Wildlife Biology & Conservation MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation program at Edinburgh Napier University equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to address challenges in biodiversity preservation. Accredited by CIEEM, the program combines theory with practical experience, including research projects in collaboration with conservation organizations. Graduates have secured positions in environmental consultancies, government agencies, and wildlife organizations nationally and internationally.

Program Outline

MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation - Edinburgh Napier University

Degree Overview:

The MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation program at Edinburgh Napier University is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the challenges of preserving biodiversity in the face of human demands on space and resources.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced analytical skills for population quantification and management.
• Gain practical skills in identifying, quantifying, and assessing biodiversity.
• Enhance transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R), problem-solving, research, and teamwork.

Description:

• This is the first and only degree in Scotland accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Graduates have secured positions in environmental consultancies, government agencies, and independent wildlife organizations both nationally and internationally.
• The program boasts a 100% overall student satisfaction score (PTES, 2023).
• Typical entry points are in September and January.

Outline:

Content:

• The program focuses on developing practical employability skills.
• It combines relevant theory with practical experience.
• Students have the opportunity to work on research projects in collaboration with conservation organizations.

Structure:

• Full-time program with a duration of 12-18 months.
• Part-time and distance learning options are available.

Course Schedule:

• September-starting students:
• Trimester 1 (September - December):
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)
• Trimester 2 (January - April):
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120)
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119)
• Trimester 3 (May - August):
• Project (ENV11117)
• January-starting students:
• January - April:
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120)
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119)
• May - August: No teaching, but this period can be used to gain additional work or voluntary experience.
• September - December:
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)
• January - April:
• Project (ENV11117)

Modules:

• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100): Explores levels and patterns of biodiversity, measurement techniques, and conservation challenges.
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115): Presents real-world case studies in wildlife management and conservation, utilizing practical exercises and guest lectures.
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119): Focuses on advanced techniques for population monitoring and ecological sampling, providing hands-on experience in field and lab settings.
• Field and Laboratory Skills (ENV11108): Includes practical sessions in the field and lab, culminating in a residential field course where students conduct sampling and monitoring in various habitats.
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101): Examines topics like ecotourism, human-environment interactions, urban ecology, and community engagement in conservation.
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112): Covers marine and freshwater protected area planning, legal frameworks, water quality management, and GIS applications.
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116): Covers wildlife population dynamics, capture techniques, sampling design, and advanced analytical techniques.
• Research Project (ENV11117): Students design and conduct an independent research project, developing skills in scientific writing and data analysis.
• Scientific Methods (ENV11109): Covers the philosophy and practice of science, statistical analysis using R, and an introduction to taxonomy and species identification.
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120): Provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in identifying plants, terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, and birds.

Assessment:

• No traditional end-of-module exams.
• Assessments include a variety of professional tasks, both written and oral.
• Examples include zoning documents, biodiversity reports, development proposals, taxonomic identification tests, statistical analysis exercises, and audio-visual presentations.

Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips, independent study, and technology-enhanced learning.
• Faculty: Experienced staff with expertise in wildlife conservation and consultancy.
• Unique Approaches:
• Collaboration with conservation organizations for research projects.
• Guest lectures from professionals in government agencies, charities, and consultancies.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Ecologist, ecological consultant, wildlife ranger, education officer, conservation project officer, wildlife technician, doctoral researcher, scientific advisor, species licensing officer.
• Opportunities: Government agencies, non-governmental agencies, charities, private consultancies, research institutions.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in wildlife conservation and environmental management.

Other:

• The program is based at the Sighthill Campus, which offers well-equipped laboratory and IT facilities.
• The campus's location provides access to a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats for field studies.

Tuition fees for 2024/25 Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £tba Overseas and EU £20,395 £tba