The Conservation MSc at UCL is widely recognised as the leading programme for aspiring nature conservation professionals. This highly successful degree programme saw its first students graduate in 1960, and nearly 80% of its graduates have gone on to secure posts related to conservation.
The Conservation MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching. The programme is unique not only on account of its long history and the resulting extent of its alumni network, but also due to its vocational orientation and the active involvement of nature conservation professionals in the delivery of course material. The programme is strongly interdisciplinary and engages with environmental, social and policy dimensions, with residential field-classes providing first-hand experience of practical conservation challenges. At the same time, the programme provides the scientific rigour needed for evidence-based analysis and understanding of the natural environment.
All students take four core conservation modules in Term 1 (60 credits) and choose a further four modules from a range of options in Term 2 (60 credits). Students also undertake a piece of original research (60 credits) leading to a dissertation of up to 12.000 words with the support of an academic supervisor. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and field studies, including a six-day field study to a coastal site in Norfolk and a field study of similar length to Snowdonia, as well as the option to join a two-week fieldclass to an overseas destination.
Application procedure
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £80 for online applications and £105 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
With its vocational focus, the programme is highly suitable for students with a first degree in a relevant discipline (environmental science, geography or biology) who plan to embark on a conservation career and for conservation professionals seeking further training. It also provides an excellent foundation for further research and PhD studies.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 24 July 2020
Grant opportunities
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Prerequisites
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applications with relevant professional experience in conservation or environmental management will also be considered.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
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