University of Kent

Conservation Science and International Wildlife Trade - MSc

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

Develop interdisciplinary solutions needed to tackle the global biodiversity crisis. Understand the issues we face when conserving natural habitats and ecosystems upon which human communities depend. Become a member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), which in 2019 received the highly prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its world-leading research and training in conservation science.

On our MSc programme, which is delivered by DICE staff, you will collaborate with world-leading conservation scientists and gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in conservation. A key focus for conservation managers needing to address the challenges of international wildlife trade is understanding the complex relationships between biodiversity conservation, local communities, and the use of natural resources. You’ll examine a range of factors that shape both legal and illegal wildlife trade, from economics to cyber-enabled wildlife trafficking, and how these factors affect biodiversity and society.

The programme focuses on understanding what drives wildlife trade, its impacts on people and nature, and the challenges it presents for effective conservation. You will also undertake a research project specifically focused on these themes, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, real-world conservation efforts. You will gain an interdisciplinary perspective on conservation issues, drawing on over 30 years of DICE expertise on what it takes for effective conservation management.

You will receive state-of-the-art training across the full breadth of conservation disciplines, learning the approaches needed where local communities also rely on natural resource use, as well as the skills needed to restore threatened species and habitats. You will gain practical and methodological tools you will need to achieve success as a conservation scientist who can operate across the natural and social sciences.

Key highlights

  • Taught by staff from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology
  • Institute won the 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for conservation research
  • Examines legal and illegal wildlife trade, including cyber-enabled trafficking
  • Research project focused on wildlife trade's impacts on people and nature
  • Draws on over 30 years of DICE conservation management expertise
  • Training in restoring threatened species and habitats

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — to include acceptable subject; or above
  • Degree: 2nd class — to include Biological Sciences or Conservation; or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Careers this course leads to

  • Conservation scientist
  • Wildlife trade analyst
  • Conservation manager
  • Wildlife trafficking policy officer
  • Conservation NGO programme officer
  • Biodiversity researcher

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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