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Msc Biodiversity Conservation 34

Biodiversity Conservation

MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate

It has never been more important to understand biodiversity and how we can protect it. Throughout this course you will explore mechanisms for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in the face of the unprecedented declines caused by human activity and climate change.

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Key Information

Course Duration: 1-2 years; full-time and part-time options
UC UCAS Code: MSTABCXX
Level of Study: Master's and PhDs
Typical Offer: 2:2 honours degree in a related subject

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Hartpury’s 360-hectare estate spans a wide variety of habitats ranging from woodland through to commercial farmland making it the ideal setting to fully explore this topic as you deepen your understanding of the scientific principles of biodiversity conservation and explore practical solutions to real-world problems in a highly applied way. Get hands on experience of surveying skills looking at the broad range of native wildlife living on our campus, including hedgehogs, bats, plants and much more. You will have the opportunity to work alongside academics and practitioners to learn techniques such as bird ringing at an internationally important wetland, the curation of museum biological collections, and the use of drones to map habitats such as on our commercial farm. As the biodiversity strategy for Hartpury is constantly evolving and growing, your studies and surveys will be able to have an impact on our developing policies and practices so you can be at the forefront of real practice.

Undertake extensive field work to develop skills and explore opportunities to work towards industry standard field survey skills, gain certification in Project Management for Wildlife Conservation from Wild Team and the opportunity to complete a botanical Field Identification Certificate (FISC) for the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, and chain saw use.

Academic

2:2 honours degree in a related subject.

Non-academic

Students with non-relevant qualifications but with sufficient work experience or professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International

In addition to the academic qualification an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Please contact us for further information.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your career.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of this programme, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.
Trips are planned to include Knepp Rewilding Estate in West Sussex (residential), Hasfield Court in Gloucestershire, the Forest of Dean, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge, and the Natural History Museum at Tring amongst others.

Guest lecturers are likely to included conservationists, sustainability experts, and ecological consultants, in addition to academic researchers.

Practical skills

You will develop key practical skills valued by industry within this course including learning how to use GIS software and the opportunity to complete a recognised field ID certificate and chainsaw training.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate of this course you may go on to a career in practical conservation, ecological consultancy, NGOs, research, environmental science, science communication, zoo and captive based roles, or teaching. Opportunities for progression to PhD will be supported and promoted. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

Success Stories

Duration

One year, full-time

You can study this qualification full-time and subsequently complete it within one year, from September to July.

Two years, part-time

We offer a two year, part time option to support students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, from September to June.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one. This will range from your lecturers, supervisors and personal tutor to our specialist academic (Achievement and Success Centre), employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) and wellbeing teams.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your understanding of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Your career

Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced field skills ready for your career.

Course information

Overview

Hartpury’s 360-hectare estate spans a wide variety of habitats ranging from woodland through to commercial farmland making it the ideal setting to fully explore this topic as you deepen your understanding of the scientific principles of biodiversity conservation and explore practical solutions to real-world problems in a highly applied way. Get hands on experience of surveying skills looking at the broad range of native wildlife living on our campus, including hedgehogs, bats, plants and much more. You will have the opportunity to work alongside academics and practitioners to learn techniques such as bird ringing at an internationally important wetland, the curation of museum biological collections, and the use of drones to map habitats such as on our commercial farm. As the biodiversity strategy for Hartpury is constantly evolving and growing, your studies and surveys will be able to have an impact on our developing policies and practices so you can be at the forefront of real practice.

Undertake extensive field work to develop skills and explore opportunities to work towards industry standard field survey skills, gain certification in Project Management for Wildlife Conservation from Wild Team and the opportunity to complete a botanical Field Identification Certificate (FISC) for the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, and chain saw use.

Entry requirements

Academic

2:2 honours degree in a related subject.

Non-academic

Students with non-relevant qualifications but with sufficient work experience or professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International

In addition to the academic qualification an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your career.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of this programme, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.
Trips are planned to include Knepp Rewilding Estate in West Sussex (residential), Hasfield Court in Gloucestershire, the Forest of Dean, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge, and the Natural History Museum at Tring amongst others.

Guest lecturers are likely to included conservationists, sustainability experts, and ecological consultants, in addition to academic researchers.

Practical skills

You will develop key practical skills valued by industry within this course including learning how to use GIS software and the opportunity to complete a recognised field ID certificate and chainsaw training.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate of this course you may go on to a career in practical conservation, ecological consultancy, NGOs, research, environmental science, science communication, zoo and captive based roles, or teaching. Opportunities for progression to PhD will be supported and promoted. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

How you'll study

Duration

One year, full-time

You can study this qualification full-time and subsequently complete it within one year, from September to July.

Two years, part-time

We offer a two year, part time option to support students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, from September to June.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one. This will range from your lecturers, supervisors and personal tutor to our specialist academic (Achievement and Success Centre), employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) and wellbeing teams.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your understanding of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Your career

Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced field skills ready for your career.

A biodiversity crisis

There's never been a more important time to study this course. It's vital that we understand the processes that are causing the problems, as well as the solutions to help halt the impact they're having on biodiversity.

Watch how our course allows you to really get hands-on and learn real-world skills while you study. Our students graduate with the expertise to succeed in a range of different careers. Join us today, and feel part of something special. 

Qualifications and modules

Your degree will explore a wide range of topics related to the conservation of biodiversity, to kick start your career in this highly progressive field.

Module credits

Upon successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain may contribute towards your final master’s degree differential award (pass, merit or distinction).

Modules

Applied Principles of Conservation (30 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

You will study applied theoretical principles related to conservation and the application of this knowledge to a wide range of scenarios. A particular focus will be achieving no net loss of biodiversity by 2030, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), green financing, opportunities for developers, landowners and councils such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and time to complete a certificated short course in Project Planning for Wildlife Conservation in partnership with Wild Team.

Practical Skills and Technology in Conservation (30 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

A wide variety of skills will be developed, including survey skills for UK protected species, plant ID skills (you will have the opportunity to complete a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) which is highly sought after by ecological consultancies), and work with a wide range of technology including drones (with LiDAR and thermal imagery), telemetry, acoustic surveys, and preparation of biological specimens. Learning to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) will allow you to present your findings in relation to key habitat features and land classes. Extensive field work on campus and at local sites will be a key feature of this module.

Conservation in Agriculture (15 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

Working in partnership with the Hartpury Agri-Tech centre, this module will explore topics in regenerative agriculture including rewilding, soil ecology, orchard management and agroforestry. Site visits, including to Knepp Rewilding Estate in West Sussex (residential), Hasfield Court and Elmore Court Rewild Things in Gloucestershire (day trips) will give real-world examples of how agricultural land can be a haven for biodiversity.

Wildlife Conflict (15 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

Explore the drivers of and solutions for human wildlife conflict. In the module you will discuss and debate the ecological, social, and economic impacts of wildlife conflict and conservation.

The Research Process (15 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

Discuss research methodologies and applications, as well as the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different methods.

Captive Exotics & Wildlife Policy and Law (15 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

Explore zoological institutions as well as areas surrounding performance animals, pest control, population management and game rearing. This module will touch on important international legislation, such as CITES.

Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits, MSc)

Develop and implement a research project with the support of an individual supervisor to guide and support you to undertake this innovative piece of research.

This degree focuses on the scientific understanding of biodiversity conservation and how this is applied practically to real-life situations.

You will gain practical field-based skills, as well as studying the key principles of biodiversity and conservation, including the legal structures, conflict between humans and wildlife as well as the complexities of increasing biodiversity alongside agricultural production. 

You’ll utilise your expertise to develop innovative approaches to monitoring and managing biodiversity in real-world contexts and developing solutions to factors affecting biodiversity decline.

Your dissertation project will allow you to research an area of your own interest in relation to biodiversity conservation, under the guidance of one of our industry-leading research-active lecturers, and often in collaboration with our extensive industry collaborators.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

The Postgraduate Diploma includes core modules except the research-based dissertation. Please view the specific module breakdown for further details.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

The Postgraduate Certificate includes modules focusing on building your practical skills including field based and analytical using GIS and R. You will also explore the importance of conservation in agriculture as well as human wildlife conflict. Please view the specific module breakdown for further details.

Qualifications and modules

Modules

Your degree will explore a wide range of topics related to the conservation of biodiversity, to kick start your career in this highly progressive field.

Module credits

Upon successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain may contribute towards your final master’s degree differential award (pass, merit or distinction).

Modules

Applied Principles of Conservation (30 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

You will study applied theoretical principles related to conservation and the application of this knowledge to a wide range of scenarios. A particular focus will be achieving no net loss of biodiversity by 2030, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), green financing, opportunities for developers, landowners and councils such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and time to complete a certificated short course in Project Planning for Wildlife Conservation in partnership with Wild Team.

Practical Skills and Technology in Conservation (30 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

A wide variety of skills will be developed, including survey skills for UK protected species, plant ID skills (you will have the opportunity to complete a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) which is highly sought after by ecological consultancies), and work with a wide range of technology including drones (with LiDAR and thermal imagery), telemetry, acoustic surveys, and preparation of biological specimens. Learning to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) will allow you to present your findings in relation to key habitat features and land classes. Extensive field work on campus and at local sites will be a key feature of this module.

Conservation in Agriculture (15 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

Working in partnership with the Hartpury Agri-Tech centre, this module will explore topics in regenerative agriculture including rewilding, soil ecology, orchard management and agroforestry. Site visits, including to Knepp Rewilding Estate in West Sussex (residential), Hasfield Court and Elmore Court Rewild Things in Gloucestershire (day trips) will give real-world examples of how agricultural land can be a haven for biodiversity.

Wildlife Conflict (15 credits, MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

Explore the drivers of and solutions for human wildlife conflict. In the module you will discuss and debate the ecological, social, and economic impacts of wildlife conflict and conservation.

The Research Process (15 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

Discuss research methodologies and applications, as well as the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different methods.

Captive Exotics & Wildlife Policy and Law (15 credits, MSc and PG Diploma)

Explore zoological institutions as well as areas surrounding performance animals, pest control, population management and game rearing. This module will touch on important international legislation, such as CITES.

Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits, MSc)

Develop and implement a research project with the support of an individual supervisor to guide and support you to undertake this innovative piece of research.

MSc

This degree focuses on the scientific understanding of biodiversity conservation and how this is applied practically to real-life situations.

You will gain practical field-based skills, as well as studying the key principles of biodiversity and conservation, including the legal structures, conflict between humans and wildlife as well as the complexities of increasing biodiversity alongside agricultural production. 

You’ll utilise your expertise to develop innovative approaches to monitoring and managing biodiversity in real-world contexts and developing solutions to factors affecting biodiversity decline.

Your dissertation project will allow you to research an area of your own interest in relation to biodiversity conservation, under the guidance of one of our industry-leading research-active lecturers, and often in collaboration with our extensive industry collaborators.

PGDip/PGCert

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

The Postgraduate Diploma includes core modules except the research-based dissertation. Please view the specific module breakdown for further details.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

The Postgraduate Certificate includes modules focusing on building your practical skills including field based and analytical using GIS and R. You will also explore the importance of conservation in agriculture as well as human wildlife conflict. Please view the specific module breakdown for further details.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning including lectures, practical sessions, seminars and group tasks scheduled alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

The course is taught in English.

  Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
MSc degree 13% 0% 87%
PG Dip 17% 0% 83%
PG Cert 19% 0% 81%
Teaching contact time

Teaching contact time and method will vary depending on the module that you’re studying. However, postgraduate modules on this course normally involve 24 hours of taught contact time with staff per module.

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of practical assessments, oral presentations and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment.

Written feedback will be provided to you for each assessment that you submit and you’ll be able to discuss your feedback by arranging a tutorial with the respective module leader.

  Written exam Practical exam Coursework
MSc degree 0% 30% 70%

Most students study this course in one year, and they study three semesters. The first two semesters will usually consist of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks.  The timetable will normally consist of:

  • Onsite teaching two days a week (normally a Wednesday and Thursday)
  • Online teaching half a day (Normally on a Friday)
  • During the first semester, there is an off-site-UK based residential field trip of 3 days
  • Assessments are normally scheduled on the same day as you would normally be taught, to support the management of other commitments.
  • The dissertation (independent research project) will normally be completed in semester 3, with tutorial / supervisor support being flexible depending upon the nature of the project.

Specific attendance dates and timetables are available before enrolment (normally in May before a September enrolment).

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Studentship Scheme

Our Postgraduate Studentship Scheme provides a fantastic development opportunity, enabling you to complement your postgraduate study with important real-world research or within teaching within a paid position at Hartpury.

Clothing and footwear

During the course you will undertake extensive field work. Therefore, suitable wet weather clothing is essential, including sturdy waterproof boots (e.g. walking boots and/or wellington style boots), a waterproof coat, waterproof trousers, a hat and gloves. Hartpury University branded clothing is available through our online shop for those who wish to purchase it, although this is not expected.

Field Trips

The course will include multiple trips away from campus. For these, Hartpury transport will always be provided, free of charge. Students are welcome to travel independently to sites if they prefer, at their own expense. Data collection for the dissertation may also be undertaken offsite, at the student’s own expense. For the residential trip to Knepp Rewilding Estate an additional cost is charged to cover camping, guides and food at a rate of £250 per student. Students are welcome to access local alternative accommodation at their own expense should they wish.

Additional certificates / courses

During the course you will have the opportunity to complete optional additional certification of recognised skill at an added cost for the botanical FISC (Field Identification Skills Certificate) and the optional Chainsaw Maintenance & Basic Operation - NPTC. All other costs, such as drone flying, and the Conservation Project Management certificate are included within the tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library
Lucy Garrett (2)

Meet the programme manager

Lucy Garret is a Lecturer (Research) in Ecology and Conservation.

Book an online appointment Meet Lucy Garrett

Fees & Funding

It's a good idea to think about fees and funding around your course as early as you can. We can help you to understand and take control of your finances. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance.

Postgraduate Fees Funding Hartpuy University (1)

Facilities

Our specialist facilities match our specialist nature. Students benefit from access to some of the most advanced facilities in the world at an educational institution.

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Find out more about our courses, professional learning environments and commercial industry connections. Learn about our world-class facilities and speak with our academic teams about how our qualifications could help to change or progress your career.

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Top 10 UK University

We're a top 10 UK university for overall postgraduate student satisfaction (PTES 2025, home students).

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World leading

Our research has been recognised as 'world-leading' and 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

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Research and Innovation

Every year we support projects across a wide range of subject areas that help drive positive change in animal and equine wellbeing, agriculture, sports performance and public health. Research undertaken at Hartpury is regularly published and presented to audiences worldwide.

Research & Innovation
Lucy Garrett

Dr Lucy Garrett has worked in practical field-based conservation for over 5 years, including leading conservation programmes of Critically Endangered bird species with Internationally acclaimed restoration and rewilding organisations in Mauritius, New Zealand and Ascension Island. Currently Dr Garrett’s research focuses on UK-based biodiversity monitoring applied to the agricultural context and using the latest remote censusing technology. Students will benefit from both UK and international research connections to undertake the most pertinent research questions with meaningful applications.

Dr Lucy Garrett | Lecturer in Zoology/Conservation Biology

Dr Lucy Garrett has worked in practical field-based conservation for over 5 years, including leading conservation programmes of Critically Endangered bird species with Internationally acclaimed restoration and rewilding organisations in Mauritius, New Zealand and Ascension Island. Currently Dr Garrett’s research focuses on UK-based biodiversity monitoring applied to the agricultural context and using the latest remote censusing technology. Students will benefit from both UK and international research connections to undertake the most pertinent research questions with meaningful applications.

Dr Lucy Garrett | Lecturer in Zoology/Conservation Biology

Get in touch

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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