Close up of a bee in a field of flowers Close up of a bee in a field of flowers

Course Summary

With the rapid decline of global biodiversity and growing local, national and international demand for specialists with academic and practical wildlife conservation skills, our postgraduate course provides an opportunity to learn from conservation and research-active scientists with UK and international experience.  

We aim to build on and consolidate your existing skills/knowledge and offer exposure to advanced concepts and practical applications in wildlife conservation. This course is designed to improve your field and lab skills through work in the UK and further afield, while improving your knowledge of key concepts in conservation. You’ll be taught by experts and get hands-on experience alongside learning about cutting-edge research.  

Our staff are engaged in pioneering projects locally, nationally and globally, and have led the development of wildlife crime as an academic subject area. We are also involved in conservation of globally threatened species, such as Giant Pangolin, Grenada dove and Hispaniolan Amazon. 

You will be engaged in a peer-based learning environment that includes field and lab work, which will provide insights into key research in wildlife conservation. We will also focus on the development of your professional skills and profile for your future career, and encourage links and networking opportunities with practitioners in the field. 

 


What you’llStudy

You will study a combination of specialisations considered core to wildlife conservation, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical techniques, population and habitat management, and emerging sub-disciplines including wildlife crime, conservation physiology, and conservation genetics. You’ll also develop your skills in field surveying and monitoring on our field course module.

Module content:

1) Genetics as a tool for conservation

2) Genetic markers

3) The use of non-invasive genetic techniques

4) Population-level genetic processes

5) Phylogenetic Comparative Methods

6) Interpreting genetic data to inform management


Module aims:

This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques that are used to inform conservation actions. During the course, learners will be introduced, both theoretically and practically, to the genetic approaches that are currently implemented to inform conservation management actions for species in the wild. The module explores the importance of genetic processes to species survival and how genetic techniques can be used as a tool to answered questions of conservation concern.

Module content:

This module will cover key areas of forensic techniques used in the investigation of wildlife crime, including the following:

  • Introduction to wildlife crime scene methodology and protocol 
  • Roles and responsibilities of personnel in wildlife crime investigations 
  • Forensic evidence retrieval, analysis and evaluation 
  • Wildlife crime law and enforcement agencies 

Module aims:

The module is designed to provide students with:

An Introduction to the methods and procedures used in wildlife crime scene investigation

An appreciation of how wildlife crime law (national & international) is applied 

An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals investigating  wildlife crime cases

An appreciation of health and safety aspects pertaining to the investigation of wildlife crime exhibits

An appreciation of evidence identification, packaging and storage of physical evidence

Practical experience of wildlife crime scene investigation through simulated small group exercises

Enable students to evaluate evidence and use appropriate analytical techniques to extract information pertaining to the investigation

Module content:

1. Introduction to module; 2. Project planning; 3. Literature searching, evaluation and referencing; 4. Identification of ethical issues and application for approval; 5. Quantitative research design; 6. Statistical methods; 7. Preparation for scientific dissemination: Preparing journal articles, scientific posters and oral presentations.


Module aims:

  1. To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically, and in depth, a topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.
  2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge relevant to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.
  3. To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a) scientific paper, in the form of a journal article, b) scientific poster and c) oral presentation.

Module content:


Module aims:

Module content:

This module provides learners with a graduate-level overview of a range of the following:

  1. Planning and designing field research studies
  2. Field identification techniques for vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife
  3. Estimation of wildlife abundance and distribution in the field
  4. Direct and indirect marking techniques for wildlife studies
  5. Sex, age and demographic indicators in wild vertebrates
  6. Risk evaluation and ethics in wildlife research
  7. Recording behavioural data in the field

Module aims:

This module provides students with an overview of standard field techniques in wildlife research. This includes the process of wildlife research planning, study design and field techniques for estimation of abundance, distribution, behaviour and demographic indices. It also provides training in the ethical issues and risk assessment issues associated with wildlife research.

Module content:

Critically assess conservation physiology and the key methodologies employed (across the taxa) with a focus on stress endocrinology, immune function and disease function using in depth knowledge of the primary literature.

Understand the key elements of stress endocrinology, immune function and disease and how these are impacted.

Understand the theoretical and practical underpinnings of enzyme-immunoassays. Carry out an EIA in the laboratory and critically analyse the assay performance and endocrine data yielded.

Discuss the ethical considerations relevant to conservation physiology.


Module aims:

The aim of the module is to give students a critical appreciation of the practice, ethics and underlying science of Conservation Physiology - an newly emerging field. The module will focus on two prominent aspects of this field: endocrinology and immunology.

 

Module content:

  1. Threats to global biodiversity and scientific approaches to conservation
  2. Applied Population Ecology
  3. Landscape Ecology
  4. Wildlife and Habitat Management
  5. Protected area design, monitoring and management
  6. Social and economic aspects of conservation
  7. Conservation planning

Module aims:

This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting edge conservation research and to allow students to build their experience and expertise in subjects and methods used by conservation professionals. During the course, learners will be introduced to a range of ecological approaches that are currently applied to conservation problems. The module explores the importance of landscape patterns of ecological processes as well as cultural, socio-economic and political issues which are an integral part of conservation.

MSc Wildlife Conservation YouTube video

MSc Wildlife Conservation

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Matt Geary

Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology/Animal Behaviour, Programme Leader MRes Biological Sciences
Dr Matt Geary

Chris Davis

Programme Leader BSc Forensic Biology (Single & Combined)
Chris Davis

Prof Tessa Smith

Professor of Biological Sciences
Prof Tessa Smith

Dr Alison Fletcher

Reader Biological Sciences
Dr Alison Fletcher

Kate Peters

Lecturer
A dark grey silhouette on a light grey background

How you'll Learn

Teaching  

Teaching is delivered through Moodle (the University's online platform for teaching); internet discussion boards; and residential school, including lectures, lab sessions, field trips and tutorials. 

Assessment 

Assessment is via lab/essay assignments; critical assessments/reviews; research/funding proposals; multiple-choice quizzes/short answer questions; field reports; individual/group oral presentations; and preparation and presentation of posters. There are no final examinations. 

Beyond the Classroom

This course includes a residential field course where you’ll get to put your field survey, identification and monitoring techniques into practice. 

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

  • Applicants should normally possess an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science (or demonstrate equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. animal behaviour, conservation biology, zoology) including components of experimental design and statistical analysis. Applicants will also have relevant experience in the field.
  • Students with a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in an unrelated area must demonstrate on application that they have equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. wildlife conservation, habitat or protected areas management, or ex-situ conservation. 

We recommend that all applicants: 

  • Nominate two academic referees as part of their application who can provide letters of recommendation which highlight the applicant’s academic achievements, work commitment and relevant experience. 
  • Include in their personal statement and CV details of any relevant extra-curricular training, volunteering and/or relevant work experience they have obtained. This could include working with a local wildlife trust, animal rescue centre or zoo, for example. 
  • A transcript of marks should be presented with the application.

Applicants may be interviewed. 

 

2:1 honours degree

  • Applicants should normally possess an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science (or demonstrate equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. animal behaviour, conservation biology, zoology) including components of experimental design and statistical analysis. Applicants will also have relevant experience in the field. 
  • Students with a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in an unrelated area must demonstrate on application that they have equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. wildlife conservation, habitat or protected areas management, or ex-situ conservation. 

We recommend that all applicants: 

  • Nominate two academic referees as part of their application who can provide letters of recommendation which highlight the applicant’s academic achievements, work commitment and relevant experience. 
  • Include in their personal statement and CV details of any relevant extra-curricular training, volunteering and/or relevant work experience they have obtained. This could include working with a local wildlife trust, animal rescue centre or zoo, for example.  
  • A transcript of marks should be presented with the application.  

Applicants may be interviewed. 

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£12,780 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£17,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

A postgraduate qualification in Wildlife Conservation will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities. The MSc programme can also be an important foundation for continued education and research.  

Examples of employment opportunities include: 

  • Ecologist (e.g., surveying protected species)
  • Conservation practitioner (e.g., for national or international conservation charities or government organisations)
  • Protected area manager (e.g., ranger or biodiversity officer for a local authority)
  • Research scientist (e.g., with universities, laboratories or conservation charities)

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .