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UCL Home  /  Geography  /  Study  /  Graduate Taught  /  MSc Conservation

MSc Conservation

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As the leading Programme for aspiring nature conservation professionals, our MSc Conservation course provides a strong foundation across the social and natural sciences.

The UCL MSc Conservation is recognised widely as the leading Programme for aspiring nature conservation professionals and those wishing to pursue an academic career. More than 75% of our graduates have gone on to secure posts related to nature conservation. This interdisciplinary degree programme engages with the environmental, social and policy dimensions of conservation.

Our teaching focuses on the principles (conservation biology and ethics), policy (socio-economics, law and governance) and practice of conservation. You'll learn about each of these in the wider context of the interrelated driving forces of globalisation, demographic trends, invasive species, climate change, habitat degradation and the loss of biodiversity.

 

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You can complete this Programme full time over one year, taking four core conservation modules in Term 1 and choosing four optional modules in Term 2.

The following modules are expected to be available for 2022/23. Please note these may be subject to change.

COMPULSORY MODULES (Term One)

Module codeModule titleUCL Credit value
GEOG0090 The Rural Matrix: Institutional and Policy Context 15 credits
GEOG0093 Conservation and Environmental Management 15 credits
GEOG0106 Environmental Data Acquisition and Analysis 15 credits
GEOG0108 Scientific Basis for Freshwater and Coastal Conservation 15 credits

COMPULSORY MODULES (Term Two)

Module codeModule titleUCL Credit value
GEOG0105 Research Project and Dissertation (Terms 2 and 3) 60 credits


OPTIONAL MODULES (Term Two)

Module codeModule titleUCL Credit value
GEOG0035 Environmental GIS 15 credits
GEOG0083 Politics of Climate Change 15 credits
GEOG0091 Wetlands 15 credits
GEOG0096 Lakes 15 credits
GEOG0122 Biological Indicators of Environmental Change 15 credits
GEOG0123 Climate Proxies 15 credits
GEOG0152 Introduction to Citizen Science and Scientific Crowdsourcing 15 credits

As an MSc Conservation student, you also carry out a piece of original research leading to a dissertation of 12,000 words (worth 60 credits) with the support of an academic supervisor. The dissertation period lasts from late April or early May to the end of August. Our strong links with the wider conservation community mean you are well placed to carry out your project in collaboration with organisations outside the University.

 

Please note: Due to COVID-19 updates, there may need to be changes to planned field trips for this programme. This will depend on travel restrictions, social distancing measures, and the accessibility of relevant venues. We will keep you updated if any changes need to be made and on alternative options.

 

Some of the people who deliver key components of the MSc Conservation include:

 

Fees* and scholarships information can be found on the main UCL website.

    *Please note that optional choice modules in Term 2 may incur additional costs for accommodation and transport associated with residential field classes or fieldwork.

    Other Funding Sources

    Applicants to MSc Conservation Programme may be eligible to apply for studentship awards supported by the British Hydrological Society, JBA Trust and Environment Agency.

    Find out more about the MSc Studentship Award Scheme.

    In the past, UCL MSc Conservation students have secured funds from:

    You can apply for a place on this Programme via UCL Admissions.

    Potential applicants are expected to have a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environmental Science, Geography, Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

    Applications with relevant professional experience in conservation or environmental management will also be considered.

    International applicants will need a Level 4 or equivalent recognised English language qualification. Visit the UCL Graduate pages for information on UCL’s English Language Requirements.

    If you have any questions about this programme, please email the Department.

    It is possible to take the MSc part time. Please contact the programme convenor, Peter Jones, to find out more about part-time study.

    More than 75% of our graduates are working in the conservation sector or doing conservation-related research. In fact, many industry leaders have graduated from the course themselves over the last 50+ years.

    Our students have gone on to work for:

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