Environmental Conservation

This programme is for individuals already working in environmental conservation who seek to broaden or update their knowledge, and for graduates who wish to become professionally involved in conservation and environmental management.

Various conservation organisations have advised on the content of this degree, ensuring strong links between the programme and the needs of the conservation professions. The programme is structured around four compulsory conservation courses that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary conservation and environmental management.

Students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of modern-day conservation and environmental management, and gain a practical understanding of conservation techniques and strategies. They also acquire the skills to critically apply conservation techniques and methods to practical situations and understand modern-day conservation decision making and the underlying criteria and values. In addition, they gain specific knowledge and skills through their chosen optional courses.

During June to September students undertake a research project in a specialist area of conservation, often in collaboration with an external organisation.

Content

• Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation (15 credits)
• Techniques in Applied Ecology (30 credits)
• Environmental Law and Policy (15 credits)
• Restoration Ecology (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Research Project (in collaboration with named conservation organisations) (60 credits)

One or two options (30 credits) from:

• Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and the Coastal Zone (15 credits)
• Managing Tourism in Protected Areas (15 credits)
• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (15 credits)
• Ecology of Tropical Forests and Savannahs (15 credits)
• Issues and Principles in Responsible Tourism (15 credits)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
• Open Module