Global Ecology and Conservation (MSc)

Our MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation trains the ecologists and conservationists of the future.

From the rivers of South Wales to the Bornean rainforest, our MSc covers the major conservation issues affecting habitats across the globe. With training in core areas, such as wildlife surveys, biodiversity assessments and species management and conservation. You will learn how to identify current and emerging threats to species and ecosystems and develop the necessary skills to tackle these threats with effective and scalable solutions.

Covering the complete span from ecological theory and pioneering research, through to practical site assessments and conservation interventions, we will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to make a ‘real world’ difference.

These core topics are combined with a free choice of optional modules, including Integrated Water Science for the Real World. You will have wide-ranging options for the research project and coursework topics, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. A lot of our core modules include a fieldwork element, whilst our optional Field Research and Placement module (BIT055) comprises an extended field course in the UK or overseas, and a professional work placement.

Our course is delivered by leading academics who work across the world conducting cutting-edge research and addressing key global challenges – from pioneering climate change research, to developing action plans to preserve native species. As well as offering you the excitement of learning in an active research environment, this approach will also demonstrate how your work can be translated into practical conservation measures.

With a flexible and interdisciplinary approach, we train you to eventually take on roles in research, practice, policy, consultancy and more, and to have the skills, confidence and knowledge base to adapt to a global job market and changing environment.

We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.

Careers

Our MSc offers excellent training for future ecologists and conservationists. Its blend of theory and practical research skills, conservation management and legislation, and identifying emerging threats, will furnish you with the scientific knowledge, hands-on experience and adaptability that are highly valued by employers in today’s global job market.

We expect many of our graduates to enjoy successful careers in research, ecological consultancy, and conservation policy and practice. With its focus on practical training in both subject-specific and generic research skills, our MSc provides the ideal platform for further study and a career in academia.

Alongside sound scientific training, this course will enable you to develop transferable skills that are in high demand beyond ecology and conservation. Skills such as data management, analysis and literacy; making complex research accessible to a wide audience; appraising alternative management proposals and policies; and devising evidence-based solutions to problems, are vital in a range of roles across the public, private and third sectors.

Throughout the course, you will have a wide range of opportunities to establish contacts with potential employers, whether that’s through a work experience placement, collaborations developed during the research project, or guest lectures by leading external experts.

Placements

This course offers multiple opportunities to develop your practical research skills through fieldwork modules and professional placements.

Direct experience of different habitats and fieldwork techniques is an important part of an ecologist’s training, and several of our core modules include a fieldwork element, which involves practising field skills in locations around South Wales. Depending on the topic selected, your research project may also offer the opportunity for extensive fieldwork.

Students who select the optional Field Research and Placement module (BIT055) can choose from a range of field courses (approximately 1-2 weeks), both here in the UK and international locations, such as Tobago and Borneo. Our international field courses incur additional costs, but these are partly subsidised by the School of Biosciences. This module also includes a 10-day placement at a relevant, UK-based or overseas organisation, such as a conservation NGO, research laboratory, field centre, museum, ecological consultancy or zoological institute. Students arrange their own placements, with support and guidance from university staff.

In total, you can choose to spend approximately one month in the field as part of your taught modules (not including the research project, which can also be field-based), enabling you to develop practical ecology and conservation skills that can be taken all over the world.