Master of Science in Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Management

Introduction

Do we really need elephants? And is it important that the Siberian tiger is threatened with extinction? And when they suddenly prosper, shall we hunt them again? These questions could be answered in many ways: in an ethical, philosophical, ecological or economical way. What is the value of nature for human beings? What will happen if the majority of people have the opinion that nature is just “for taking and using”?

Problems of overexploitation of Natural Resources are a serious threat for the future of our planet and the quality of life of the people living there. Fortunately more and more people are aware of the fact that we are part of nature and not the ones to use it until nothing is left. We may realize now, that we have to maintain our biodiversity because we need it if we want mankind to survive.

Aim of the programme
In this Masters programme students obtain the tools, knowledge and skills to preserve this precious nature and biodiversity in a sustainable way. This is relevant in nature reserves but specifically in areas with other functions, like urban areas, river systems or agricultural land. In these areas, the role of nature and biodiversity is very important, but the threats are serious. Students learn to do interdisciplinary research to issues related to nature conservation and biodiversity management. They will develop skills to evaluate ecosystems, to analyse conflicts of interest, to give advice on management of natural values and nature areas and develop and implement policy on nature conservation. Students learn to manage the diversity of life on earth and support our sustainable future, and to do high quality research in this field.

Please note: Students who successfully complete their studies obtain the MSc title in Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Management awarded by the University of Greenwich, as well as a Professional Masters degree from Saxion University, validated by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditations Organisation (NVAO).

Course content

The Course in Nature Conservation and Biodiveristy Management contains five units.

• Problem solving in an interdisciplinary setting (22 credits)
  • working in an interdisciplinary project group

• Management and cultural awareness (22 credits)
  • stakeholders management and project management, including training in presentation and negotiation

• Specialization in Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Management (54 credits)
  • lectures and workshops on related subjects and assignment to practice academic literature search (research training project)

• Research Methodology (22 credits)
  • lectures and workshops on research methods and techniques and academic reporting

• Research Project (60 credits)
  • the student conducts a research on a current problem in the field of his/her specialization. Students will be encouraged to perform their research abroad.

A field trip to the UK, London - Thames - Medway, is an intergral part of the programme.

Please be aware that this programme is more than 12 months. For the additional 13th month you will have to take additional costst of housing, insurance and residence permit, into account.

Specific requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in a related field of study;
• TOEFL 550, IELTS 6,0 or similar English language qualification.

The students’ qualifications will be assessed during an intake interview or by assessment of a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation. General entry requirements can be found here.

Career prospects

Our graduates in this MSc Programme found jobs in several different functions and organisations. They work for universities and specialised research institutions all over the world. They work for or governmental institutions and for national and international NGOs in the field of Nature Conservation, Biodiversity Management, Water Management and other related fields. They work for consultancy agencies that do applied research and consultancy work for several other organisations.