About this course
Explore contemporary wildlife conservation and technology for conservation on this MSc at LJMU. Learn from world-leading experts on this hands-on course that utilises technology for solving global conservation challenges.
- Learn from world-leading experts in the field of wildlife conservation and conservation technology
- Take part in a week-long residential packed full of practical skills training, such as mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques and applications of innovative digital technologies to surveying in the wild (the cost of the trip is included in your course fees*)
- Benefit from world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including drone technology, genetics and GIS facilities)
- Gain specialist skills such as complex data handling and analysis
- Develop academic skills such as grant writing, forming collaborations and effective communications
Wildlife conservation is an exciting field of study that has important implications for the way in which we manage our world. With an increasing global population, healthy and functioning ecosystems are vital for human health, wellbeing and success. We need wildlife for their ecosystem services, and conserving wildlife is becoming increasingly complex, with greater need to utilise digital technologies such as drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors. This Masters will provide you with advanced skills in using conservation technology for wildlife conservation monitoring and research. Additionally, you will gain specialist skills such as complex data handling and analysis; and academic skills such as grant writing, forming collaborations and effective communications.
You will take part in a week-long residential packed full of practical skills training, such as mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques and applications of innovative digital technologies to surveying in the wild. Not only will you develop practical ecology field skills such as species identification and surveillance, you will also have access to cutting-edge technologies, such as drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors, to perform fundamental and applied research. Professional researchers and local experts will be on hand to guide your learning.
A postgraduate degree is highly recommended when considering a career in Wildlife Conservation, particularly as governments around the world are setting ambitious targets for tackling global conservation challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. As a result, there is demand for graduates that can demonstrate the necessary theoretical background, alongside practical skills for conservation practice. LJMU boasts world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including state-of-the-art drone technology and GIS facilities), which you will be able to use during the course. You will have 24 hour computer access and access to specialist software. In addition, the LJMU library has an extensive collection of online and hard copy books, journals and internet resources related to the course.
Your lectures and seminars will be delivered by world experts in the field of wildlife conservation and conservation technology. The quality of research and teaching during the course mean that you will graduate with cutting-edge knowledge and access to a host of international professional networks. The Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology (RCEAP) conducts research at the frontiers of biological anthropology, catalysed by discovery-oriented field research. The Drone Research Group comprises experts in the design, development and use of drone systems for a wide array of scientific applications. You will have opportunities to network with external collaborators and stakeholders in the conservation sector.
Go on a tour of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Find out more about studying MSc Wildlife Conservation
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
The academic staff leading this course conduct research in this area. Your programme leaders uphold a wide range of international and national connections that can provide exciting opportunities for you during and after the course. You will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at international sites and make career-long connections.
We will also encourage you to become members of the learned societies, such as Society of Wildlife Conservation.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to conduct independent scientific research under the guidance of an academic tutor. It gives you the opportunity to make a major contribution in a chosen subject area through a supervised programme of individual study. It also allows you to demonstrate your ability to carry out scientific research and to present findings as a scientific report.
Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides extensive training in generic research knowledge and statistical techniques for the Natural Sciences. It aims to provide you with a broad appreciation of research methods and methodology, including an understanding of the uses and limitations of different research methods. You will also learn how to design and execute a research project keeping in mind feasibility, ethics, data protection, and project logistics and funding.
Wildlife Conservation
30 credits
30 credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the major themes in wildlife conservation. It enables you to critically evaluate published work and the practical skills to design and conduct your own research.
Technology and Operations
40 credits
40 credits
This module provides a comprehensive overview of drone technology at a conceptual and practical level. Special emphasis is placed on being able to specify, select, install and deploy sub-systems to fulfil the requirements of an application.
Survey, Mapping and Field Skills
30 credits
30 credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of research design, especially in the application of important tools and methods for data collection of wild animals. It aims to: help you understand and apply theoretical, practical, and analytical skills in primatological or other wildlife fieldwork; provide particular emphasis on how to census animals using line transects and build digital data-collection tools using open-access software; enable you to map the spatial distribution of findings for spatial analyses, present findings in a professional context, and employ these techniques in a field setting.
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the school. PPE and access to specialist facilities are provided for all necessary practical work. There are no additional costs for any day field trips. This programme includes a core residential field trip, which may be in the UK or an international destination, subject to Covid-related national and international travel restrictions. Travel, accommodation and site costs are included in the course fees. You will be required to meet other potential costs, such as field clothing, visas and immunisations if required.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
You will have a number of hours per module per week of taught material and/or laboratory work. Teaching will take place throughout the week and can vary across semesters, dependent on which modules are running. Private study will cover both time spent studying at home or in the library, analysing data and completing directed tasks and coursework. Taught sessions will provide an orientation to the topic and opportunity for classroom discussion and debate. You will be expected to read widely using primary sources of reference material.
Teaching methods
There is a strong emphasis on practice-based learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, student-led discussion groups and fieldwork. Self-guided study is also a key requirement at MSc level. The week-long residential includes practical skills training, such as mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques and applications of innovative digital technologies to surveying in the wild.
Applied learning
During your studies you will develop a hypotheses-driven study based on the latest wildlife conservation literature. Converting your idea for a study into a practical plan will involve: learning how to write a grant proposal (from funding experts), creating a budget, and thinking through the logistical issues of conducting research in challenging environments.
You will learn how to operate drone technology for wildlife conservation research and how to analyse the data obtained using these systems; providing you with a unique skillset.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
This programme is based in the City Campus. Here you will find world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including state-of-the-art drone, genetics and GIS facilities) which you will be able to use during the course. You will also have 24 hour computer access and access to specialist software. In addition, the LJMU library has an extensive collection of online and hard copy book, journal and internet resources related to studying Wildlife Conservation.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Danielle Hinchcliffe (Gilroy)
Programme Leader
I am deeply passionate about providing students with transformative opportunities and helping individuals realise their potential. By creating inspiring and engaging research-led learning environments, I enjoy showing how teaching concepts can be applied to real-world conservation and literally save species from extinction
I am deeply passionate about providing students with transformative opportunities and helping individuals realise their potential. By creating inspiring and engaging research-led learning environments, I enjoy showing how teaching concepts can be applied to real-world conservation and literally save species from extinction
Dr Hinchcliffe has a PhD in Molecular Ecology from the University of East Anglia and a Masters in Biology from the University of Sheffield. Alongside her Lecturer role at LJMU, she is a member of the School Diversity and Equality committee and an Associate Editor for Ecological Solutions and Evidence – the British Ecological Society Journal. Dr Hinchcliffe is a Senior Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and freelance ecology consultancy surveyor. Her research background is conservation biology, using both molecular and ecological tools to investigate key evolutionary questions that apply to real-world conservation. She is interested in how populations adapt in the face of environmental challenges; and being able to use this information to evidence key decision-making concerning species management and long-term conservation initiatives.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
As a graduate from the programme you will be able to pursue a career working for national or international wildlife conservation NGOs, national or international environmental consultancy companies, and environmental government bodies. The course is also excellent preparation for conservation research and academia. Staff involved in the course have a wide range of international and national connections that can provide exciting opportunities for students during and after the programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £11,915
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £19,400
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the school. PPE and access to specialist facilities are provided for all necessary practical work. Travel, accommodation and site costs are included in the course fees. You will be required to meet other potential costs, such as field clothing, visas and immunisations if required.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Alternative qualifications considered
Graduates: Normally entrants to the programme will have at least a second class degree in biological or related science. An academic reference and a reference from an employer/manager
International requirements
Other international requirements
Normally a good degree (2ii equivalent) in biological or related sciences with a recognised English language qualification (IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each category) or Pearson score of 58-64 within 2 years prior to the programme start date (min. 51 in each component for UKVI Purposes). Recognised Prior (Experiential) Learning is considered in accordance with University regulations. An academic reference and a reference from an employer/manager.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
To study this programme you must be motivated towards and have a passion for conservation (as evidenced by engagements in local or international conservation activities, nature clubs or campaigns, for example).
You must also show that you are independent, creative, can think outside the box, are practical and interested in technology, - such as cameras, recorders and drone technology.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
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Living in Liverpool
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Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.