Postgraduate MSc
Conservation Science
Collaborate with world-leading conservation scientists and gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in conservation.
Collaborate with world-leading conservation scientists and gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in conservation.
Develop interdisciplinary solutions needed to tackle the global biodiversity crisis. Understand the issues we face when conserving natural habitats and ecosystems upon which human communities depend. Become a member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), which in 2019 received the highly prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its world-leading research and training in conservation science. On our MSc programme, which is delivered by DICE staff, you will collaborate with world-leading conservation scientists and gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in conservation.
You will gain an interdisciplinary perspective on conservation issues, drawing on over 30 years of DICE expertise on what it takes for effective conservation management. You will receive state-of-the-art training across the full breadth of conservation disciplines, learning the approaches needed where local communities also rely on natural resource use, as well as the skills needed to restore threatened species and habitats. You will gain practical and methodological tools you will need to achieve success as a conservation scientist who can operate across the natural and social sciences.
Our Conservation Science MSc course reflects your interests, with the option to take our 'Conservation Biology' pathway depending on the modules you take - meaning your Master's will represent your interests and specialism.
DICE is Britain’s leading research centre dedicated to conserving biodiversity and the ecological processes that support ecosystems and people. It pursues innovative and cutting-edge research to develop the knowledge that underpins conservation, and sets itself apart from more traditionally-minded academic institutions with its clear aims to:
Our staff have outstanding international research profiles, yet integrate this with considerable on-the-ground experience working with conservation agencies around the world. This combination of expertise ensures that our MSc programme delivers the skills and knowledge that are essential components of conservation science and practice.
Conduct fieldwork anywhere in the world or use outstanding facilities on-campus for your research project, including modern laboratories.
DICE is committed to high-quality, practical, applied conservation research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), we ranked 1st in the UK for our publications in the Geography & Environmental Studies panel and came 14th overall.
You could join a residential field course based at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey. Exploring cutting-edge population recovery techniques.
You’ll have an opportunity to focus your research project on one of DICE’s many long-term research programmes in the UK or overseas.
Join a postgraduate learning environment that spans conservation, geography and anthropology. Breaking down the barriers between natural and social sciences.
DICE is committed to high-quality, practical, applied conservation research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), we ranked 1st in the UK for our publications in the Geography & Environmental Studies panel and came 14th overall.
As part of your application to study at Kent, you will need to submit a portfolio. See further guidance regarding portfolio requirements.
A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject; a good honours degree in other subjects together with relevant practical experience. In exceptional circumstances we admit applicants without a first degree if their professional career and experience shows academic achievement of a high enough standard.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
You will initially join our MSc programme in Conservation Science, however you can specialise your degree to graduate with an MSc in Conservation Biology if you chose to take the module SACO7011 (‘Integrated Species Conservation and population Viability’) and focus your research project on a topic relevant to this pathway. Alternatively, if you prefer a broader focus for your research project and wish to choose different modules then you can graduate with an MSc Conservation Science. During the Autumn and Spring everyone completes six taught modules (three compulsory, and three from a selection of options; plus a skills module to prepare you as a research scientist), and then you complete your research project during the summer. See the modules you'll study:
Compulsory Modules:
Plus the following non-contributory compulsory module
Compulsory modules:
To graduate with the MSc in conservation biology, you must take the following module at stage 1:
In stage 2 you must also complete the following module:
Optional Modules
Students must select their remaining credits at Level 7 from the below list of optional modules to total their course at 180 credits.
This module covers a diversity of methods and design issues that inform social science allied research. The aim of this module is to ensure competency in the main social science research approaches, methods and survey instruments so that students can reflect critically on how different methods are implemented within a range of interdisciplinary contexts. The module will begin with a broad overview of social science approaches to research, highlighting contrasts between realist, critical realist and constructionist philosophies, differences with standard natural science techniques, ethics, and the qualitative-quantitative divide. Subsequent sessions will introduce individual methods such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, questionnaire surveys, focus groups, collection of life histories and narrative material. Topics will also include processing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. Specific training in the design and use of a range of research instruments will be provided. Towards the end of the module, we will examine the principles of integrated research design and mixed-methods approaches. The approaches covered within this module will feed directly into preparation and implementation of social science methods for research dissertation projects.
This module will introduce students to research and survey design, and hypothesis testing, drawing upon different scientific approaches. The principles of experimental design and how these can be applied to field projects will be explained, together with the nature of both quantitative and qualitative data. An introduction to sampling strategies and the role of probability in inferential statistics will lead into the role of descriptive statistics and measures of variability in data exploration. This will be complemented by consideration of the application of both parametric and nonparametric statistics in data analysis (t-tests, ANOVA, regression, correlation, their nonparametric equivalents), including multivariate tests. The rules underlying the appropriate presentation of statistical data in research reports will be discussed. Upon completion students will understand the principle quantitative analytical approaches to research, and the best ways of presenting results.
This module is designed to provide students from a diverse range of disciplinary backgrounds with a broad overview of different natural and social science approaches to conservation. It will introduce students to the fundamental concepts that underpin biodiversity management, as well as facilitating the development of professional skills that will enable them to work successfully with individuals/organisations operating across the environmental and conservation sectors. It will be taught through a series of lectures, seminars and a residential fieldtrip by a range of lecturers and practitioners with expertise in specific topics of high conservation relevance. The focus will be on understanding how different disciplinary perspectives can contribute to problem-solving in practice.
To provide students with an understanding of academic research and an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigation, research and practice within a subject specific area of their course route. This module will prepare students to undertake the dissertation module in Stage 2 of their course.
Tackling conservation problems at the species level of organisation is both attractive and popular. In order to achieve this, it is important to understand how 'species' are defined and how they have evolved and gone extinct over evolutionary time scales. Certain species may be used to provide political or financial leverage in conservation programmes, while others may play fundamental roles in whole ecosystem restoration. Assigning priorities in species conservation is essential to the planning process when resources are in short supply, and various quantitative and qualitative methods of achieving this will be presented, including the IUCN Red List system. A variety of protocols for captive breeding, health monitoring, translocation and reintroduction are applied in species conservation. Coverage of these topics will lead into an appraisal of the role of conservation genetics in species conservation planning, and how genetic and population parameters can be used to build predictive models of extinction risk. These topics will also be considered alongside established evolutionary theory that underpins population biology. Associated topics will include population assessment, evolutionary phylogenetic diversity and the population genetic mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift and inbreeding, together with an understanding of molecular genetic techniques and how to interpret genetic data. The module will also draw together these various approaches by appraising the structure, function and implementation of conservation programmes and the role of organisations such as NGOs and zoos.
Tackling conservation problems at the species level of organisation is both attractive and popular. In order to achieve this, it is important to understand how 'species' are defined and how they have evolved and gone extinct over evolutionary time scales. Certain species may be used to provide political or financial leverage in conservation programmes, while others may play fundamental roles in whole ecosystem restoration. Assigning priorities in species conservation is essential to the planning process when resources are in short supply, and various quantitative and qualitative methods of achieving this will be presented, including the IUCN Red List system. A variety of protocols for captive breeding, health monitoring, translocation and reintroduction are applied in species conservation. Coverage of these topics will lead into an appraisal of the role of conservation genetics in species conservation planning, and how genetic and population parameters can be used to build predictive models of extinction risk. These topics will also be considered alongside established evolutionary theory that underpins population biology. Associated topics will include population assessment, evolutionary phylogenetic diversity and the population genetic mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift and inbreeding, together with an understanding of molecular genetic techniques and how to interpret genetic data. The module will also draw together these various approaches by appraising the structure, function and implementation of conservation programmes and the role of organisations such as NGOs and zoos.
Wildlife trade and use contributes on the one hand to peoples' livelihoods but on the other may threaten species. Management of such trade relies on a number of multilateral agreements such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Such management requires an appropriate policy, legislative, management and scientific framework for its successful implementation at national and international levels. This module will provide students with an understanding of the wildlife trade, both legal and illegal, and guide them through the workings of CITES and its implications. This module is relevant to students interested in a career in wildlife trade at all levels from sustainable development to illegal trade as well as those interested in a career where wildlife trade or multidisciplinary perspectives are a consideration.
This module explores the relationship between conservation and community within the context of human wellbeing and development. It considers the role conservation agendas play in the development of rural communities and how rural development processes might, in turn, underpin conservation goals. Some of the principal issues to be covered include: the changing status and role of local communities in conservation agendas; the changing idea of 'development' and its implications for community-based conservation; the linkages between conservation and ideas of poverty alleviation, rural livelihoods, and human wellbeing; and integrating conservation and development goals into the management of protected areas. The module places these concerns in theoretical and applied contexts and draws examples from a range of geographical and cultural settings. Through its field component, the module offers students an opportunity to learn first-hand from conservation practitioners, local businesses, and other stakeholders about practical aspects of rural development and biodiversity conservation. Students will become familiar with practical tools for successful management of conservation embedded in local communities, and will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of conservation in a rural development context. Furthermore, the assessments provide students with an opportunity to develop and practice the social science research skills required to effectively manage conservation projects in a manner sympathetic to livelihoods and rural development objectives.
The success of conservation projects at the species or ecosystem level is determined by the ability of those in charge to manage the teams and the individuals involved in delivering outputs. The failure of conservation projects worldwide to deliver pre-determined successes is in part due to the absence of sufficient people with these skill sets. We need to match the desire for scientific understanding about biodiversity with an appreciation of the social skills required to manage and lead conservation programmes if we are to make more efficient and effective use of the limited resources at our disposal. In this module students will begin by reflecting on the qualities required within a leader and how a leader's management style can impact on others within an organisation. Students will consider the extent to which we can apply management theory to the practice of endangered species and habitat recovery and the people involved in making it happen. They will go on to consider different approaches to managing conflict within teams and balancing organisational and individual expectations and motivations. By drawing on examples from both the business world and conservation community students will consider different models for developing and managing teams and consider how to optimise performance within an organisation.
Effective biodiversity conservation relies on a critical understanding of the linkages between the social, economic and ecological systems. In this module students will be introduced to key economic theories and concepts and how they relate to environmental and conservation issues. Using problem-based learning approach, we will explore the economic causes of conservation conflicts and biodiversity loss, and apply a whole systems approach to identify possible solutions. The design of this module along the principles of problem-based active learning means that a high level of student preparation and engagement is expected throughout the course. This module does not require previous training in economics.
This module introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and considers its application across a range of disciplines. Through a combination of lectures and computer practicals, this module provides a theoretical background and practical application of skills in collection, management, visualisation, analysis and interpretation of spatial data.
GIS are increasingly being used in many different disciplines (e.g., Geography, Environmental studies, Conservation, Politics, International relations, Psychology, Economics, Business, Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociology, Urban Studies, Architecture, Engineering Sciences), to help solve a wide range of "real world" environmental, economic and social problems. Examples of GIS applications to solve environmental problems include analysis of land-use and landcover changes, monitoring spatial patterns of species distributions and population dynamics, conservation planning, climate change, hydrological modelling, natural resource management). GIS can also help to map and analyse economic data with a spatial component and to assist agricultural, environmental and resource economists to consider spatial complexities within their analyses. Applications of GIS in social sciences include, public health, criminology, education, poverty/income inequalities, geopolitics, conflict analysis, voting patterns and behaviours, urban and rural planning, transport planning, emergency planning, real-estate, retail analysis, history, geo-demographics, data-driven public policy). As research and practice moves towards the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of large datasets with explicit geographic reference, employers increasingly require GIS skills to handle spatial data. This module provides enhanced employability skills relevant to research and commercial needs.
Indicative topics:
• Introduction to the fundamental principles of GIS
• Introduction to remote sensing (i.e. use of air-photos and satellite images to generate maps)
• Principles of cartography, coordinate systems and projections
• Data sources and methods of data acquisition
• Types of spatial data, working with raster and vector data
• Mapping (how to create and transform maps),
• Elementary database management and spatial query
• Overview of a GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS Pro)
• GIS operations (e.g. Calculating area, Intersection of polygons, buffers, digitising etc.)
• Spatial analysis in GIS
The module is designed for beginner students who do not have any previous knowledge of geography, mapping or spatial analysis and it does not require mathematical or statistical skills.
The research project represents a piece of independent research carried out by the student which is written up as a research paper. A project supervisor is allocated to each student. The programme of research may consist of a literature review, analysis of existing data sets, analysis of newly-collected field or laboratory data, or a combination of these approaches. The topic of the paper must be directly relevant to the student's pathway within the MSc. in Conservation course to be eligible for the named pathway MSc.
Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
You will initially join our MSc programme in Conservation Science, however you can specialise your degree to graduate with an MSc in Conservation Biology if you chose to take the module SACO7011 (‘Integrated Species Conservation and population Viability’) and focus your research project on a topic relevant to this pathway. Alternatively, if you prefer a broader focus for your research project and wish to choose different modules then you can graduate with an MSc Conservation Science. During the Autumn and Spring everyone completes six taught modules (three compulsory, and three from a selection of options; plus a skills module to prepare you as a research scientist), and then you complete your research project during the summer. See the modules you'll study
Assessment is carried out primarily through coursework with written examinations for some modules. The research dissertation is written up in the format of a paper for publication.
This programme aims to:
You will gain knowledge and understanding of:
You develop intellectual skills in:
You gain subject-specific skills in:
You will gain the following transferable skills:
The School of Anthropology and Conservation, provides a rich postgraduate learning environment that spans conservation, geography and anthropology, and perfectly reflects the DICE mission of focusing on applied conservation that breaks down the barriers between the natural and social sciences.
The School has a lively postgraduate community drawn together not only by shared resources such as postgraduate rooms, computer facilities (with a dedicated IT officer) and laboratories, but also by student-led events, societies, staff/postgraduate seminars, weekly research student seminars and a number of special lectures.
The School houses well-equipped research laboratories for genetics, ecology, visual anthropology, virtual paleoanthropology, Animal Postcranial Evolution, biological anthropology, anthropological computing, botany, osteology and ethnobiology. In addition to various long-term study sites around the world we maintain an ecology field trials area and a field laboratory on the University campus.
The DICE postgraduate student body is global. Since 1991, there have been over 500 taught MSc graduates from 75 countries, most of whom now have successful full-time conservation careers. The PhD research degree programme has produced over 90 graduates from 27 different countries. Several graduates have gone on to win prestigious international prizes for their outstanding conservation achievements.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
As a School we engage with local, national and international partners to produce high-quality research that has a positive impact in the wider community. By combining laboratory research with fieldwork, academic staff and students are able to monitor and survey in depth a variety of topics, ranging from ethnographic studies to forensic bioarchaeology, species conservation and land-use changes.
The main tenet that underpins our work is that it is genuinely applied, with the explicit aim of either improving conservation practice (both in-situ and ex-situ) or informing policy development, both nationally and internationally. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with individuals and organisations including government agencies, not-for-profits, private landowners and corporations from around the world, in addition to more traditional partnerships with academics at other universities and research institutes.
The scope of work conducted in the conservation biology theme is diverse, spanning multiple levels of biological organisation, from molecular/evolutionary genetics through to ecosystems, and a wide array of taxonomic groups (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, orchids). Primarily, there are four key accordant areas of expertise. The first is spatial/landscape conservation and ecology, with particular emphasis on protected area network design via systematic conservation planning techniques, as well as the use of novel methods to explore the impacts of environmental change (e.g. habitat fragmentation and degradation, climate warming, urbanisation) on populations and assemblages. The second focuses on analysing extinction risk across a continuum ranging from individual species up to global macroecological patterns. Third, much of the long-standing research in DICE is concentrated on monitoring population dynamics and examining trends in the genetic diversity of threatened species, contributing directly to the success of a whole host of conservation programmes over the years. Finally, we study human-wildlife conflict/interactions (e.g. resource competition, disease transmission, development mitigation, wildlife gardening) from a natural sciences perspective, complementing concurrent social science research or contributing to knowledge within an interdisciplinary framework.
The conservation biology research area is linked to the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology and the Living Primates Research Group.
Global opportunities.
Since graduating from DICEs MSc programme in 2020 I have been lucky enough to conduct research for organisations all over the world.
Fast-track your career.
DICE's diverse course and collaborations with leaders in the conservation sector led me to a career as a wildlife trade specialist immediately after graduation.
Expanding your network.
My time at DICE has also opened up many future opportunities, including networking with peers and experts in the field and becoming part of a global community of DICE alumni.
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
The School has a very good record for postgraduate employment and academic continuation. DICE programmes combine academic theory with practical field experience to develop graduates who are highly employable within government, NGOs and the private sector.
Our alumni progress into a wide range of organisations across the world. Examples include:
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
Accommodation
