At its core, the MSc in Primate Conservation and Behaviour provides you with a forum for understanding not only the behaviour of NHPs (non-human primates), but also the current issues and hot topics in NHPs conservation and management. You become familiar with a range of methodologies employed in the study of the behavioural ecology of NHPs and in the survey and monitoring of NHP populations.

An additional suite of modules offered within DICE, including topics concerned with social science approaches to conservation, GIS skills and protected areas management, further equip you with a rich and diverse toolkit and theory-base to pursue future research and/or a career in primate conservation.

This programme offers collaborations with international NGOs around the world from the neotropics to Africa and Southeast Asia, with zoological institutions across Europe(eg Howletts and Port Lympne Animal Parks, Kent) and primate sanctuaries across Africa.

The nine MSc programmes offered by DICE follow a common pattern, with six months of coursework and five months on a research project. All students follow a common core programme in the first term before specialising. Within each of the programmes, there are optional modules that allow you the flexibility to devise a pathway that suits your specific interests and contains an appropriate balance between natural and social sciences. Please visit our website for new programmes that may be under development that further integrate conservation and management: www.kent.ac.uk/sac In exceptional circumstances, DICE admits applicants without a first degree if their professional career and experience shows academic achievement of a high enough standard.

Course content

Common core modules for all MSc courses

• Research Methods for Natural Sciences
• Research Methods for Social Sciences
• Dissertation project(conservation).
• Optional modules include: Advanced Topics in Ecology; Biodiversity Preservation in International Law and Policy; Business Principles for Biodiversity Conservation; Conservation and Community Development; Ecology of Plant Conservation; Ecotourism and Rural Development Field Course; Foundations of Natural Science for Conservation; International Wildlife Trade; Leadership Skills for Conservation Managers; Managing Protected Areas; Population and Evolutionary Biology; Principles and Practice of Ecotourism; Seed Conservation for Restoration; Social Science Perspectives on Conservation; Species Conservation and Management.

You take the common modules and optional modules as listed above plus:

• Current Issues in Primate Welfare and Conservation
• Primate Behaviour and Ecology

You may also take an appropriate module from outside DICE subject to approval; modules on offer may vary from year to year and depend on the programme of study.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out primarily through continuous assessment of coursework with written examinations in some topics. The research dissertation is written up in the format of a paper for publication.

T: +44 (0)1227 827272
E: information@kent.ac.uk

Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology,
School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK
T: +44 (0)1227 827928
F: +44 (0)1227 827289
E: sacoffice@kent.ac.uk

Before applying, please read our ‘How to apply’ section.

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• MSc

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