Biodiversity and Conservation - MSc
Keele's MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation aims to provide you with an extensive understanding of biodiversity, ecology and conservation. You will explore and critically evaluate the contemporary issues facing our planet and apply your knowledge to propose robust solutions, demonstrating your expertise in environmental management. This programme will enable you to develop and enhance your research and fieldwork skills through theoretical and practical learning, contributing to high-level graduate attributes that will help to strengthen your career prospects.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £11,400 per year. Part time £6,300 per year.
International - £21,400 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time, 2 years
Why study Biodiversity and Conservation at Keele University?
Course summary
Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation allows you to explore the biodiversity and ecology of larger organisms, habitats and landscapes through various concepts and theories. You will delve into the key themes of conservation and environmental management and develop a range of high-level field and laboratory skills. You will be equipped to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills effectively in both case studies and real-world examples.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to use Keele's green campus to explore issues facing the planet, apply your learnings and demonstrate your practical skills whilst developing knowledge in various specialisms aligned to your interests. You will strengthen your critical thinking skills through the collection of quantitative data, analysis and experimentation whilst working independently and with peers.
Having a hands-on practical approach to your learning will enable you to develop valuable skills as an independent thinker and problem solver, attaining skills to think critically about subject matter with reference to impacts on society as well as broader insights of the 'bigger picture'.
Pathway options
On this programme, there are two pathways available:
Keele Pathway: This pathway is typically completed in one year, based entirely at Keele University.
Joint Keele and VMU (Vytautas Magnus University) Lithuania Pathway: This pathway is only available to those opting for a full-time, September start. This pathway enables you to obtain a dual award MSc, from both Keele University and VMU. It includes an additional two semesters at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Kaunas, Lithuania, where additional modules and the dissertation (including field work) will be completed.
Fieldwork
Our MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation offers the exciting opportunity to engage with advanced fieldwork during your studies, enabling you to demonstrate your expertise and further develop your professional skills and career prospects.
Support
During your studies at Keele, you will be supported by various staff and teams to help with your personal and academic endeavours. You will benefit from introductory sessions with the Programme Director to help familiarise yourself with course content, teaching methods and assessment methods, enhancing your study experience and personal development.
You will also have an Academic Mentor who will be available for general academic advice and guidance, whilst Student Experience and Support Officers will be available for pastoral queries. This enables you to access the support you require and be signposted accordingly to relevant teams across the university. There is also Careers and Employability Support available for your professional development in preparation for graduation.
In addition to this, you will also be assigned a supervisor and a co-supervisor during your dissertation module who will help to support your learning and final assessment.
Field Identification Skills Certificate
On this MSc, you may have the option to complete qualifications on taxonomic identification skills, e.g. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC). A FISC is a botanical identification test during which plant identification skills are assessed and graded (grades 0-7). FISC certificates are valued highly by employers in the ecology and conservation sector.
Other courses you may be interested in:
Course structure
To achieve the MSc Biodiversity and Conservation (Keele Pathway), you must complete 180 credits.
To achieve the MSc Biodiversity and Conservation (Joint Keele and VMU Lithuania Pathway), you must complete 120 credits at Keele University over the first two semesters and then enrol onto Vytautas Magnus University to complete the dissertation, which includes additional modules at VMU related to the dissertation.
Please note, modules may differ depending on entry months and/or study duration. The course can be studied full time over one year or part time over two years, with a start date in September or January.
The following modules are indicative and may be subject to change.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Students on both pathways must complete all four compulsory modules listed below:
ESC-40113 Applied Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)
Through lectures, lab exercises and a week-long field course, this module aims to develop your advanced skills in the practical application of ecology and conservation. You will be encouraged to demonstrate your awareness of current key issues, as well as developing a critical approach to understanding and proposing solutions across various contexts. Typical content will include species and site conservation, protected areas, priority areas and holistic approaches to landscape conservation.
LSC-40125 Biodiversity Skills (30 credits)
Develop your research skills and field techniques in preparation for effective and critical assessment of biodiversity. On this module, you will build specialist skills in the identification of selected taxon to species level. You will also review scientific literature, investigate methodology and fieldwork techniques, and apply statistical techniques to biodiversity data, building core skills in problem solving, analytical thinking and investigation.
ESC-40093 Research Design (15 credits)
Helping you to prepare for independent research, this module enables you to build key skills to design and conduct high quality, ethical research. Your awareness of various research methods will inform your approach to understanding complex data and information that will further advance your skills for future academia and/or employment.
ESC-40109 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (15 credits)
This module aims to develop your skills and understanding of the concepts and practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. This will involve using industry-standard software and cloud-based applications for mapping, spatial data acquisition and analysis. GIS and spatial analysis are core elements of conservation ecology and help to provide insight into species distributions, protecting area siting and prioritising conservation areas.
Optional modules
Students will then take two 15-credit optional modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2, in addition to one of the dissertation options, depending on the pathway chosen.
Joint Keele & VMU Pathway students will have additional modules to choose from at Vytautas Magnus University, taught in English. Vytautas Magnus University will provide students considering the Joint Keele & VMU Lithuania pathway with information on potential project areas, modules, supervision and regulations via an online information workshop and programme documentation.
ESC-40060 Climate Change Science (15 credits)
Are you intrigued by human-induced and natural climate change? This module covers the various factors affecting the climate and the influences of these changes on our planet, exploring how climate change has developed and how we can prevent it. You will develop high-level skills in basic modelling, data analysis and how to interpret complex information and evidence related to climate change.
GEG-40034 Development and Climate Justice (Masters) (15 credits)
Explore some of the current debates in human geography and learn more about economic development and climate adaptation. You will be introduced to some of the key challenges across political, economic and developmental geography through the evaluation of case studies from across the globe. This will develop your geographical understanding of economic and environmental history, such as green grabbing, conservation and mitigation measures.
Law-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits)
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms, institutions and processes of the field, and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss, transboundary pollution, toxic waste dumping, trade and environment, food security, animal rights or climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literature, you’ll be introduced to key challenges facing the regulation of the environment on the international stage today.
ESC-40101 Collaborative Project (15 credits)
This module provides the opportunity to work on real-world issues as you work with Keele University staff to identify and approach collaborative partners, define projects and gain essential employability skills and experience. You will be supported to lead collaborative discussions to co-define and co-design a project scope and to review the project's progress and outcomes. You will also develop highly desirable skills in project planning and management, effective communication in a professional setting, and problem solving.
ESC-40115 Dissertation - VMU Lithuania Pathway (60 credits)
Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. In collaboration with Keele and VMU staff, you will identify and develop your own research question and implement the appropriate methods and techniques to provide insights and evidence for your rationale.
ESC-40089 Dissertation (60 credits)
Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s), independent research and self-learning techniques.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpages for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Your career
Graduating with an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation will equip you for a range of careers across specialist fields, as well as further study at PhD level.
Whichever path you choose to take, having a master's degree will provide you with a range of transferable skills that will widen your prospects and assist with your personal and professional development. You will attain strong research and design skills as well as a detailed understanding of data handling, statistics, project management and information technology skills including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
You may wish to explore the following areas/careers:
- Local/national Government
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Project management
- Research associate
- Policy institutes
- Environmental consultant
- Business analyst
- Education
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
You will benefit from an eclectic mix of teaching that will enhance your theoretical understanding, practical and professional skills, all of which will have positive impacts on your career development.
This programme engages with a range of teaching styles to help develop your subject-level skills and professional development including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops as well as problem-solving classes.
You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with peers, covering core concepts, literature and case studies as well as research design. You may also engage with enriched practical teaching through laboratory classes and fieldwork which allow you to apply your learning, techniques and data analysis. This will enable you to communicate effectively with academic staff and peers through reporting on findings, and contributing to key discussions and debates.
Online learning will also be implemented into the programme via the use of electronic submission of assessments, receiving feedback and accessing resources to aid and assist with independent learning.
How you'll be assessed
Our MSc will assess your knowledge and expertise through a wide variety of methods including technical reports, examinations, presentations and field course portfolios. You may also be tasked with conducting laboratory reports, essays and peer assessments, all of which will help to demonstrate your understanding, ideas and skills in critical analysis.
Other assessment methods may include:
- Research projects
- Group videos
- Dissertation
- Class tests
- Poster presentations
- Reviews
- Reflective diaries
- Field notebooks
Our expertise
Teaching staff
This programme will be delivered by a range of staff across the university, in the School of Life Sciences and the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, with additional engagements with the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences and Social, Political and Global Studies.
Our interdisciplinary approach will enable you to benefit from teaching delivered by research active staff, with expertise in various areas.
Facilities
The School of Geography, Geology and the Environment aims to provide an excellent environment for multidisciplinary teaching and research, with access to a range of essential resources including modern teaching spaces and our campus library.
Keele's unique self-contained campus, with over 600 acres of grounds including woodland and lakes, provides an ideal setting for a developing testbed of real-world teaching, learning and research opportunities - a 'true living lab.'
Central Science Laboratory (CSL)
You will benefit from access to the Central Science Laboratory, with state-of-the-art facilities and high specification equipment. This environment mirrors the multi-faceted nature of working life and the shared space will allow group working and collaboration between disciplines, building the skills and experience much valued by employers.
Costs
Field courses
Compulsory field courses are provided at no extra cost on this programme but you will be responsible for your own subsistence and equipment including appropriate clothing and footwear such as waterproofs. This may be to the value of (but not limited to) approximately £200.
Research project
Depending on the location and nature of your research project, you may be responsible for both organising and covering transport and accommodation costs, plus any additional costs incurred. On-campus fieldwork may not incur any costs.
Library
As to be expected there will be additional costs for inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, general printing and dissertation printing.