Overview

Our Global Conservation MSc offers a unique education in biodiversity and conservation. It combines training in technical skills, policy and end-user engagement.

This MSc will give you the expertise to understand and inform international conservation policies and address real-world environmental problems.

Key programme highlights

• Real-world engagement: Address current conservation issues by collaborating on projects and assignments designed with organisations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and more.
• Policy-relevant skills: Develop your expertise in species conservation, policy writing, and biodiversity assessments.
• Global perspective: Learn about the diverse cultural, ecological, and political contexts crucial for achieving the Convention on Biological Diversity’s vision of ‘living in harmony with nature’.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the Global Biodiversity Framework and learn about the major challenges and solutions identified by world governments.

This course combines theoretical and practical learning, allowing you to engage with contemporary global issues. You’ll work with our expert staff and prominent national and international organisations.

Important information

We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

What you’ll learn

Global biodiversity challenges

You’ll learn about the Global Biodiversity Framework, which was adopted by 195 countries and the EU at COP15 in 2022. You’ll learn about the major global biodiversity challenges and solutions identified by world governments and other initiatives to conserve nature.

Develop your key skills

You’ll learn to assess the status of biodiversity, critically evaluate biodiversity issues, design and implement research projects and communicate your findings to diverse audiences.

You’ll gain practical skills in:

• species conservation
• policy evaluation
• data analysis
• scientific communication
• designing and undertaking research

You’ll also develop a deep understanding of global biodiversity challenges and the efforts to address them.

A dynamic curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on current and emerging concerns. You’ll study modules in:

• biodiversity assessments
• conserved areas
• sustainability of human and natural systems
• scientific writing for policy audiences
• national and international policy processes
• drivers of biodiversity loss

Each module is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and policy-relevant practical skills, ensuring a comprehensive education in global conservation science-policy.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you’ll learn

Your development

This course helps you build both professional and research skills that will support your growth and future career in global conservation.

Professional skills

You’ll develop key skills needed for effective work in conservation and biodiversity roles, including:

• expertise at the science-policy interface
• effective communication with diverse audiences
• project management and teamwork

Research skills

Gain essential research skills to prepare you for academic and professional roles.

You’ll learn to:

• design and implement an independent research project
• analyse and interpret data
• write effectively for policy audiences
• evaluate approaches to protected and other conserved areas
• conduct biodiversity assessments

Opportunities

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to unique experiences that deepen your understanding and expand your network.

You will:

• work on real-world research projects with international conservation organisations and conventions
• get insights from researchers and policy officials working on global biodiversity challenges

Your future

Further study

This course supports a route into PhD-level study. You’ll develop the research skills needed for advanced study during your course.

Careers

Our hands-on approach will prepare you for a career at the science-policy interface. You’ll also be prepared for careers where knowledge of how biodiversity science, conservation and policy inform each other.

This course supports pathways into:

• biodiversity policy
• species conservation
• sustainable ecosystem management

You’ll be ready for a wide range of careers such as:

• Conservation Scientist
• Policy Advisor for International Conservation Bodies
• Wildlife Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• Biodiversity Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Conservation Manager

Industry links

We work closely with global organisations in biodiversity science and policy. Giving you valuable networking opportunities and potential career pathways.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching, including:

• fully equipped teaching and research laboratories
• Dove Marine Lab
• twin-hulled research vessel, The Princess Royal
• Blyth Marine Station

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.