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MSc

Applied Wildlife Conservation

Develop the skills required for a career in wildlife conservation. Learn how to communicate conservation messages and handle data at ARU in Cambridge.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 15 months (January starts). The part-time option takes 28 months (September starts), or 33 months (January starts).

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

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If you’re passionate about wildlife, and planning a career in conservation, this Master’s is for you. Focussing on the sustainable management of wildlife and habitats, you’ll learn how to analyse and interpret data in the interests of conservation.

This course has been developed with international environmental organisations, so you can be sure the skills and knowledge you gain is up-to-date and valued by employers.

  • Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation students and tutors looking for protected species with white buckets in a public garden

    Hear from our staff and students about studying Applied Wildlife Conservation at ARU.

Why ARU?

  • Gain important field skills such as species identification and ecological surveys

  • Join an optional study tour to a field station in southern France

  • Expertly analyse and interpret data to support effective conservation strategies

  • Work on projects with local, national and international environmental organisations

  • Get experience of wildlife management challenges through a range of field trips

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

[I now work in] an amazing role that involves management of bison herds, conducting research on ethology and ecology, [and] participating in international conferences.

Kaja, MSc Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation graduate

Prepare for an impactful career protecting wildlife and habitats.

You’ll graduate with skills including biodiversity mapping, statistical analysis, research, communication. We offer opportunities to get involved with a range of conservation projects, giving you hands-on experience.

While studying, you'll be able to make contacts and hear from expert practitioners from our extensive network of conservation organisations.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Biology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Teaching and modules

Gain a thorough understanding of conservation issues.

You’ll explore topical issues in wildlife conservation, biodiversity mapping, and animal behaviour, covering both the ecological and socio-political dimensions of conservation problems and their solutions, and considering local to global scales.

You’ll practise communicating about conservation to non-governmental organisations and the wider public. You’ll additionally choose from three optional modules – one of which involves a hands-on residential field trip, usually overseas.

You’ll complete your Master’s with your Major Project – a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

  • A flock of flamingos standing in water

    Understand the links between humans and nature conservation in the UK and abroad.

  • Back view of a group of students in outdoor gear trekking across a field

    Learn how we can sustainably manage our land for wildlife.

  • A person setting up a camera trap in woodland

    Collect data on a range of species in the UK and abroad.

  • Four people setting up a moth trap on a terrace

    Learn a range of survey techniques to monitor biodiversity.

  • A person behind a safety rail, looking up into trees through binoculars

    See stunning wildlife on our range of field trips.

  • Two people observing freshwater invertebrates in a tray on a table

    Learn about biodiversity from a range of habitats.

  • Four people in hiking gear chatting on a wild, grassy hill or mountain

    Learn from experts in the field.

  • A flock of flamingos standing in water
  • Back view of a group of students in outdoor gear trekking across a field
  • A person setting up a camera trap in woodland
  • Four people setting up a moth trap on a terrace
  • A person behind a safety rail, looking up into trees through binoculars
  • Two people observing freshwater invertebrates in a tray on a table
  • Four people in hiking gear chatting on a wild, grassy hill or mountain
  • A flock of flamingos standing in water
  • Back view of a group of students in outdoor gear trekking across a field
  • A person setting up a camera trap in woodland
  • Four people setting up a moth trap on a terrace
  • A person behind a safety rail, looking up into trees through binoculars
  • Two people observing freshwater invertebrates in a tray on a table
  • Four people in hiking gear chatting on a wild, grassy hill or mountain

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • GIS Tools for Biodiversity Mapping and Conservation (15 credits)
  • Distributions, Landscapes and Conservation (15 credits)
  • Current Topics in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
  • Behavioural Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
  • Communication Skills for Conservation (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Masters Research Project (60 credits)
  • Practical Applications of DNA Based Technologies (15 credits) *
  • Study Tour: Understanding Biodiversity and Sustainability (15 credits) *
  • Sustainable Land Management (15 credits) *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As a Life Sciences student at ARU, you’ll use state-of-the-art facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our Science Centre.

There's also the chance to gain hands-on experience on field trips and through an optional placement year.

All our students have access to award-winning library and IT facilities.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Applied Wildlife Conservation

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