Wildlife Conservation
Full-time
One year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Biodiversity is under threat. With recognition that our planet can no longer support our unsustainable ways, find out how you can be part of the solution in protecting precious ecosystems with our MSc Wildlife Conservation postgraduate degree.
Developed to nurture the next generation of conservation leaders, our course aims to support a move towards a sustainable future for humans and wildlife. Led by a highly qualified, research-active staff course team, you will develop knowledge and practical skills to tackle complex issues surrounding our biodiversity crisis.
International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Start your MSc Wildlife Conservation study journey
Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our impressive campus and meet the tutors
You will:
- Explore current methods and techniques used to measure and evaluate biodiversity in the field
- Understand the role that invasive species and pathogens play in altering local ecological communities and biodiversity
- Develop and apply essential tools used to produce and interpret maps for conservation planning and monitoring
students accepted
This is for you if...
You want to develop knowledge and skills for a future career where you can help to create global solutions that reduce the risks facing ecosystems and wildlife populations
You are passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental issues, and want to contribute to initiatives designed to support biodiversity and species protection
You want to realign your skills to take advantage of research or employment opportunities emerging in conservation and biodiversity protection
All about the course
Course delivery
Our MSc Wildlife Conservation postgraduate degree course comprises seven carefully-designed modules, plus one research-based dissertation project.
The course is delivered full-time in one year. You will complete taught modules across the first two trimesters on campus. In the final trimester, you will complete a 60-credit research dissertation
Learning experience
We've designed the course to equip you with the skills a wildlife conservation biologist will need to make an impact. During your studies, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Field trips form an important part of your learning experience, and you will also have opportunities to engage with research and projects led by our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre.
The course curriculum is designed to develop your knowledge in key areas of wildlife conservation. Alongside studying the fundamentals of conservation biology theory, you will focus on genetics, biodiversity monitoring, invasions, infections and conservation planning.
In preparation for your future career in either research or practice, the course includes modules and activities to build your technical skills using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. You will also develop transferable skills by learning to design and conduct academic research at the postgraduate and professional levels.
Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
Course team
The Wildlife Conservation postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and subject knowledge. The team is part of an environmental community with prominence in shaping conservation best practice.
Course leader: Professor Jean Boubli
New
Research Skills and Design for Conservation Science
This module will equip you with the skills needed to analyse and interpret data from wildlife conservation research projects and provide you with the fundamentals behind scientific writing conventions to effectively communicate scientific results.
The module contains a large practical computer-based component aimed at training students in statistical methods using state-of-the-art computing tools (R software).
GIS and Remote Sensing Applied for Wildlife Conservation
In this module, you will learn the essential tools to produce and interpret maps, an essential tool in conservation planning and monitoring.
Conservation Genetics
In this module you will learn how genetics and genomics have become essential tools for saving species from extinctions.
Global Conservation Challenges
In this module you will learn the fundamentals of conservation biology theory.
You will also learn how to critically assess various mitigation methods in wildlife conservation, what works and what doesn’t in conservation.
Contemporary Topics in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
In this module, you will build knowledge and understanding of contemporary topics and scientific, social and political developments that relate to wildlife conservation.
Delivered by our academic team and guest lecturers from industry, topics could include climate change, sound pollution, the use of environmental DNA, biodiversity crisis, biological diversity, DNA barcoding and food labelling, emerging diseases and wildlife health, taxonomical instability and conservation practice, tropical forests in the anthropocene.
Conservation Planning
This module is designed to introduce cutting edge computer tools used in the prioritisation of species and areas for conservation.
New
Conservation Fieldwork in the Tropics
Tropical areas are experiencing a rapid biodiversity decline and it is increasingly important that changes in wildlife populations and communities are quantified through monitoring programmes to inform conservation planning and management.
This module will expose you to the theoretical foundations of biodiversity sampling and monitoring and, importantly, equip you with the practical skills to apply current methods and techniques used to measure and evaluate biodiversity in the field.
This module incorporates a field trip either overseas or in the UK.
Dissertation
This module is designed to provide a mechanism to allow development of a student’s investigative (experimental) skills with subject specific aims in the area of wildlife conservation with objectives being dependent on the project undertaken.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to take your career potential further.
Industry collaboration and research
When you start this degree course with Salford, you are joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.
Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also lead collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global environmental issues and challenges.
Discover how you are part of something bigger.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Conservations specialists are in demand. We need more conservation biologists to solve and mitigate the problems caused by human activities that are detrimental to the survival of wildlife, such as the unsustainable forest use.
Wildlife conservation biologists work throughout the world in roles with a wide-range of institutions, from NGOs and federal agencies to universities. Typical roles include working as an active practitioner conducting research or active conservation management, providing consultancy services or leading campaign-based advocacy.
Equipped with the knowledge and skills you will develop on this course, you can choose to pursue career opportunities working with state institutions, private companies, environmental consultancies and research institutions.
FURTHER STUDY
You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring a range of conservation-related fields, from ecosystem services to environmental assessment.
Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
The course is recommended for graduates from biological sciences, anthropology and veterinary science looking to develop additional skills in wildlife conservation.
It also suitable for applicants with relevant professional experience who may want to formalise knowledge and skills with a postgraduate award, or use it to facilitate career progression.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Please be advised that the Conservation Fieldwork in the Tropics module will include a field trip to Brazil. Before applying for this course, we encourage you to confirm visitor entry requirements with your country consulate based in Brazil and be aware of any additional requirements. An alternative UK-based field trip is available.
Undergraduate degree
You will need a relevant undergraduate degree from a subject such as biological sciences, anthropology, veterinary science, and with a minimum 2:2 (lower second class) classification award.
International student entry requirements
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £12,500.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £19,100.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Field trips
The Conservation Fieldwork in the Tropics module will include an extended residential international field trip. While the course fees will cover basic field trip costs, further contributions might become applicable. You will not be charged for field day trips, but you are expected to provide your own food.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.