Course summary

The next decades will be pivotal in reversing the current trend of biodiversity loss and expanding and restoring degraded ecosystems while ensuring people and nature are resilient and able to adapt to a changing climate. The aim of MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery is to develop an advanced interdisciplinary understanding of the interconnections between the natural environment, ecosystems, human health, and well-being. On completion of this MSc programme, graduates should be equipped with the necessary conservation skills, interdisciplinary outlook, and in-depth subject knowledge for employment in conservation-related subjects. The programme offers evidence-based, practice-based, and interdisciplinary modules to prepare you for careers in the public, private, and third sectors, in ecology and conservation. Knowledge is drawn from a number of disciplines including ecology, conservation, environmental, and social sciences. The major focus will be assessing the impact of human-induced ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss from local to global scales while exploring nature recovery and nature-based solutions as new and potentially transformative approaches to restore biodiversity. Particular emphasis will be put on understanding the interconnections underpinning these complex challenges and identifying solutions. Programme modules combine knowledge from all relevant disciplines, including ecology, conservation, physical, and human geography, environmental sciences, and human health to address the key themes of nature recovery, including climate change, urbanisation, contaminants, disease, food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Students undertake an overseas field course which offers the opportunity to investigate biological phenomena in the field. You can investigate ecosystems and the wider context of the anthropogenic impacts affecting them. Guided by staff, you will work to identify the key threats, challenges, and opportunities of a study area to develop evidence-based and practical knowledge. Current potential visit sites include Ardeche in southern France, Oostvaardersplassen in the Netherlands, or the Central Apennines in Italy (a UN World Restoration Flagship site). The course fees include the costs of the overseas residential field course including transport, accommodation, and meals. Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination outside of scheduled travel. Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment. These costs will depend on what students choose to bring.