Course summary
Understand and tackle the global biodiversity crisis with field courses, stakeholder engagement, and expert tuition from world-leading ecologists. Learn the latest fundamental science behind the conservation of biodiversity alongside practical skills in data analysis, GIS, project management, and grant writing. Study in Scotland's biodiversity hotspot with access to the Cairngorms National Park, coastal environments, and key conservation sites. Prepare for careers in conservation agencies, NGOs, government, consultancy, or academic research at an institution ranked globally for sustainability. Earth's ecosystems are in crisis with biodiversity suffering from anthropogenic climate change. Can we live sustainably alongside wolves and other large predators? How do we balance our need for food, land, and power with the need to preserve biodiversity? Do we know which conservation efforts will work and which will fail? Explore answers to critical conservation questions through field courses, stakeholder engagement, and expert tuition from our world-leading ecologists and environmental scientists. This interdisciplinary programme takes a holistic and ambitious approach to limiting and reversing biodiversity loss. Students will develop practical skills in field monitoring techniques, rewilding and restoration ecology, ecological data analysis using R and GIS, project management, and grant writing. The programme includes placement opportunities with carefully selected NGO and industry partners, plus hands-on field work in the Cairngorms National Park and coastal environments. Aberdeen's unique location provides access to a biodiversity hotspot featuring beavers, golden eagles, dolphins, otters, pine martens, red squirrels, and seals. The university ranks 37th globally for sustainability and has over 60 years of experience teaching ecological science.
Modules
Classes are predominantly delivered in-person with recordings available online. The programme features extensive field work including day-long trips to key biodiversity locations and a residential field course in the Cairngorms National Park. Students work directly with conservation organisations through placement opportunities and engage with industry experts through guest lectures and workshops. The independent research project involves direct data collection and analysis with training from active research groups. Teaching combines theoretical foundations with practical application, emphasising hands-on learning in real conservation contexts. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentoring from world-leading academics in ecology and environmental science.
Assessment method
The programme uses continuous assessment with no traditional exams. Assessment methods include conservation project reports, data analysis assignments, field work assessments, independent research manuscripts, and professional skills portfolios covering project management, grant writing, and policy communication.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
The information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen. A 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours degree in biological sciences, environmental science, physical science, geography, or other relevant discipline. International qualifications judged equivalent to UK 2:2 Honours level. Candidates with degrees in other disciplines may be considered if they demonstrate relevant experience and strong motivation for conservation work. Additional Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in biodiversity conservation through: Relevant work experience (paid or voluntary); Participation in environmental projects or research; Clear articulation of career goals in conservation; Understanding of current environmental challenges.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26250 | Year 1 |
| England | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12200 | Year 1 |
| International | £26250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX