Introduction
Develop the skills you need for a rewarding career in wildlife conservation. Learn from environmental experts, and get hands-on experience of tools such as GIS and PCR in Cambridge. Communicating conservation messages and data handling are core parts of this exciting Masters course.
Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.
Why Applied Wildlife Conservation at ARU?
- Gain hands-on field skills such as ecological survey and species identification, which are crucial for forging a career in wildlife conservation.
- Take part in an exciting optional European study tour to a field station in southern France.
- Deep dive into the discipline of conservation biology to respond to the extinction crisis and climate emergency by expertly analysing and interpreting data for effective conservation strategies.
- Hone your research and communication skills by working on projects in collaboration with an active network of local, national and international environmental organisations.
- Award-winning lecturers and high-impact ecological researchers, alongside guest lecturers, will help you gain exposure to partnerships with conservation organisations.
- Engage in diverse conservation projects both locally and internationally through field trips, gaining hands-on experience and understanding of wildlife management challenges worldwide.
Our planet urgently needs well-trained wildlife conservationists to find solutions to the problems of biodiversity loss.
If you’re passionate about wildlife and planning a career in conservation, this Masters degree will equip you with the applied skills you need.
You’ll focus on the sustainable management of wildlife and habitats and learn how to analyse and interpret data in the interests of conservation.
Our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation has been developed with international environmental organisations, so you can be sure your skills and knowledge will be valued by employers.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
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Fees and Paying for University
Student experience
Protecting nature
Understand the links between humans and nature conservation in the UK and abroad.
Conservation in practice
Learn how we can sustainably manage our land for wildlife.
Get hands-on
Collect data on a range of species in the UK and abroad.
Discover nature
Learn a range of survey techniques to monitor biodiversity.
Life in the wild
See stunning wildlife on our range of field trips.
Experience
Learn about biodiversity from a range of habitats.
Collaborate
Learn from experts in the field.
Facilities
Hands-on learning
Study MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation at ARU and:
- use state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including biosciences laboratories in our Science Centre
- join field trips, and learn about conservation projects in the UK and internationally
- connect with conservation organisations in Cambridge and beyond
- team up with a conservation NGO for your Masters Research Project.
Outstanding student support
Join our postgraduate student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.
Lecturers
Joseph J Bailey
Senior Lecturer
Bas Boots
Senior Lecturer
Peter Brown
Associate Professor
For further information about ladybird ecology research, please visit the Ladybird Survey website
Thomas Ings
Deputy Head of School
Jim Littlemore
Senior Lecturer
Helen Wheeler
Associate Professor
Careers
Our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation will prepare you for careers in areas such as conservation biology, environmental consultancy and conservation education.
You may also develop a career within a non-governmental organisation (NGO), charity, zoo, private company, a government body or in a related field such as ecotourism.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Biology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
While you’re studying here and after you graduate, you can access support through our dedicated Employability Service.
KAJA
“I studied conservation at ARU and now work as a key scientific co-ordinator reintroducing European bison to Germany. It’s an amazing role that involves management of bison herds; conducting research on ethology and ecology [and] participating in international conferences.”
KAJAMSc Animal Behaviour Applications for Conservation graduate
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Benefits of postgraduate study
Improve your employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate study at ARU