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.

Course content

The Course in Nature Conservation and Biodiveristy Management contains five units
(the one year full time course contains 160 UK credits)

• 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 worskhops 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.

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 previous 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.