Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time

Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021

Department: Biology

Location: Edge Hill University

This taught Masters degree is designed for those wishingto pursue a career in conservation management orecological consultancy, professions which increasinglyrequire postgraduate qualification for establishment and

Gain an in-depth understanding of biodiversity and undertake over 25 days of fieldworkon a programme accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and EnvironmentalManagement.

International Students Can Apply Work Placement Opportunity Fieldwork

Professional Accreditation

MSc Conservation Management

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progression. The course puts a high emphasis on practicalfield experience for managing habitats, monitoringspecies and developing biological identification skills forplants, invertebrates and vertebrates. You will undertakeover 25 days of fieldwork, including a residential course,and carry out a 20-day work placement in a conservation

organisation or ecological consultancy. These activitiesare allied to a clear theoretical framework underpinningecology and conservation practice. We welcomeapplications from recent graduates, experiencedconsultants, conservation workers or those seeking acareer change.

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Course in Depth

What will I study?

This Conservation Management course combines theexpertise of the field biologist with practical experienceof managing habitats. A firm emphasis is placed onfieldwork, biological identification skills and experienceof a broad range of management issues.

You will develop laboratory skills including microscopyfor bryophyte and invertebrate identification and soilanalysis techniques. Identification skills gained will rangefrom plants to invertebrates, mammals, amphibians andbirds.

You will learn to write in a concise scientific style,construct arguments, consider ethical issues of ecologicalwork, analyse and interpret data and synthesise scientificliterature. These skills are highly desirable in ecologicalconsultancy and conservation research.

Ethics is also an important feature of conservationmanagement, for instance in the collection of voucherspecimens. Consideration of ethical issues is given in eachmodule, where appropriate, alongside legal issues.

How will I study?

Fieldwork is an integral part of many modules and is usedto provide a multitude of experiences across species,habitats and conservation issues. A variety of local sitesare used including dunes, meadows and forests. Theprogramme includes a residential field course. Field tripcosts are included within course fees.

In small classes, lecture-style sessions and practical workare designed to develop subject-specific skills, clarifyconcepts, raise questions and collect data. Follow-upseminars may consider analysis, data presentation,qualitative observations, elucidation of trends, andintegration with theoretical ideas.

How will I be assessed?

The course has a variety of assessment methods whichare designed to develop the full range of skills and

expertise relevant to the subject. These include aresearch thesis, scientific reports, voucher specimencollections, vegetation portfolios, field-basedmanagement plans and examinations.

Who will be teaching me?

The course is taught by a small friendly team who haveconsiderable teaching and research experience in thearea. All staff are research active which means that theykeep up-to-date with current developments in their areasof interest and pass this knowledge onto their students.Staff expertise includes forest and grasslandconservation, habitat restoration, sustainablemanagement of ecosystems, remote sensing in ecologyand conservation genetics.

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University has over 25 years' experience indelivering field biology degrees and has a wealth ofexperienced tutors, technical staff and field equipment tosupport the study of conservation and ecology on thisprogramme.

Our Biosciences building incorporates modern teachingand research laboratories which support practical work.The Latrielle research laboratory provides facilities forMSc students to complete invertebrate and plantidentifications alongside departmental researchers usinghigh powered microscopes, appropriate identificationguides and museum reference specimens.

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A number of the best nature reserves in the country arein close proximity to the campus. You will be taughtwithin a short travelling distance of impressive field sitessuch as one of the finest saltmarsh and dune systems inEurope, restored mires of international importance, haymeadows and limestone woodlands. The University alsohas extensive grounds including meadows which serve asa useful area for demonstrating sampling techniques.

The Department of Biology is home to an active researchculture. An extensive network of relationships has beenestablished with relevant environmental organisationsand other universities in the UK and overseas, ensuring arich, diverse and rewarding student experience.

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Modules

GEO4005: GIS and Cartography for Conservation Management (10 credits)GIS and Cartography for Conservation Management introduces you to the concepts and techniques underpinninggeographic information systems, powerful tools used for the handling of geographically referenced data. The modulewill focus on the fundamental concepts of geographic information systems through a combination of classroom-basedand practical sessions. You will be introduced to spatial data, methods for data input, storage and analysis, and mappreparation.

MCM4001: Research Project (60 credits)Research Project provides the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research within an inspiring habitat or ona fascinating species of conservation interest. You will experience the complete research process through projectplanning, design, implementation, interpretation and write-up. The project will examine a real-world problemassociated with an aspect of conservation, often involving close working with site managers. You will develop the keyskills of project planning, time management, advanced statistical analysis, scientific communication (written and oral),and risk and ethical assessments. You will also gain an excellent knowledge of survey and identification techniquesused in your study. Previous projects have included conservation management for the Scotch Argus butterfly, theimpact of grazing on bryophyte diversity in upland habitats, and bird conservation in plantation forests. A recentproject on the impact of hay meadow restoration on bumblebees has been published in the journal ConservationEvidence.

MCM4002: Ecology and Biogeography in Conservation (10 credits)Ecology and Biogeography in Conservation provides an introduction to the key areas of ecology that underpinconservation practice such as succession, disturbance, fragmentation and connectivity. It also introduces the naturalhabitats in northern Europe, developing an understanding of their distribution, vegetation, relationship to soils andclimate and historical development.

MCM4003: Biodiversity Planning and Legislation (10 credits)Biodiversity Planning and Legislation addresses the non-biological contexts that shape conservation in the UK. Themodule provides an overview of the statutory agencies and non-statutory organisations for conservation and habitatmanagement in Britain. Current environmental legislation (national and European) and countryside planning policyrelating to conservation and public access is considered along with its historical context. Potential employers haveregularly reported that most applicants lack this important background to conservation.

MCM4006: Conservation Placement (10 credits)enables you to apply knowledge and skills developed on the course to a professional real-world setting. Through a20-day placement over three to five months you will become immersed in the activities of the organisation. This mayinclude field surveying, report writing, managing volunteers or communicating with the public. Tutors will support youin selecting a placement that suits you and enhances your CV, whether your aim is to develop new skills and knowledgeor consolidate and enhance existing expertise. Recent placements organisations have included Atkins and AvianEcology, the National Trust, Natural England, local councils and Lancashire Wildlife Trust. During your placement, inaddition to gaining invaluable work experience you will learn how to critically assess conservation or managementactivities and reflect on your own development.

MCM4007: Restoration Ecology (10 credits)Restoration Ecology incorporates the latest developments in applying ecological theory and management experience

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into the restoration of damaged habitat, the creation of novel habitat on ex-agricultural land, and conservationmanagement of ex-industrial sites. The module provides you with an important insight into the forefront anddevelopment of this discipline.

MCM4008: Vertebrate Monitoring and Management (10 credits)Vertebrate Monitoring and Management provides you with a species-centred approach to conservation whichutilises field-based monitoring techniques for mammals and amphibians such as bats, newts and small mammals.Through field activities you will enhance your skills in navigation (map and compass) and health and safety assessment.You will also gain experience of data handling and interpretation through follow-up practical sessions. Scientificwriting will be developed through critical evaluations of strategies for monitoring species of conservation interest(including rare or invasive species) and through interpreting data collected to inform a range of managementapproaches.

MCM4010: Management Planning (10 credits)Management Planning covers the practice of writing and critical evaluation of site management plans. This is anessential skill for all reserve managers. The module incorporates theory, class discussions and several field visits whereyou engage with local practitioners and discuss conservation issues and practices.

MCM4011: Management in Practice (10 credits)Management in Practice is a predominantly field-based module alongside an associated theoretical componentproviding you with experience of a range of habitat management practices across a variety of habitats includingwoodland, grassland and upland heath.

MCM4013: Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits)Invertebrate Ecology explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basicphysiology, importance to ecosystem functioning and the range of services they provide to society. Through extensivefield trips to local sites you will immerse yourself in quantitative sampling techniques, navigation, health and safetyassessments, and ethical considerations. You will gain a sound knowledge of taxonomy for a variety of groups such asaquatic insects, butterflies and moths, and spiders and beetles, gaining the identification, preservation andmuseum-standard presentation skills that are vital for employment in the sector. Scientific communication will bedeveloped through oral presentation to your peers on an invertebrate of conservation interest.

MCM4014: Field Botany (20 credits)Field Botany provides an introduction to plant identification through intensive exposure to a variety of species acrossa number of habitats. The module will also enhance your understanding and experience of the standard UK method foridentifying plant communities, the National Vegetation Classification (NVC). This is achieved through a field course,based at Edge Hill University, using local habitats, in addition to participation in laboratory sessions.

Timetables

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure thattimetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes aresubject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellationof, courses.

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Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarksstatements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right tomake variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class orsecond-class honours (2:2 or above). No specific subjectsare required.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score nolower than 6.0 in each individual component, or anequivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, eitheroverall or in one or two elements, you may want toconsider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained

elsewhere, whether through academic credit andqualifications acquired from other relevant courses ofstudy or through recognition of an individual'sprofessional and employment experience (also referredto as 'experiential learning'). This may include credit orlearning undertaken at another university.

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may beused towards meeting the entry requirements for aprogramme and/or for exemption from part of aprogramme. It is your responsibility to make a claim forrecognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consultthe University's academic regulations (sections C7 andF3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested instudying.

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Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

As an accredited degree with the Chartered Institute ofEcology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), thisMSc will equip you with the knowledge and skillsrequired for a successful career in conservation orecological consultancy.

To date, graduates of the course have been employed by arange of non-governmental organisations (for example,Wildlife Trusts, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal

Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and NationalTrust), governmental organisations (Natural England) andconsultancies (including Atkins UK, Jacob's Ecology, andAvian Ecology).

Graduates have also progressed into conservationresearch, working for the Centre for Ecology andHydrology and at various universities.

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Finance

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are:

• £5,400 for UK and EU students and £13,250 forinternational students enrolling on the programmein academic year 2020/21;

• £5,580 for UK and EU students and £13,500 forinternational students enrolling on the programmein academic year 2021/22.

Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are:

• £30 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling onthe programme in academic year 2020/21, i.e. £600per 20 credit module;

• £31 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling onthe programme in academic year 2021/22, i.e. £620per 20 credit module.

180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise inpart-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequentacademic years as you progress through the course.

Financial Support

For comprehensive information about the financialsupport available to eligible UK and EU students joiningpostgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academicyear 2020/21, together with details of how to apply forpotential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2020.

Financial support information for international studentscan be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

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Apply

How to Apply

There is an online application process for thisprogramme.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect to access therelevant online application form and to find out moreabout the application process.

Further information for international students about howto apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us andformally enrol as a student, you will be subject to theprovisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions andpolicies which apply to our students. These are availableat www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge HillUniversity, the best way to gain an insight into studentlife is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by

attending an open day. You can view dates and book yourplace at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, youcan find out more about all of our events for prospectivestudents, including monthly campus tours, atwww.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of taughtMasters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters byResearch (MRes) degree before you apply, you can ordera postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or whatit's like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

• Course Enquiries

• Tel: 01695 657000

• Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk

If you would like to talk to the programme leader aboutthe course in more detail, please contact:

• Anne Oxbrough

• Tel: 01695 584149

• Email: Anne.Oxbrough@edgehill.ac.uk

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk withany queries about overseas study.

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