Conservation Management, MSc

Writtle College, Department of Conservation Management

Disciplines:

Management & Organisation
Earth Sciences
Geography
Ecology, Biodiversity & Conservation

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Quick facts

Country:	United Kingdom	Duration:	12 Months
City:	Chelmsford	Start Date:	September
Educational Form:	Taught	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Part Time Full Time

Programme Description

This modular programme is offered to students on either a full-time or part-time basis. It is expected that full-time students will complete their studies over one year. However, it is possible to study part-time over two-four years. The academic year is organised over two, 15-week semesters and modules will be delivered at Writtle College.

This new course in Conservation Management aims to provide students with:

* A high level of understanding of complex scientific and policy issues involved in the conservation management of species and ecosystems
* A core body of transferable skills that will enable them to contribute effectively to successful conservation management
* The opportunity to develop expertise in designing, planning and undertaking appropriate research and management projects within the discipline
* The necessary preparation for further academic progression or employment in the fields of conservation and rural resource management in the academic, voluntary, public and private sectors

Key Features * Focus on evidence-based conservation principles and practices
* International directives and policies that collectively inform conservation management strategies and practices at national level
* Field-based experience of conservation management in designated areas including Special Areas of Conservation
* Development of practical skills in conservation through site-based learning activities
* Opportunities to work in partnership with rural industry through the College's consultancy division - Centre for Environment and Rural Affairs (CERA)

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).

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Delivery and assessment

Postgraduate delivery in conservation studies is supported by an active research programme, and also by staff-sector link activities. 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. A member of academic staff with appropriate expertise in the field of study will act as supervisor over a 20 week period during the summer.

The programme is designed for both full and part time delivery. Full time students can complete their studies in one year. The academic year is organised over two 15-week semesters. Before they can be awarded a Masters degree students will be required to successfully complete 180 credits of study. The credit awarding system is broken down into three main sections which are as follows: 7 core modules each at 15 credits; one of two option modules at 15 credits; and a dissertation at 60 credits.

The full Masters programme includes two generic modules, Research Methods and Masters Stage Dissertation, which are common to many postgraduate degree schemes and are designed to underpin the research element of the course. They are not required for students wishing to gain a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma Award.

There are likely to be opportunities for students to carry out research projects linked to the sector in this country, and also overseas through consultancy work generated by CERA. Furthermore, ongoing research activities of staff may also provide a vehicle for students organising their own projects.

Students will study the following core modules:

* Research Methods
* Protected Area Management (P.A.M)
* Species Conservation
* Managing for Sustainable Ecosystems
* Conservation Policy and Practice
* Biological Surveying
* Environmental Education

The following modules are optional:

* Landscape Ecology
* Theories of Landscape
* Landscape & Environmental Assessment
* Rural Entrepreneurship
* Human Resource Management

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

This course is for students who have achieved an Honours degree at 2.2 or above in an environmental subject or related discipline including geography. Consideration will be given to applicants with qualifications outside the stipulated guidelines if they are able to demonstrate significant industrial experience.

English Language Requirements

For all courses, students whose first language is not English must prove that they are sufficiently able to understand and express themselves. There are two tests that Writtle College uses to confirm a student's level of English - IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (Paper Based TOEFL - 577; Computer Based TOEFL - 233; Internet Based TOEFL - 90). Students can apply for a course at Writtle College without results from either of these tests, although the offer may be conditional until their level of English is confirmed. See below for the standards required in each of the tests.