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Lancaster University: Conservation and Biodiversity
| Institution | Lancaster University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) |
| Web | www.lancaster.ac.uk |
| lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01524 510257 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
The MSc Conservation and Biodiversity will develop you as an environmental science professional with the ability to analyse and address the ecological and conservation challenges facing our planet. Our programme is interdisciplinary – we believe that having the specialist skills to manage habitats and tackle wildlife-human conflict along with a broader understanding of global environmental issues will put you at the forefront of developing successful conservation actions.
The community you will belong to is based in Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), home to a wide range of active, world-leading researchers making a positive impact in this field. This means that what you learn is truly cutting-edge. The MSc blends theory with practical skills so that you will gain a solid foundation in key theoretical issues, such as wildlife population dynamics and conservation biology, and develop essential field skills in species identification and sampling and monitoring of populations, alongside geospatial approaches. These skills are valued by employers in the sector.
Who is this programme for? Those who are passionate about nature and the diversity of life, who want to follow a career developing and implementing approaches for reverting biodiversity loss and promoting a positive human-nature future. You will take the skills gained into the fields of ecology, conservation and environment.
Looking ahead to employability Throughout the programme, you will:
-
Gain key skills in the identification of plants and animals
-
Gain field skills including surveying, biodiversity monitoring and habitat assessment
-
Develop analytical techniques for a diverse range of quantitative data
-
Develop your critical interdisciplinary thinking
-
Solve problems and make decisions to tackle environmental issues
-
Work in groups to develop your teamwork skills
What to expect You will study three core and three optional modules, providing you with a good understanding of the key environmental challenges in the 21st century, their impact on society, and techniques used in seeking solutions. More specifically, you will gain knowledge of the key ecological principles underpinning the conservation of species and habitats and develop field and analytical skills to monitor populations and ecosystems.
Lancaster is well situated for outdoor learning. Surrounded by countryside, and with the Lake District World Heritage Site on our doorstep, you will work on case studies in some of the most interesting and natural areas in the country.
Finally, your dissertation provides the opportunity to develop a research project with an external partner or organisation. This could include consultancies, NGOs and government agencies. It’s an exciting way to apply your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.
Three things we’d like you to know - This is a skills-based Master’s. Graduate with field, lab and IT skills for solving real-world conservation and other environmental issues
-
The breadth of expertise in LEC and with our partners allows us to make this Master’s truly interdisciplinary
-
Enjoy our privileged location, which makes outdoor learning so enjoyable
Flexible study options Study alongside work and other commitments by taking this course on a part-time basis. Running over two years, you take a selection of the modules each year.
We will liaise with you over your choice of optional modules and your schedule, so that you can successfully balance your work and other commitments alongside the Master’s programme.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Water Management or Zoology. We may also consider non-standard applicants with extensive work/volunteering experience or training in the ecology and conservation sector. Research experience via a dissertation on ecology or conservation may also be considered. If you hold a 2:2 degree in a subject not noted above, please contact us for further information. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Summary
The MSc Conservation and Biodiversity will develop you as an environmental science professional with the ability to analyse and address the ecological and conservation challenges facing our planet. Our programme is interdisciplinary – we believe that having the specialist skills to manage habitats and tackle wildlife-human conflict along with a broader understanding of global environmental issues will put you at the forefront of developing successful conservation actions.
The community you will belong to is based in Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), home to a wide range of active, world-leading researchers making a positive impact in this field. This means that what you learn is truly cutting-edge. The MSc blends theory with practical skills so that you will gain a solid foundation in key theoretical issues, such as wildlife population dynamics and conservation biology, and develop essential field skills in species identification and sampling and monitoring of populations, alongside geospatial approaches. These skills are valued by employers in the sector.
Who is this programme for? Those who are passionate about nature and the diversity of life, who want to follow a career developing and implementing approaches for reverting biodiversity loss and promoting a positive human-nature future. You will take the skills gained into the fields of ecology, conservation and environment.
Looking ahead to employability Throughout the programme, you will:
-
Gain key skills in the identification of plants and animals
-
Gain field skills including surveying, biodiversity monitoring and habitat assessment
-
Develop analytical techniques for a diverse range of quantitative data
-
Develop your critical interdisciplinary thinking
-
Solve problems and make decisions to tackle environmental issues
-
Work in groups to develop your teamwork skills
What to expect You will study three core and three optional modules, providing you with a good understanding of the key environmental challenges in the 21st century, their impact on society, and techniques used in seeking solutions. More specifically, you will gain knowledge of the key ecological principles underpinning the conservation of species and habitats and develop field and analytical skills to monitor populations and ecosystems.
Lancaster is well situated for outdoor learning. Surrounded by countryside, and with the Lake District World Heritage Site on our doorstep, you will work on case studies in some of the most interesting and natural areas in the country.
Finally, your dissertation provides the opportunity to develop a research project with an external partner or organisation. This could include consultancies, NGOs and government agencies. It’s an exciting way to apply your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.
Three things we’d like you to know - This is a skills-based Master’s. Graduate with field, lab and IT skills for solving real-world conservation and other environmental issues
-
The breadth of expertise in LEC and with our partners allows us to make this Master’s truly interdisciplinary
-
Enjoy our privileged location, which makes outdoor learning so enjoyable
Flexible study options Study alongside work and other commitments by taking this course on a part-time basis. Running over two years, you take a selection of the modules each year.
We will liaise with you over your choice of optional modules and your schedule, so that you can successfully balance your work and other commitments alongside the Master’s programme.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Water Management or Zoology. We may also consider non-standard applicants with extensive work/volunteering experience or training in the ecology and conservation sector. Research experience via a dissertation on ecology or conservation may also be considered. If you hold a 2:2 degree in a subject not noted above, please contact us for further information. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Summary
Our Conservation and Biodiversity master's offers great flexibility, with a wide choice of topics from across disciplines, enabling you to construct a programme that suits your individual interests and career ambitions in this increasingly important field.
You will have the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the key theoretical issues, such as wildlife population dynamics and conservation biology, and learn how these are applied to real-world problems, such as managing habitats or dealing with wildlife-human conflicts. Additionally, you will gain and develop the key skills that are valued by employers, such as field skills on species identification, sampling and monitoring, and more generic skills in problem solving, report writing, data analysis and presentation.
You will complete six taught modules delivered by world-leading researchers from our three internationally-renowned partner organisations: Lancaster Environment Centre, Rothamsted Research and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. This gives you the opportunity to interact with a wide range of expert specialists, including conservation biologists, terrestrial, marine and lake ecologists, food security biologists, and earth observation geographers.
Several modules include field trips to the beautiful and topographically varied countryside around Lancaster, and beyond. If you want to travel further afield, we have research projects and partners across the globe that provide exiting opportunities when it comes to selecting your dissertation project.
This project forms a substantial part of your master's degree. It will enhance your practical and analytical skills and give you the opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world challenge. This may involve doing a project with a government agency or conservation organisation through our award winning Centre for Global Eco-innovation, which uses our excellent links with the environmental and conservation sectors. Examples of previous dissertation projects are: - Effectiveness of habitat management for fritillary butterflies (with Butterfly Conservation)
-
Impact of tourist disturbance on breeding seabirds on the Isle of May (with CEH)
-
Predation impacts on breeding success of black-tailed godwits (with RSPB)
-
Habitat selection by sand lizards in coastal dunes
-
Impact of urbanization on blue tit song behaviour
-
Biodiversity in reed fringes on Lake Windermere (with Freshwater Biological Association)
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Water Management, Zoology etc. We may also consider non-standard applicants with a 2:2 degree in a related subject area, alongside extensive work/volunteering experience or training in the ecology and conservation sector. Research experience via a dissertation on ecology or conservation may also be considered. If you hold a 2:1 degree in a subject not noted above, please contact us for further information. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Summary
Our Conservation and Biodiversity master's offers great flexibility, with a wide choice of topics from across disciplines, enabling you to construct a programme that suits your individual interests and career ambitions in this increasingly important field.
You will have the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the key theoretical issues, such as wildlife population dynamics and conservation biology, and learn how these are applied to real-world problems, such as managing habitats or dealing with wildlife-human conflicts. Additionally, you will gain and develop the key skills that are valued by employers, such as field skills on species identification, sampling and monitoring, and more generic skills in problem solving, report writing, data analysis and presentation.
You will complete six taught modules delivered by world-leading researchers from our three internationally-renowned partner organisations: Lancaster Environment Centre, Rothamsted Research and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. This gives you the opportunity to interact with a wide range of expert specialists, including conservation biologists, terrestrial, marine and lake ecologists, food security biologists, and earth observation geographers.
Several modules include field trips to the beautiful and topographically varied countryside around Lancaster, and beyond. If you want to travel further afield, we have research projects and partners across the globe that provide exiting opportunities when it comes to selecting your dissertation project.
This project forms a substantial part of your master's degree. It will enhance your practical and analytical skills and give you the opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world challenge. This may involve doing a project with a government agency or conservation organisation through our award winning Centre for Global Eco-innovation, which uses our excellent links with the environmental and conservation sectors. Examples of previous dissertation projects are: - Effectiveness of habitat management for fritillary butterflies (with Butterfly Conservation)
-
Impact of tourist disturbance on breeding seabirds on the Isle of May (with CEH)
-
Predation impacts on breeding success of black-tailed godwits (with RSPB)
-
Habitat selection by sand lizards in coastal dunes
-
Impact of urbanization on blue tit song behaviour
-
Biodiversity in reed fringes on Lake Windermere (with Freshwater Biological Association)
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Water Management, Zoology etc. We may also consider non-standard applicants with a 2:2 degree in a related subject area, alongside extensive work/volunteering experience or training in the ecology and conservation sector. Research experience via a dissertation on ecology or conservation may also be considered. If you hold a 2:1 degree in a subject not noted above, please contact us for further information. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Lancaster University is home to a dynamic postgraduate community and offers a wealth of both taught and research study options across a wide range of subject areas. Studying at Lancaster is all about broadening your horizons, finding new perspectives and discovering new experiences. By living and studying with students and staff from over 130 countries students join a global community and have the opportunity to make international connections.
We are proud to be highly ranked in three major UK league tables. We’ve also been awarded 5 Stars for overall performance in the globally renowned QS World Ratings. The …
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