International Wildlife Conservation Practice

The course is designed to enhance the skills of conservation science practitioners by teaching field survey techniques, data analysis methods, and reporting techniques commonly used in the study of terrestrial mammals. The course aims to help ecologists and field biologists in the developing world to implement effective conservation research and action.

The course is delivered by the Department of Zoology’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), which has been active in conservation research and practice for more than three decades. The course is made possible by a donation from the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation, and is jointly managed with the Department for Continuing Education.

The focus of the course is on methods commonly used in the study of large mammals, and especially carnivores, in the developing world. The curriculum consists of modules on wildlife ecology, monitoring and survey techniques, GIS and habitat assessment, population management and statistics, as well as two reports which together complete an independent research project. The mode of teaching involves lectures, group discussions, technical practicals on the use of computer software, field sessions and tutorials.

The independent research project concentrates on the organisation, analysis and reporting of previously collected data that you bring with you or is provided by WildCRU researchers. There is no time to undertake primary data collection in country or abroad during the course duration. The project is divided into two phases: Phase One consists of a literature and methods review and a section containing data exploration; Phase Two builds upon this but also includes the full data analysis and discussion of results. Unifying threads running through the course are the global and human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. You will learn both the theory and practical aspects of field techniques, so that you can confidently adopt them in the future, as well as critically evaluate other projects.

Assessment is through the two reports of the independent research project and four assignments. The project reports will be a maximum of 7,000 words, and each worth 30% of your final mark. The assignments will be up to 2,000 words, and each worth 10% of your final mark. Most module assignments will be short-answer questions, presenting data to be analysed, scientific research to critique, a problem for which you will design solutions, or information to be synthesised into a brief report/recommendation.

Up to eight students are accepted each year and applications are particularly welcomed from conservationists working in economically less-developed parts of the world, for whom need-based scholarships are available. Suitable candidates are early-career field conservationists, working with government agencies or NGOs, who will implement and disseminate their skills to their home countries.

Please note that the course is not suitable for individuals who are not currently working in an ecology or conservation research role. For entry-level ecology and wildlife conservation courses, please see the Short and Online Courses in the natural sciences run by the Department of Continuing Education.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of WildCRU and the Department of Zoology, in conjunction with the Department for Continuing Education, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the WildCRU, the Department of Zoology and the Department for Continuing Education.

Graduates of the course continue to build on their role as field biologists and conservation practitioners, working within national wildlife management and protected area systems, for NGOs or as independent practitioners. Many graduates further their academic studies within two or three years of completing the course. Alumni and tutors stay in contact via a mailing list and private social media group.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the lead department

Ecological Survey Techniques PGDip

All graduate courses in this area offered by the Department of Continuing Education

Continuing Education DPhil

Ecological Survey Techniques PGCert

International Wildlife Conservation Practice PGDip

Nanotechnology PGCert

Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care MSc

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Zoology

International Wildlife Conservation Practice PGDip

Zoology DPhil

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Entry requirements