Animal

MSc Conservation Education and Engagement

This MSc Conservation Education and Engagement provides educators, communicators and advocates the skills to communicate conservation issues and science to audiences of all kinds.

Current issues in conservation both local and international will be examined, and evidence-based methods for raising awareness and human behaviour change discussed. The latest research from the fields of conservation, education and psychology is examined to provide an effective and cross-disciplinary approach to raising engagement with conservation issues and solutions.

This programme aims to provide:

  1. A systematic and evidence-based approach to conservation education
  2. Knowledge of a range of conservation issues, both local and international
  3. Practical skills for communication with stakeholders
  4. Frameworks and skills for behaviour change for conservation

 

Applicants will normally hold a good BSc/BA Honours degree (2.2 or above) from a recognised university in a related subject such as animal science, biological sciences, veterinary sciences, zoology, ecology, conservation, education, psychology or other appropriate degree .

Applicants with a BSc/BA (Hons) 3rd class pass, with extensive industrial experience may also be considered for the Masters programme. Applications from non-UK students are particularly welcome.

All applications received will be reviewed and decisions for admission to the programme will be made on individual merit. Applicants may be interviewed if there is some doubt over the extent of academic qualification or linguistic skills.

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate a level of competence that enables them to study at a postgraduate level. A test score of 6.5 is required in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests or equivalent.

Teaching methods are a combination of structured lectures, group tutorials, workshops, seminars and field-based practical activities .

Extensive farmed landscape within the College grounds, together with a variety of conservation protected areas in the surrounding countryside, form important training facilities in the delivery of this course.

Students are assessed through both a formal exam process and a variety of coursework methods including case studies, critical review of scientific papers and project reports. The research dissertation / project provides students with the opportunity to undertake specialist investigative work.

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to go into positions such as a conservation officer for English Nature (Natural England), an environmental officer for environmental agencies and consultancy positions for the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).