Global Ecology and Conservation (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Our MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation trains the ecologists and conservationists of the future.
Latest conservation trends
Learn the concepts and challenges in conservation, including in legislative and NGO contexts, and ‘horizon-scanning’ for future threats.
Practical training
Use the latest survey technologies such as eDNA for monitoring ecosystems, detecting species declines and diagnosing their causes.
Fieldwork in the UK or abroad
An optional Field Course and Placement module (BIT055) extends the field-based teaching by up to two weeks with a choice of UK and/or international destinations.
Expert contributors
We invite leading external experts and thinkers in conservation to contribute regularly to our course.
Ranked 4th in the UK and 28th in the world
Our School is ranked highly for Biological Sciences by the 2024 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
From the rivers of South Wales to the Bornean rainforest, our MSc covers the major conservation issues affecting habitats across the globe. With training in core areas, such as wildlife surveys, biodiversity assessments and species management and conservation. You will learn how to identify current and emerging threats to species and ecosystems and develop the necessary skills to tackle these threats with effective and scalable solutions.
Covering the complete span from ecological theory and pioneering research, through to practical site assessments and conservation interventions, we will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to make a ‘real world’ difference.
These core topics are combined with a free choice of optional modules, including Integrated Water Science for the Real World. You will have wide-ranging options for the research project and coursework topics, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. A lot of our core modules include a fieldwork element, whilst our optional Field Research and Placement module (BIT055) comprises an extended field course in the UK or overseas, and a professional work placement.
Our course is delivered by leading academics who work across the world conducting cutting-edge research and addressing key global challenges – from pioneering climate change research, to developing action plans to preserve native species. As well as offering you the excitement of learning in an active research environment, this approach will also demonstrate how your work can be translated into practical conservation measures.
With a flexible and interdisciplinary approach, we train you to eventually take on roles in research, practice, policy, consultancy and more, and to have the skills, confidence and knowledge base to adapt to a global job market and changing environment.
The course is well-structured, beginning with core theoretical and practical training, followed by hands-on research allowing us to apply our knowledge in a real-world context. One of the most valuable aspects was the freedom to tailor our research project around our own interests, enabling me to explore a direction I was truly passionate about.
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Where you'll study
School of Biosciences
We provide a dynamic and stimulating teaching environment with impressive modern facilities, up-to-date equipment and high-calibre staff.
Admissions criteria
To be considered for an offer for this course, you will need to meet all the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant science subject such as biology, ecology, zoology, physical geography or environmental science, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered based on professional or other extensive experience in conservation or environmental management. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The course runs for 12 months full time. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (80 credits), two optional modules (40 credits) and a research project (60 credits). It comprises two stages:
- Stage 1: taught modules. There is an exit point at the end of Stage 1 (120 credits), leading to a Postgraduate Diploma. The timing of this point is dependent on the specific modules that the student has selected
- Stage 2: Research Project
Research Project (dissertation)
You will undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of approximately 8,000-10,000 words.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Field Skills for Ecology and Conservation | BIT050 | 20 credits |
| Assessing Biodiversity and Ecosystems | BIT051 | 20 credits |
| Principles and Practice of Conservation Biology | BIT052 | 20 credits |
| Data Science | BIT053 | 20 credits |
| Research Project | BIT054 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
The taught component of the course is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer practicals and field-based teaching. An optional Field Course and Placement module extends the field-based teaching by up to two weeks with a field course in a choice of UK and international destinations.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of assessment of practical skills, coursework, essays, reflective journals, presentations and a research project (= dissertation; 8,000–10,000 words).
How will I be supported?
You will be provided with a Personal Tutor on your arrival at Cardiff University, and you can request a Welsh-speaking personal tutor if required. You are encouraged to contact your Personal Tutor should you have any academic or pastoral issues that you wish to discuss. You will meet your Personal Tutor within the first two weeks of the course and at regular intervals throughout the year.
Peer Support for Post Graduate Students
In addition to the personal tutoring system, Cardiff University offers peer-to-peer support specifically for postgraduate students. Postgraduate Peer Supporters volunteer to support other postgrad students’ wellbeing, by facilitating monthly Postgraduate Peer Support Groups. The groups run all year round (including over the summer).
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Discuss key principles underlying ecology and conservation, especially as they relate to environmental and global change.
- Distinguish different facets of biodiversity (e.g. functional, taxonomic) at scales ranging from genes to ecosystems, and explain how to quantify them and their changes through space and/or time
- Describe different field survey techniques, with accompanying safe working practices and relevant legislation
- Assess current and emerging threats to biodiversity, alongside relevant policy and legislation
- Review traditional and innovative conservation strategies, such as re-introduction, re-wilding and creating conservation corridors
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to
- Devise management strategies, underpinned by ecological principles and evidence, to conserve species and/or manage nature conservation sites
- Select suitable methods for analysing data and visualising the results
- Diagnose the drivers of biodiversity/ecosystem change from data.
- Critically evaluate: i) ecological survey methods and data collected using those methods, ii) environmental impact assessments; iii) the results of data analyses; and iv) published research from the scientific literature
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Design field surveys and research projects to address specific aims or hypotheses
- Collect data for different taxa and environments, using established and cutting-edge methods relevant to both research and applied contexts (e.g. ecological consultancy)
- Select, and justify the choice of, suitable approaches for measuring different aspects of biodiversity when presented with ecological and conservation scenarios or research questions
- Critically evaluate different statistical methods and select appropriate ones when presented with scenarios and associated data sets.
- Use industry-standard software (R and geographic information systems (GIS)) to design and construct digital maps, and analyse data
- Synthesise, critique and communicate research outputs (e.g. scientific papers, data analyses) to scientific peers in written and oral formats
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Synthesise complex scientific outputs (e.g. scientific papers, data analyses, environmental impact assessments) into written and oral formats tailored to a non-specialist audience (e.g. policy makers, general public)
- Prepare written reports, with clear structures and organising information in a logical manner, using correct grammar/spelling
- Format data sets to facilitate collaboration and long-term archiving
- Analyse, visualise and interpret complex data
- Design and manage research projects
- Evaluate, prioritise and apply complex information and data to devise strategies and plans
- Apply safe working practices when carrying out fieldwork
- Work individually or collaboratively to solve problems
- Interpret and apply legal guidelines to project proposals or survey designs
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £29,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
If you choose the optional Field Research and Placement module (BIT055), and wish to attend a residential field course, there will be additional costs associated with travel, accommodation and subsistence. Current locations include Tobago and Borneo, studying marine or rainforest ecology, and costs range from approximately £750 (Tobago) to £1000–1700 (for different Borneo-based courses), excluding flight costs. We strive to keep these costs to a minimum: in Borneo we maintain our own Field Station and staff, whose costs are not recovered from charges to students. We also offer excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs (Urban Ecology- Cardiff) or only cost approximately £350 (Costal Ecology – Pembrokeshire). Please contact the school for further information on field course costs.
No additional charges are made for other aspects of tuition, although some services (such as student printing on demand) may incur a charge.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is required. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course.
Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Our MSc offers excellent training for future ecologists and conservationists. Its blend of theory and practical research skills, conservation management and legislation, and identifying emerging threats, will furnish you with the scientific knowledge, hands-on experience and adaptability that are highly valued by employers in today’s global job market.
We expect many of our graduates to enjoy successful careers in research, ecological consultancy, and conservation policy and practice. With its focus on practical training in both subject-specific and generic research skills, our MSc provides the ideal platform for further study and a career in academia.
Alongside sound scientific training, this course will enable you to develop transferable skills that are in high demand beyond ecology and conservation. Skills such as data management, analysis and literacy; making complex research accessible to a wide audience; appraising alternative management proposals and policies; and devising evidence-based solutions to problems, are vital in a range of roles across the public, private and third sectors.
Throughout the course, you will have a wide range of opportunities to establish contacts with potential employers, whether that’s through a work experience placement, collaborations developed during the research project, or guest lectures by leading external experts.
Placements
This course offers multiple opportunities to develop your practical research skills through fieldwork modules and professional placements.
Direct experience of different habitats and fieldwork techniques is an important part of an ecologist’s training, and several of our core modules include a fieldwork element, which involves practising field skills in locations around South Wales. Depending on the topic selected, your research project may also offer the opportunity for extensive fieldwork.
Students who select the optional Field Research and Placement module (BIT055) can choose from a range of field courses (approximately 1-2 weeks), both here in the UK and international locations, such as Tobago and Borneo. Our international field courses incur additional costs, but these are partly subsidised by the School of Biosciences. This module also includes a 10-day placement at a relevant, UK-based or overseas organisation, such as a conservation NGO, research laboratory, field centre, museum, ecological consultancy or zoological institute. Students arrange their own placements, with support and guidance from university staff.
In total, you can choose to spend approximately one month in the field as part of your taught modules (not including the research project, which can also be field-based), enabling you to develop practical ecology and conservation skills that can be taken all over the world.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
