Global Ecology and Conservation MSc

Cardiff University

With a changing climate, an increasing human population, and growing rates of extinction and habitat loss, the world is facing unprecedented challenges. Covering the complete span from ecological theory and pioneering research, through to practical site assessments and conservation interventions, we equip you with the skills and knowledge required to tackle major global challenges and make a ‘real world’ difference.

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, you 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. These are bolstered by training in complementary topics including data handling and geographical information systems (GIS), which are essential employability skills in ecology and conservation.

There is scope to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations, with a range of options for your professional work placement, field course, and final research project (dissertation). Depending on your choices, you could potentially spend several months working in the field during your MSc.

The 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.

You’ll receive training in data handling, analysis, and visualisation, using publicly available biodiversity data and learn how to archive your own data for others to use. In addition, science communication is embedded across the course, where you’ll learn to interact with different individuals and organisations, and use different formats to target audiences from the general public through to policy makers and funding bodies.

We know that ecology and conservation are constantly evolving, and, in response, we have developed an MSc that is explicitly forward-looking, covering new technology and ‘horizon scanning’ for future conservation issues. With a flexible and interdisciplinary approach, we aim to train postgraduates who can take on roles in research, practice, policy, consultancy and more, and who have the skills, confidence and knowledge base to adapt to a global job market and changing environment.