University of Kent

The leading undergraduate course in Biodiversity Conservation in the UK

The world is currently facing a great conservation crisis. Animals and plants face extinction through habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, overpopulation and the threat of global climate change. And yet we now know that wildlife and biodiversity are vital for human survival. So, if you want to make a difference and help to save the world’s biodiversity and wildlife species, our degree programme can show you how. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose DICE.

Internationally recognised department

Studying at Kent gives you the chance to graduate from an institution which is highly regarded around the world. DICE has an international reputation for wildlife conservation, and is part of the School of Anthropology and Conservation, which is a leading centre for research into ethnobiology and human ecology.

Cutting edge research

DICE was Britain’s first research and training centre dedicated to the international conservation of biodiversity, natural ecosystems and wildlife species. It has projects running in a number of countries worldwide, and provides first-hand experience from world experts in Africa, Asia and South America. Projects include the effects of global climate changes on amphibian assemblages, the impact of tourism on national parks and the conservation of the black rhino.

For these reasons, DICE has an international reputation for research and practical work within the field. For instance, Dr Rick Bodmer who heads the student trips to Peru won the Presidential Award from the Chicago Zoological Society in 2003 for his work on the conservation of wildlife in the Amazon.

Study in the Amazon

As part of our programmes, you now have the option to conduct a research project in the pristine Peruvian Amazon and gain practical skills in one of the earth’s most biodiverse regions. This is a rare chance to study in a tropical forest which has the greatest mammalian diversity on earth – an amazing variety of fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and more tree species than anywhere on the planet. You can work with conservation projects that are saving wildlife and biodiversity and with the local peoples in community-based conservation.

Interdisciplinary approach

Wildlife and biodiversity conservation are no longer just biological concepts; they are also social and political concepts. What is distinctive about both of our programmes is that you study the social sciences as well as the natural sciences. This helps you to understand the needs of human populations and teaches you how to get your message across. You also have the opportunity to specialise in particular areas of interest and to conduct your own research project.

Vital conservation skills

It is incredibly important that the world has professionals qualified to understand and manage wildlife and biodiversity in a sustainable way – people who know about ecology, wildlife biology, social and economic concerns, environmental skills and legislation. Our programmes equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the growing needs of government and non-government organisations to manage wildlife and biodiversity on the planet. You can work with conservation projects that are saving wildlife and biodiversity and with the local peoples in community-based conservation.