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MSc - Conservation Management

Our new MSc Conservation Management programme meets the growing demands for professional conservation scientists to address global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Your learning will be based in the heart of the Lake District National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), providing a unique environmental and cultural context to view current and future challenges, as well as direct access to a rich diversity of habitats, including lakes, rivers, uplands and temperate rainforest. Individual modules focus on state-of-the-art approaches and perspectives across different elements of conservation, including the latest digital technologies, e.g. remote biodiversity monitoring methods, and close partnerships with conservation employers in the region.

MSc graduates will complete the programme with the appropriate specialist knowledge, understanding and skills needed for professional practice within the sector - locally, nationally, and internationally. The expertise gained in applied conservation, ecological research, and management skills, will make them well-suited for roles in conservation, academia, government, NGOs, and private sectors.

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Course Overview

Earth is currently experiencing multiple unsustainable, anthropogenic demands that are causing extreme pressures on global processes and resources and are negatively impacting our ecosystems. Biodiversity is declining faster now than at any time in human history.

Effective conservation management needs suitably qualified staff to lead and manage projects, as well as to research and report on the impacts of interventions. Entering the Anthropocene places an even greater demand for conservation managers to possess up-to-date knowledge and understanding on current biological priorities whilst being able to effectively implement and manage conservation actions. This MSc programme provides you with the essential knowledge, skills and competencies that are required for a modern-day conservation leader/manager to perform at the highest level.

On this course you will...

Gain Specialist Skills in Conservation Management: Experience in cutting-edge practical and analytical techniques will prepare you for a successful career in conservation science.
Develop Robust Critical Thinking: Critical evaluation of evidence and case studies from diverse ecological and social perspectives will support an adaptive mindset for effective planning, implementation, management and communication of conservation projects.
Benefit from a Personalised Learning Experience: The MSc is delivered in an intimate setting, where knowledgeable tutors provide personalised support and mentorship.
Focus on Your Specific Interests: You are encouraged to explore your specific interests in areas such as conservation governance, landscape ecology, and natural resource management.
Experience Conservation Management in Practice: In addition to opportunities provided by our unique setting within the Lake District National Park and close existing relationships with local conservation partners, you will also gain exposure to real-world conservation skills in a different environmental and socio-cultural context through our international field trip.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationAmbleside
Institute Institute of Science and Environment
Delivery StyleIn Person
Course DurationFull-time: 1 Year
Course Start PointSeptember
AwardMSc
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysAmbleside
All

Minimum entry requirements

A B.Sc.(Hons.) or equivalent in a related area with a minimum 2:2 grade.

Honours degree

Tuition fees

£8,975

UK | Year

£14,900

International | Year

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

Gain Expertise in Modern Forestry Practice driven by the latest technological advancements and data-driven insights, preparing you to become a leader in sustainable forest management.

Find Industry Connections: Long-standing relationships between the National School of Forestry and major employers in the forestry sector provide you with unique opportunities for networking and career development.

Personalised Learning Experience: The MSc is delivered in an intimate setting, where knowledgeable tutors provide personalised support and mentorship.

Focus on Your Specific Interests: You are encouraged to explore your specific interests in areas such as sustainable forest management, ecology, conservation, and tree biology.

Experience forest research in practice: In addition to research in the University of Cumbria’s own Ancient Semi-Natural Oak Woodland, you will participate in a study tour to visit forestry enterprises and research sites expanding your horizons in forest science.

On completion of the M.Sc.: Students should be qualified to enter the sector as foresters with an understanding of modern techniques in forestry, ecological underpinning of forest function - required for positions in climate change, carbon sequestration, biodiversity & conservation management in woodlands, and for a continuing academic career.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The programme will be delivered from the Institute of Science and Environment (IoSE) from its Ambleside campus, the only University campus in England situated in a National Park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has been recognised as globally significant through its UNESCO world heritage site status. The geographical location supports the delivery of environmentally based programmes.

Over a number of years, researchers in the Institute have developed an international research portfolio. These research activities include outdoor experiential learning, climate change impacts, biodiversity monitoring, wildlife conservation, community resilience, land management, and ecosystem evaluation. This provides the research guided perspective and contemporary academic knowledge to support your studies while maintaining a strong emphasis on experiential teaching and applied research.

How you will be assessed

The overarching consideration is to provide assessments, which develop your skills and knowledge while equipping you for postgraduate employment. Assessments will therefore often mirror the type of work that you will encounter in your future careers and may include:

Field projects
Computer-based assessments
Problem solving activities
Critical analysis of case studies
Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
Dissertation
Peer and self-assessment
Group work
Online blogs
Mock grant proposal

Formative assessment tasks provide opportunity for collaborative working enabling you to assess, develop and critically evaluate practical skills and methodologies supporting work required throughout summative assessment. Throughout the programme, you are expected and encouraged to be active in your learning and to apply current thinking to practice.

Career outcomes

The MSc in Conservation Management at the University of Cumbria is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to address contemporary conservation challenges. Graduates of this programme are highly sought-after in various fields due to their expertise in applied conservation, ecological research, and management skills, making them well-suited for roles in conservation, academia, government, NGOs, and private sectors.

Overview

A B.Sc.(Hons.) or equivalent in a related area with a minimum 2:2 grade.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any practical experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply).

Contact pgadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.

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Location
Ambleside Campus
Nestled in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ambleside campus is the perfect place for world-savers, animal lovers, and adventurers. There is never a dull moment when surrounded by such natural beauty and opportunity.
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MSc - Conservation Management