MSc Conservation Biology

Start date: September and January

Course length: full time: one year, part time: up to three years.

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

Faculty: Education, Health and Science

School: School of Science

This course is available to international students

The loss of global biodiversity is one of the world's greatest problems. Losses of animals and plants and their genes results from both habitat destruction and habitat degradation. The World Conservation Union Red List details over 15,000 species that are threatened with extinction and it is estimated that the current species extinction rate is between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than it would naturally be.

During this course you'll study why so many species are under threat and will develop skills in the management of species and the wider environment. You will also develop a strong theoretical understanding of environmental management, and build up the skills you'll need to identify environmental issues and find practical solutions - all within the context of a strong biological conservation framework.

The course is modular and flexible with September and January starts and full or part time options. It takes one year to complete this course full time, and two or three years to complete part time. You will be assessed mainly through your coursework. You will be taught by a highly qualified team who have research skills in conservation biology and environmental management. All our staff are very supportive, friendly and approachable, so you'll get the help you need with any academic problems during your course.

Watch our conservation biology video as part of the Springwatch Wild Day Out in Markeaton Park, Derby.

Biology, Zoology and Forensics masterclass

We invited back some of our successful graduates, including BBC Producer Kathryn Jeffs to talk to our current biology, zoology and forensics students about life after graduation. View more on the masterclass.

Our research

We're very proud to announce our successful submission to the Biological Sciences Unit into the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008.

The results show that, although The Biological Sciences Research Group is  relatively small, our research work is of significant quality. It should also be noted that Derby was the only post 1992 University in this region which made a successful submission Biological Sciences Unit of Assessment.

For more information see RAE 2008.

Researcher recognised by Royal Entomological Society

Professor Karim Vahed, who is the Programme Leader for this course has been elected to become a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.

You’ll study these modules:

• Ecological Surveying
• Identification for Conservation Biology
• Analytical Methods for Ecologists
• Conservation Biology in Principle and Practice
• Independent Scholarly Activity Project

You’ll also choose two of these modules:

• Environmental Policy and Law
• Habitat Management 
• Wildlife Conservation 
• Environmental Impact Assessment 
• Environmental Pollution and Management Strategies 
• Critical Issues in the Environment 
• Tropical Conservation Biology- including Singapore field trip

You will usually need either an honours degree in a related scientific subject (at least second class) or equivalent experience.

UK/EU students

• £495 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,455 (in total)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

You will be taught through lectures, workshops, practical sessions both in the field and in the lab, tutorials and there is also the opportunity to go on site visits in some of the modules.

Some modules are available in a distance learning format. If you study through distance learning you will have access to the course notes and assignment details online. You will also use activities such as 'Live Classroom', wikis and blogs, allowing you to have discussions with tutors. We also have a well resourced library where you will find extensive online support for distance learning students.

During this course you'll have the opportunity to go on many fieldtrips, allowing you to gain first hand, the practical experience and to learn new skills such as site surveying and species identification in the field. Many of the modules involve fieldtrips in a range of terrestrial and freshwater habitats within the Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District National Park. If you choose to study the optional module 'Tropical Conservation Biology', you will go on a fieldtrip to Singapore, giving you a unique opportunity to learn about conservation issues on this tropical island.

This course also gives you the opportunity to apply the theory you learn to a working environment. If you take the optional modules 'Critical Issues in the Environment' and 'Environmental Management in Practice' you will have the opportunity to complete work placements. Examples of organisations you might go to include local authorities, industry, local businesses, HE institutions, zoos or environmental/ecological consultants.

You'll have plenty of career options after taking this broad-based course because it gives you a wide range of skills and knowledge in both biological conservation and environmental management. You might move on to a career with a conservation agency, with local or national government, in habitat management or with an environmental consultant. You could choose to further develop a research career. You may want to move into industry, bridging environmental management with wider conservation issues; including waste management, energy efficiency or recycling.

Vanessa Amaral-Rogers, one of our graduates who is working on an event for the new BBC1 series of Stargazing Live, which features TV physicist Professor Brian Cox:

"As a Zoology graduate, the MSc Conservation Biology has provided me with the additional practical skills and knowledge to take the next step in my career. Each module was interesting, well structured and with a manageable workload. For me, the Tropical Conservation module was a highlight of the course, with the fieldtrip to Singapore providing a valuable insight into conservation methods in other countries. The lecturers were extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to work in conservation."

Vanessa has recently worked with the BBC to create the 'One series of stargazing live', this is the second event she has worked on with the BBC.

"After the success of the Live 'n' Deadly event, where thousands of families enjoyed a host of adventure outdoor wildlife activities, I was able to secure this role on Stargazing Live".

Read more about Vanessa's story.