You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips, and independent study, supported with information on the virtual learning environment, Moodle. While the program is predominantly based on face-to-face campus and field activity, we also use technology-enhanced learning. We have a policy of mainstreaming reasonable adjustments which makes the most common adjustments offered to disabled students in teaching/assessment available routinely to everyone.

You will have a Professional Development Tutor: an academic closely involved with this program who will help you steer your individual development as you progress through the course.

As your interests and skills develop through the taught course, you will be able to design a final independent research project to suit your objectives.

The academic year is split into three trimesters with the taught modules running in the spring and autumn trimesters only. September-starting students will follow this route:

Trimester 1 (September - December)

• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116) and Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115) both 10-credit modules

Trimester 2 (Jan - April)

• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120) and Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119) both 10-credit modules

Trimester 3 (May-August)

• Project (ENV11117) (60 credits)

January-starting students will follow this route:

Jan-April

• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)
• Species Identification Skills (ENV11120) and Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119) both 10-credit modules

Sept-Dec

• Scientific Methods (ENV11109)
• Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)
• Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)
  and
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115) both 10-credit modules

Jan-Apr

Project (ENV11117) (60 credits)

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

• Biodiversity and Conservation ( ENV11100 )
• Case Studies in Applied Ecology ( ENV11115 )
• Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (on-campus) ( ENV11119 )
• Field and Laboratory Skills ( ENV11108 )
• Humans and Wildlife ( ENV11101 )
• Management of Aquatic Protected Areas ( ENV11112 )
• Principles of Wildlife Management ( ENV11116 )
• Research Project ( ENV11117 )
• Scientific Methods ( ENV11109 )
• Species Identification Skills (on-campus) ( ENV11120 )

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Assessments

There are no traditional, end-of-module exams.

Instead, you will work on a variety of relevant professional tasks, both written and oral. Assessments include a zoning document, biodiversity report, and development proposal. Taxonomic identification and statistical analysis are key skills that are assessed using practical tests.

In addition, you will produce several audio-visual presentations including a research proposal pitch.

What can you do with a wildlife and conservation biology degree?

By studying wildlife and conservation biology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will develop the practical. technical and intellectual knowledge to be able to apply your skills within the field. If you are interested in conservation, wildlife, and the environment, then this might be the right course for you. You will be able to go on work for a range of different organizations within different sectors, including Government agencies (e.g. Nature Scot, Natural England, British Columbia Fish and Wildlife, Forestry and Land Scotland, US National Parks Service, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Defra, other national governments) · Non-governmental agencies and charities (e.g. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wildlife Trusts, Marine Conservation Society), Private consultancies (e.g. Jacobs, Atkins, Atmos, Echoes Ecology, RPS, LUC) and Worldwide research institutions including universities and research institutes (e.g. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology), showing that there is a wide range of opportunities available upon graduation.

You may be likely to work as an ecologist, ecological consultant, wildlife ranger, education officer, conservation project officer, wildlife technician, doctoral researcher, scientific adviser, or species licensing officer, as examples.

Our Alumni also visit regularly to share their work experience and advice with current students and have emphasized the importance of the skills gained from this course in their subsequent success.

In addition, by studying for a CIEEM-accredited degree you will receive a free student membership of CIEEM which gives you additional access to resources, training, mentoring, and networking that will help you pursue a career in ecology or environmental management.

Below are just some of the roles you could go into with an MSc in Wildlife and Conservation biology.

What does a conservation project officer do?

As a conservation project officer, you will be responsible for implementing and overseeing conservation projects. You will coordinate activities that are aimed at preserving wildlife and natural habitats, as well as ecosystems. This may include carrying out habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.

You will have strong problem-solving and communication skills to work effectively within the field, and will be able to manage conservation plans, and field surveys, and collaborate with government, local authorities, and stakeholders.

Daily tasks and responsibilities within this role may include:

• Project planning
• Conducting fieldwork
• Report writing
• Data analysis
• Community engagement
• Policy Advocacy
• Environmental education through community engagement

What does an ecological consultant do?

As an ecological consultant, you will be responsible for advising on human activities and development, and how they interact and impact the environment. You will aim to maintain sustainable development and environmental conservation through collaborative problem-solving. In this role, you will be expected to be an excellent communicator and team player. You will likely work for the government, local authorities, environmental organizations, or within the private sector.

Daily tasks and responsibilities within this role may include:

• Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments
• Site Assessments
• Protected species surveying
• Habitat Restoration
• Report Writing
• Public and Community Engagement

What does a biodiversity officer do?

As a biodiversity officer, you will be responsible for raising awareness of nature conservation and ensuring that regulations and legal requirements relating to biodiversity are adhered to within projects relating to infrastructure developments, for example. You will develop strategies and conduct field surveys to promote sustainable practice, meaning strong teamwork and communication skills are required. This is a dynamic role that requires fieldwork, office tasks, and community engagement. You will likely work with organizations such as the government, environmental agencies, or the private sector.

Daily tasks and responsibilities within this role may include:

• Biodiversity surveying
• Conservation planning
• Education and outreach
• Policy development
• Site management
• Monitoring and evaluation

Many of the types of roles that our graduates go into are listed on the Green Jobs for Nature website and this might give you an idea of the types of careers that you could pursue with your MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation.

This is a full-time course.