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University of Glasgow: Conservation Management of African Ecosystems
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| mvls-cmae@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0141 330 4515 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
A unique multidisciplinary programme that equips the next generation of conservation scientists and managers with foundational knowledge in data science, conservation ecology, and perspectives on conservation, poverty and development within African settings and beyond. The programme draws on the strength of existing research networks in African conservation research at the University of Glasgow. Students formalise their training through an independent thesis project that addresses a conservation management problem of the students’ choice in Africa, or elsewhere.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
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Gain insight into state-of-the-art research on biodiversity, the principles of conservation management, protected area management, and the human dimensions of conservation.
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Learn skills in the data science, spatial analysis, GIS, statistical programming, economic tools for conservation, conservation genetics and the epidemiology of diseases that threaten endangered species.
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Develop competency in technical scientific skills (study design, statistics, data processing, wildlife telemetry, machine learning) and soft decision-making skills (scientific writing and communication) to enable independent research that generates high-quality outputs, and that communicates impactful messages to a broader range of audiences (e.g. for government policy making and public outreach).
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Opportunities exist for in-depth study of a specific conservation management issue through a research project involving critical evaluation of the literature, collection and/or analysis of data, and interpretation of results in the context of conservation.
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Wide range of experience, expertise and long-term cooperation with partners in East Africa offering students the opportunity to benefit from well-established teaching and support at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow, and combining that with research work in one of the major conservation areas of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and elsewhere.
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Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme consists of five core courses which set a solid foundation in key research skills and spatial ecology in term 1.
The term 2 emphasis is on conservation management, including human dimensions of conservation, management of protected areas and conservation ecology.
There are a number of optional courses in term 2 which can be selected from a wide portfolio at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine.
The taught programme is followed by a research project on a relevant topic selected by the student in consultation with staff at the School and will build on our strong links in Africa, in particular with Tanzania.
A total of 180 credits are required, with 30 flexible credits in the second term.
See the accompanying detailed course descriptions found in the core and optional course links below.
Tanzanian students supported through Karimjee Conservation Scholarships (see below under ‘How to apply’) will undertake a second year of field-based training in Tanzania.
Term 1: Core Courses Fundamentals of programming and data generating processes Key Research Skills
Term 2: Core Courses Conservation in Practice Principles of Conservation Ecology
Term 2: Optional Courses Animal Identification Biodiversity Informatics Care & Enrichment of Captive Animals Conservation Genetics Principles of Conservation Ecology Economic tools for conservation Geographic Information Systems for Ecologists Infectious Disease Ecology and the Dynamics of Emerging Disease
Term 3: Core courses MSc CMAE Research Project
See the course page on our website for more information and examples of research projects undertaken by past students.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Life Science, Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental and/or Geographical Sciences, Marine Science, Ecology, Biodiversity, Astrophysics, Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Tourism. Applicants must provide a personal statement and CV which evidences interest and involvement in conservation/ecology. Applicants must have some level of mathematical or statistical understanding. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
The Conservation Management of African Ecosystems programme is a multidisciplinary programme aimed at students wishing to develop a career in conservation management in universities, government departments, parastatal conservation organisations, NGOs and other organisations.
This training aims to support the development of national conservation research and policy that is knowledge-based and built on cutting-edge methods and analysis. The programme has the option of working closely with our African partners, in particular the Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
-Gain insight into the principles of conservation management, biodiversity measurement, applied ecology, the TOP 100 UNIVERSITYhuman dimension of conservation
-Learn skills in the application of economic tools for conservation, conservation genetics and the epidemiology of diseases that threaten endangered species.
-Develop competence in study design, data analysis, scientific writing and communication skills in a quantitative and scientific context to enable independent research and publication of high quality outputs, as well as communicating to a broader range of audiences (e.g. for government policy making and public outreach).
-Experience training in a range of specialised skills, techniques, practices and analyses required for state-of-the-art research and management in conservation biology.
-Opportunities exist for in-depth study of a specific conservation management issue through a research project involving critical evaluation of the literature, collection and/or analysis of data, and interpretation of results in the context of conservation.
-Wide range of experience, expertise and long-term cooperation with partners in northern Tanzania offering students the opportunity to benefit from well-established teaching and support at the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow, and combining that with research work in one of the major conservation areas of Tanzania.
Main Campus Location
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme consists of five core courses which set a solid foundation in key research skills and spatial ecology in term 1.
The term 2 emphasis is on conservation management, including human dimensions of conservation, management of protected areas and conservation ecology. There are a number of optional courses in term 2 which can be selected from a wide portfolio at IBAHCM.
The taught programme is followed by a research project on a relevant topic selected by the student in consultation with staff at the Institute and will build on our strong links in Africa, in particular with Tanzania.
A total of 180 credits are required, with 30 flexible credits in the second term. See the accompanying detailed course descriptions found in the core and optional course links below.
Tanzanian students supported through Karimjee Conservation Scholarships will undertake a second year of field-based training in Tanzania based at NM‑AIST as part of the Karimjee Conservation Scholarship programme.
Term 1: Core Courses KEY RESEARCH SKILLS PROGRAMMING IN R
Term 2: Core Courses HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION ECOLOGY PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT
Term 2: Optional Courses See course page.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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