-rich grasslands, commercial industry, Belfast Zoo and the Mourne Mountains.

Core Modules

• Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 credits)

• Literature Review: Conservation Biology (20 credits)

• Conservation Biology Group Project (10 credits)

• Skills in Ecological Management (30 credits)

• Ecological Management and Conservation Biology (40 credits)



Optional Modules

• Research Project: Ecological Management and Conservation Biology (60 credits)

• Professional Development and Work Placement (60 credits)

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.



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.

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: 2024/25

Career Prospects

Introduction

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.



Employment after the Course

Graduates have been employed by a range of international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Government departments and environmental consultancies with some progressing annually into research at other Universities.