Biodiversity and Conservation

Course summary

Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation allows you to explore the biodiversity and ecology of larger organisms, habitats and landscapes through various concepts and theories. You will delve into the key themes of conservation and environmental management and develop a range of high-level field and laboratory skills. You will be equipped to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills effectively in both case studies and real-world examples.

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to use Keele's green campus to explore issues facing the planet, apply your learnings and demonstrate your practical skills whilst developing knowledge in various specialisms aligned to your interests. You will strengthen your critical thinking skills through the collection of quantitative data, analysis and experimentation whilst working independently and with peers.

Having a hands-on practical approach to your learning will enable you to develop valuable skills as an independent thinker and problem solver, attaining skills to think critically about subject matter with reference to impacts on society as well as broader insights of the 'bigger picture'.

Pathway options

On this programme, there are two pathways available:

Keele Pathway: This pathway is typically completed in one year, based entirely at Keele University.

Joint Keele and VMU (Vytautas Magnus University) Lithuania Pathway: This pathway is only available to those opting for a full-time, September start. This pathway enables you to obtain a dual award MSc, from both Keele University and VMU. It includes an additional two semesters at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Kaunas, Lithuania, where additional modules and the dissertation (including field work) will be completed.

Fieldwork

Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation offers the exciting opportunity to engage with advanced fieldwork during your studies, enabling you to demonstrate your expertise and further develop your professional skills and career prospects.

Support

During your studies at Keele, you will be supported by various staff and teams to help with your personal and academic endeavours. You will benefit from introductory sessions with the Programme Director to help familiarise yourself with course content, teaching methods and assessment methods, enhancing your study experience and personal development.

You will also have an Academic Mentor who will be available for general academic advice and guidance, whilst Student Experience and Support Officers will be available for pastoral queries. This enables you to access the support you require and be signposted accordingly to relevant teams across the university. There is also Careers and Employability Support available for your professional development in preparation for graduation.

In addition to this, you will also be assigned a supervisor and a co-supervisor during your dissertation module who will help to support your learning and final assessment.

Field Identification Skills Certificate

On this MSc, you may have the option to complete qualifications on taxonomic identification skills, e.g. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC). A FISC is a botanical identification test during which plant identification skills are assessed and graded (grades 0-7). FISC certificates are valued highly by employers in the ecology and conservation sector.

Other courses you may be interested in:

• MSc Geoscience Research
• MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology
• MA Human Geography and Sustainability Research

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.

Your career

Graduating with an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation will equip you for a range of careers across specialist fields, as well as further study at PhD level.

Whichever path you choose to take, having a master's degree will provide you with a range of transferable skills that will widen your prospects and assist with your personal and professional development. You will attain strong research and design skills as well as a detailed understanding of data handling, statistics, project management and information technology skills including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

You may wish to explore the following areas/careers:

• Local/national Government
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Project management
• Research associate
• Policy institutes
• Environmental consultant
• Business analyst
• Education