MSc Wildlife Conservation

Module: 7AB009

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The desktop survey, design, collection, processing, analysis and output production of environmental data (physical, vegetation and organismal) will be explored in a problem-based setting. This will involve the integrated use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geospatial imagery, telemetry, image acquisition, sound acquisition, ground-truthing and field survey techniques.

Module: 7AB012

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

Conservation Genetics has been described as an interdisciplinary science that aims to apply genetic methods to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity looking from the molecular to the population level. It is a multidisciplinary field and the module content reflects this, while recognising some key components. This module is focused on genetic applications to problems of conservation, reflecting the diversity of concerns relevant to conservation biology and covering the management of both wild and captive populations for conservation. Modern genetic techniques used by conservationists are also examined.

Module: 7AB014

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

In depth consideration of the conservation of UK protected species includingtheir ecology, protection legislation, conservation measures, habitat management and habitat creation.

Module: 7AB010

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The module will examine the whole process of undertaking field-based research from funding and logistical planning through to the detail of content for individual session activities. The culmination of this process will be a residential field course in the UK or overseas.

Module: 7AB011

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module focuses on the evolution of primate societies and asks how environmental and demographic factors influence animals’ decisions about how to organise their social and reproductive strategies. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding key theoretical concepts and how these may be applied to empirical studies of non-human primates. This module explores also the science of scarcity and diversity of wild primate populations and the successful management of captive populations for conservation.

Module: 7AB013

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The aim of this module is to provide you with the skills needed for wildlife conservation research. You will develop advanced skills in literature searching and critical analysis of published work. You will explore the development of a research question, research design, data handling and statistics. You will prepare a professional portfolio of planning for your research project.

Module: 7AB015

Credits: 60

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The Masters Project module provides an opportunity to plan, undertake and deliver an extended, problem-focused, original independent investigation related to the chosen programme of study and is a requirement for the award of a Masters degree

The course has evolved from the BSc Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation and explores some of the areas that are more suited to higher-level study. It is expected that students will come from subject areas that have an animal conservation/behaviour background, or else current conservation professionals that are seeking to update their subject and skills knowledge.

The course is designed to provide many opportunities for students specifically:

• Wolverhampton is developing a national reputation for the study of Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation. Studying the MSc provides real opportunities to influence the direction of study and research of the staff and student body.

• There are significant opportunities to undertake fieldwork in a range of local, national and international settings. This is an important driver for the department and provides a strong applied focus for Masters-level study across the range of modules studied.

• A strong emphasis is placed on developing the link from strategic/logistical planning through field and laboratory work to the professional communication of the information generated.

• The facilities of the new Science building at the university provide a significant opportunity to develop complementary wildlife-related laboratory skills which are often not explored at undergraduate level.

• Innovative approaches to learning are used including student-led workshops, seminars and practical activities that mirror workplace scenarios. This gives students a strong role in directing their own development and links strongly to career development and aspiration.

• There is a strong emphasis on the individual and the nurturing of individual study and career aspirations.

At the end of this course you will have:

• A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of wildlife conservation and behavioural science.
• A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research or advanced scholarship. Specifically you will develop the higher-level field and laboratory skills that are widely applied in the wildlife conservation community.
• A practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Specifically you will understand the process of enquiry within wildlife conservation and behaviour from first principles and strategic/logistical planning through field and laboratory work to professional output (report, research paper, oral presentation etc.)
• A conceptual understanding that enables you to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline as well as the knowledge to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
• Applied skills and theoretical understanding linking policy and practice that allow you to fully engage with the advancement of knowledge in wildlife conservation and behaviour science.

Location Mode Fee Year Home/EU Full-time £10650 per year 2020-21 Home/EU Part-time £5325 per year 2020-21 Home Full-time £10900 per year 2021-22 Home Part-time £5450 per year 2021-22 International Full-time £13350 per year 2020-21 International Full-time £13950 per year 2021-22

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area. Normally this should have a wildlife biology, animal behaviour or wildlife conservation focus, however other cognate areas will be considered.

Consideration will be given to those who are already experienced practitioners in a field of wildlife conservation and behaviour, but who lack formal qualifications that would be the normal entry requirement.

You should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). If you are currently employed, we request a statement of support from your employer.

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Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £11,750 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes