MSc in Conservation Ecology Oxford Brookes University

Our MSc in Conservation Ecology course develops the professional and field skills, including identification and survey techniques required for effective conservation. It will familiarise you with the key ecological concepts underlying evidence-based conservation.

You will produce professional reports and assessments. And undertake to monitor species and communities. You will also gain essential skills for conservation practitioners, for example:

• knowledge of international and national wildlife legislation
• planning law and environmental policy
• IT competencies, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• an understanding of the ecological requirements of different species and the implications of environmental change
• an ability to statistically interpret field data.

The course has two pathways:

• conservation within the UK/EU
• conservation at the international level.

Learning and assessment

The course is organised on a module-credit basis. Each 20 M-level credit module represents about 200 hours of student input. And about 36 hours of staff contact, usually through three-hour teaching blocks over the two 12-week semesters.

Early in Semester 1, you will plan your research project. You will work with your tutor to design a project that best suits your interests and needs. We encourage working with external research organisations and conservation practitioners.

For an MSc you need 180 level 7 credits - you must complete all the course modules including the research project.

We also offer the course on a part-time basis. We encourage applications from professionals in conservation organisations and environmental consultancies who wish to upgrade their qualifications.

Study modules

EU/UK Conservation pathway

Compulsory modules

• Taxonomy and Identification (20 credits)
  This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.
• Ecology for Conservation (20 credits)
  This module introduces appropriate theory and methods together with an examination of areas of controversy and best practices for habitat and species conservation and monitoring.
• Ecosystem Degradation and Management (20 credits)
  This module considers the nature and extent of ecosystem degradation resulting from human activities and the methods for conserving and restoring degraded ecosystems.
• Career Development and Research Skills (20 credits)
  This module looks at the practical aspects of scientific work, such as designing and analysing experiments and presenting proposals for research and results to prospective employers.

Optional modules

• GIS and Environmental Modelling (20 credits)
  This module looks at the practical application of GIS and other computer-based techniques and models as tools to assist in environmental decision making.
• Procedures and Methods of EIA (20 credits)
  In this module, you will examine the procedures and methods of environmental impact assessments.
• Molecular Biology (20 credits)
  This module introduces core practical skills within molecular biology, to give a firm grounding in the practical aspects of molecular biology that can be applied to problems in conservation biology.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (20 credits)
  This module introduces the methods and practices of biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales and examines the essential role the components of biodiversity have in providing services for humankind.

International pathway

Compulsory modules

• Ecology for Conservation (20 credits)
  This module introduces appropriate theory and methods together with an examination of areas of controversy and best practices for habitat and species conservation and monitoring.
• International Legislation, Humans and Wildlife (20 credits)
  This module examines the role of international legislation in wildlife conservation and trade, and standard methods for assessing the status of species and habitats, together with a consideration of the role of human-wildlife conflicts in conservation.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (20 credits)
  This module introduces the methods and practices of biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales and examines the essential role the components of biodiversity have in providing services for humankind.
• Career Development and Research Skills (20 credits)
  This module looks at the practical aspects of scientific work, such as designing and analysing experiments and presenting proposals for research and results to prospective employers.

Optional modules

• Taxonomy and Identification (20 credits)
  This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.
• GIS and Environmental Modelling (20 credits)
  This module looks at the practical application of GIS and other computer-based techniques and models as tools to assist in environmental decision making.
• Genetic and Population Management (20 credits)
  This module leads to an advanced understanding of the genetic and demographic management of both small captive populations and those that have become isolated in the wild. Principles of molecular and population genetics are placed in a practical context, and the skills of DNA sequencing and the use of micro-satellites and random sequencing techniques to assess genetic relationships are developed.
• Conservation Education (20 credits)
  This module provides the knowledge base required for effective conservation action is reviewed. This module centres on practical ways of conveying information about environmental decline and how public understanding is essential for effective conservation.

Placement

• Work placement and professional recognition
  We encourage you to conduct your research project with conservation organisations or with one of our research groups. We have good links with a range of national and local conservation organisations and ecological consultancies. On successful completion of this MSc, you will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. With an additional two years' work experience, you will be eligible to apply for associate membership.

Final project

• Research Project (60 credits)
  This module is required for the MSc. It involves an individual research study on a selected topic in Conservation Ecology.

Learning and teaching

You will be taught with a variety of methods, including:

• field visits and exercises
• lectures
• directed reading
• workshops
• seminars
• practical exercises
• laboratory sessions
• project work.

Teaching focuses on current issues in conservation associated with:

• environmental change
• species identification
• survey techniques
• the key theoretical underpinning of conservation ecology
• national and international wildlife legislation
• GIS
• human-wildlife conflicts
• biodiversity assessment
• environmental impact assessment.

Graduates of this course gain employment primarily with environmental consultancies or agencies, conservation organisations and charities, or continue academic research as PhD students. Some of our past students are currently working for:

• environmental consultants
• the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• the Environment Agency
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Natural England
• conservation organisations overseas.