Biodiversity Conservation MRes; MSc
About this course
In the face of the global biodiversity and climate crisis, conserving species and habitats is more critical than ever. The accelerated loss of the planet’s biodiversity threatens not only the intrinsic value nature has to offer, but also the ecosystems that underpin human health and wellbeing— from food security and clean water to disease regulation and climate stability.
The importance of protecting biodiversity cannot be understated. On this biodiversity conservation degree, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to do just that. You’ll delve into the dramatic impact of human activities and learn how mitigation, surveying, consultancy and legislation can make powerful differences to your local environment.
Conservation is a hands-on field, and this course is designed to reflect that: your learning will be conducted on the extensive grounds of our Brackenhurst Campus, which is home to a wide range of species and habitats. If you love wildlife, thrive outdoors, and want to help tackle one of the most pressing concerns of our generation, this biodiversity conservation Masters could be for you.
-
Study in the great outdoors
with 200 hectares of land to work from on our Brackenhurst Campus.
-
Make a tangible difference
to local environments in the face of our planet’s biodiversity and climate crisis.
-
A CIEEM accredited course (MSc)
which will prepare you for employment beyond your biodiversity conservation Masters.
-
100% of students recommend NTU
after studying this conservation degree (PTES 2024).
What you’ll study
On this course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of how to conserve biodiversity. With an emphasis on how human activity impacts biodiversity, you’ll develop research-informed solutions.
You’ll learn all the technical skills necessary for success in ecological consultancy, local and central government, and NGOs. You will gain proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), expertise in survey techniques and Biodiversity Net Gain, and the capacity to assess methodologies and interpret results within the broader context of environmental challenges. You’ll also learn about the UK legislation in place to protect our biodiversity, and apply this to your own work.
The highlights of our biodiversity conservation degree include:
- Local field trips for surveying plants, animals and habitats, to destinations like Sherwood Forest, Newstead and Annesley Country Park and Derbyshire.
- CIEEM accreditation (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) for our MSc, giving you free student membership and direct access to employers, practising experts, industry events and careers advice.
- Learning technical skills needed in industry, from research methodologies and surveying techniques to using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- The chance to get involved in research and conservation projects with our highly-qualified and research-active teaching staff.
- Join our Brackenhurst community, benefitting from extensive and diverse outdoor spaces, onsite biodiversity conservation efforts, and a welcoming, close-knit community feeling.
Conservation Priorities
(20 credit points)
Learn the main conceptual frameworks needed to understand why, where and how conservation conflicts emerge, and how to set priorities for conservation in a changing world based on the best available evidence and broad analytical approaches. You’ll discuss why and how conservation conflicts emerge, systematic planning of conservation, political ecology and a brief history of conservation priorities.
Vegetation Survey and Assessment
(20 credit points)
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and methods used to study and evaluate plant communities in various ecosystems. You’ll gain the necessary skills to conduct vegetation surveys and assess the health, diversity, and dynamics of vegetation in different environments. You’ll also learn how to apply your knowledge to address real-world ecological challenges related to vegetation management and conservation.
Environmental Assessment and Consultancy
(20 credit points)
Gain a thorough and detailed knowledge of the ecological consultancy process, including relevant legislation, the ecological impact assessment process, and mitigation considerations. You will discuss the role of consultant ecologists and the consultancy process; including project management, client liaison, legislation, mitigation and reporting.
Protected Species Surveying
(20 credit points)
Gain a detailed knowledge of the identification and taxonomy for a range of protected species. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge to carry out and evaluate the different methods used to survey and record species distribution and abundance. Many of the survey techniques demonstrated in this module are applicable internationally.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
(20 credit points)
GIS is an important tool for monitoring biodiversity, and can be used to store, manipulate, analyse and present large amounts of spatial and attribute data - data that can be used to target surveys and monitoring schemes. Data collected during field surveys and from remotely sensed images taken into GIS allow the monitoring of both the location and extent of change. In this module, you'll explore the application of GIS and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology within biodiversity conservation.
Research Methods and Data Analysis
(20 credit points)
Learn advanced skills in the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative research data relevant to whole-organism biology, and develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations involved in the collection of data. You'll be able to present findings of scientific research in a variety of appropriate ways, as well as critically evaluating, interpreting and relaying knowledge gained from secondary sources, to peers.
Research Project
(MRes 120 credit points, MSc 60 credit points)
Research your chosen area related to biodiversity conservation in depth, under guidance from a supervisor. You will design and implement a relevant research project with a strong aspect of originality, and communicate the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Our Biodiversity Conservation course is offered at two levels - two Masters degrees (MSc and MRes).
MSc
The MSc comprises a taught programme of six modules, and a research project.
MRes
The MRes offers three taught modules, and provides the opportunity to undertake an extended research project.
| Modules | MRes | MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Priorities | Included | Included |
| Vegetation Survey and Assessment | Optional* | Included |
| Environmental Assessment and Consultancy | Optional* | Included |
| Protected Species Surveying | Optional* | Included |
| Geographical Information Systems (GIS) | Optional* | Included |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | Included | Included |
| Research Project | Included | Included |
*Choose one of the optional modules.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Video Gallery
How you're taught
Our Brackenhurst Campus, where this MSc/MRes Biodiversity Conservation degree is based, is a 200-hectare outdoor classroom – meaning practical field work can be done onsite, within your timetabled sessions. Some of the wildlife that can be surveyed on campus includes badgers, great crested newts, small mammals and birds (including skylarks, yellowhammers and barn owls), across various habitats like parkland, pastoral land, ponds and hedgerows.
You’ll be taught by a team of experienced conservation scientists, who are all specialists in their fields. Your teaching will be informed by our academics’ research, and our CIEEM accreditation on the MSc course guarantees a curriculum underpinned by employer feedback, and rigorously assessed for quality and relevance.
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures, covering the most important topics in biodiversity and conservation
- seminars, for interactive work and learning essential skills
- online learning, via our virtual online learning environment
- practical field work, making use of our extensive and diverse land and facilities at Brackenhurst Campus
- independent scientific research, delving deeply into your chosen area with the support of our experienced academic researchers
- field trips to local areas — destinations have previously included Newstead and Annesley Country Park, Sherwood Forest and Jacksdale
- guest-led presentations and discussions, either within your modules or as part of the School’s weekly seminar series.
How you're assessed
The assessments on this biodiversity conservation course are designed to reflect the ways in which you’ll work in industry and in research careers. Your modules are assessed via technical and scientific reports, one open-book exam, and a longer scientific journal-style report alongside a recorded video presentation for the Research Project.
Contact hours
Each of your taught modules has 30-50 hours of direct contact time. Outside of your timetabled sessions, you’ll work on your assignments and research independently, but our expert staff will still be available to provide you with guidance and support via individual tutorials throughout your studies. Our biodiversity conservation Masters courses are offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.
Careers and employability
Our biodiversity conservation Masters will equip you with the technical skills and specialist knowledge to make a meaningful impact in this time of biodiversity crisis. This course naturally feeds into roles across the conservation and ecological consultancy industries, as well as governmental organisations such as Natural England and local planning authorities.
As an NTU student, you’ll benefit from free, tailored career advice from our award-winning Employability services for up to three years after graduating, and lifetime access to our online employability resources. This is alongside the School’s busy calendar of careers events, which give you the opportunity to network with employers and practicing biodiversity and conservation professionals.
Previously, our MSc/MRes Biodiversity Conservation graduates have gone on to work in:
- ecological and environmental consultancies, like EMEC Ecology, RammSanderson, Brindle & Green and Middlemarch
- public bodies and government advisors, such as Natural England and Via East Midlands
- environmental charities, including The Woodland Trust and The Trent Rivers Trust.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Bramley and Orchard buildings, as well as outdoors across the Brackenhurst estate. As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; or grab a pal and take a relaxing stroll through 200 hectares of stunning countryside.
The campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell, a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable, late-running buses, you’ve got Nottingham — a legendary student city stuffed with history and culture to discover at your leisure.
Entry requirements
UK students
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements:
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
