Global Conservation MSc

Overview

Our Global Conservation MSc offers a unique education in biodiversity and conservation. It combines training in technical skills, policy and end-user engagement.

This MSc will give you the expertise to understand and inform international conservation policies and address real-world environmental problems.

Key programme highlights

• Real-world engagement: Address current conservation issues by collaborating on projects and assignments designed with organisations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and more.
• Policy-relevant skills: Develop your expertise in species conservation, policy writing, and biodiversity assessments.
• Global perspective: Learn about the diverse cultural, ecological, and political contexts crucial for achieving the Convention on Biological Diversity's vision of 'living in harmony with nature'.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the Global Biodiversity Framework and learn about the major challenges and solutions identified by world governments.

This course combines theoretical and practical learning, allowing you to engage with contemporary global issues. You’ll work with our expert staff and prominent national and international organisations.

Research collaborations

Current research includes work with: 

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) 
• environment departments in a range of countries
• World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
• DEFRA and Natural England
• NGOs in the UK and overseas

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

MSc - Master of Science

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

What you'll learn

Global biodiversity challenges

You’ll learn about the Global Biodiversity Framework, which was adopted by 195 countries and the EU at COP15 in 2022. You’ll learn about the major global biodiversity challenges and solutions identified by world governments and other initiatives to conserve nature.

Develop your key skills

You’ll learn to assess the status of biodiversity, critically evaluate biodiversity issues, design and implement research projects and communicate your findings to diverse audiences.

You’ll gain practical skills in:

• species conservation
• policy evaluation
• data analysis
• scientific communication
• designing and undertaking research

You’ll also develop a deep understanding of global biodiversity challenges and the efforts to address them.

A dynamic curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on current and emerging concerns. You’ll study modules in:

• biodiversity assessments
• conserved areas
• sustainability of human and natural systems
• scientific writing for policy audiences
• national and international policy processes
• drivers of biodiversity loss

Each module is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and policy-relevant practical skills, ensuring a comprehensive education in global conservation science-policy.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Global Conservation MSc modules

Modules

Research Dissertation Project (60 credits)

Dynamics of Coupled Human-Natural Systems* (20 credits)

Biodiversity Policy: Global and National Processes (20 credits)

Assessing the Status of Biodiversity (20 credits)

Drivers of Biodiversity Loss (20 credits)

Writing for Policy (20 credits)

Designing and Evaluating Conservation Areas (20 credits)

*For 2025 entry, the Dynamics of Coupled Human-Natural Systems module will be renamed to Sustainability of Human and Natural Systems.

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll learn through a range of methods, including: 

• lectures
• seminars
• practical labs
• workshop sessions
• group work
• case study
• dissertation
• essays
• oral presentation

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report

Additional assessment information

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments, including: 

• a project report
• research prospectus
• scoping exercise
• online exams
• group presentations

Formative feedback is provided throughout the course to allow you to assess and develop your competencies and consolidate your learning. 

Our staff

Our teaching staff are leading experts in biodiversity and conservation. Many of them are actively engaged in international research and policymaking.

Professor Phil McGowan, Degree Programme Director

The Degree Programme Director, Professor Phil McGowan’s research actively informs global policy on conservation and sustainability.

Continue reading about Professor McGowan's research.

Global conservation and sustainability

Changing global policy at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Your development

This course helps you build both professional and research skills that will support your growth and future career in global conservation.

Professional skills

You’ll develop key skills needed for effective work in conservation and biodiversity roles, including:

• expertise at the science-policy interface
• effective communication with diverse audiences
• project management and teamwork

Research skills

Gain essential research skills to prepare you for academic and professional roles.

You’ll learn to:

• design and implement an independent research project
• analyse and interpret data
• write effectively for policy audiences
• evaluate approaches to protected and other conserved areas
• conduct biodiversity assessments

Opportunities

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to unique experiences that deepen your understanding and expand your network.

You will:

• work on real-world research projects with international conservation organisations and conventions
• get insights from researchers and policy officials working on global biodiversity challenges

Your future

Further study

This course supports a route into PhD-level study. You’ll develop the research skills needed for advanced study during your course.

Careers

Our hands-on approach will prepare you for a career at the science-policy interface. You’ll also be prepared for careers where knowledge of how biodiversity science, conservation and policy inform each other.

This course supports pathways into:

• biodiversity policy
• species conservation
• sustainable ecosystem management

You’ll be ready for a wide range of careers such as: 

• Conservation Scientist
• Policy Advisor for International Conservation Bodies
• Wildlife Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• Biodiversity Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Conservation Manager

Industry links

We work closely with global organisations in biodiversity science and policy. Giving you valuable networking opportunities and potential career pathways.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching, including:

• fully equipped teaching and research laboratories
• Dove Marine Lab
• twin-hulled research vessel, The Princess Royal
• Blyth Marine Station

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You will be eligible for a scholarship worth 15% off the international fee. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events