Conservation and Biodiversity MSc

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/><strong>Who is this programme for?</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/><strong>Looking ahead to employability</strong><br/>Throughout the programme, you will:<br/><br/><br/>• Gain key skills in the identification of plants and animals<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Gain field skills including surveying, biodiversity monitoring and habitat assessment<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Develop analytical techniques for a diverse range of quantitative data<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Develop your critical interdisciplinary thinking<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Solve problems and make decisions to tackle environmental issues<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Work in groups to develop your teamwork skills<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>What to expect</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/><strong>Three things we’d like you to know</strong><br/>• This is a skills-based Master’s. Graduate with field, lab and IT skills for solving real-world conservation and other environmental issues<br/><br/><br/><br/>• The breadth of expertise in LEC and with our partners allows us to make this Master’s truly interdisciplinary<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Enjoy our privileged location, which makes outdoor learning so enjoyable<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Flexible study options</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.