The first MSc programme to be designed specifically around the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, equipping students with the essential skills in conservation project design and management, conservation funding and communications: skills which have been identified by employers in the sector as essential, but lacking from most graduates within traditional zoology or wildlife conservation degrees.

The programme can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.

CORN4000 Conservation Standards for Project Management (20 credits)

This module is a fundamental component of this MSc programme and underpins much of what is learnt across the other modules. The Conservation Standards (CS) are widely adopted principles and best practices for conservation project design, management, and monitoring. Developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP), the CS provide an agreed set of principles and language when designing and implementing conservation projects. Learners will learn to use the CS approach and then develop their project management skills in-class through a series of applied case studies. This module links directly to the Field Trip component where students will again need to apply the CS to a real-world conservation problem. 

CORN4001 Professional Development in Conservation (20 credits)

Learners will think carefully about their intended career path within the diverse industry of conservation. Learners reflect on current skills and areas in which they need additional training (outside of what is directly gained through the core modules of the MSc). A Professional Development Plan will be produced based on career aspirations and identified training needs. Learners may access up to £350 to cover costs of suitable, identified training needs as outlined in their PDP and in agreement with the module lead. Example skills may include a foreign language course or GIS training. Learners are required to then reflect on the training undertaken and to update their CV and PDP to promote lifelong professional development. 

CORN4003 Communicating Conservation (20 credits)

This module aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to design and run effective communications campaigns for conservation projects, to write engaging copy which will resonate with target audiences and to get press coverage to get your story out.  You will also learn how to create content and build and engage audiences on social media. Importantly, you will also learn how to measure the success of communications projects in order to learn and adapt. Learners will also consider how marketing theory can be applied to conservation projects, including flagship species, social marketing theory and human behaviour change. Ultimately, this module goes beyond how to inform people about conservation – it asks the question ‘how can we get people to care enough to change their own behaviour?’ 

Plus Field Trip Option 1 or 2

The default pathway for the programme is for students to complete CORN4005 ‘Conservation Field Trip (UK)’, however, they may elect to instead complete CORN4006 International Conservation Field Trip, although there will be an additional fee for this module. The location of the international field trip and projected costs will be made available to students at the start of the academic year.

Option 1 | CORN4005 Conservation Field Trip (UK) (20 credits)

This module aims to allow students to a gain in-depth experience of a conservation programme in the UK. Students will apply the Conservation Standards approach to assess the conservation issues faced by the case study encountered and to evaluate the current approach to conservation. Students will reflect on the challenges and opportunities within this context. The module aims to give students first-hand experience of working on a project alongside a UK conservation organisation. 

Option 2 | CORN4006 International Conservation Field Trip (20 credits)

This optional module provides students the opportunity to gain experience of an international conservation programme. Students will be exposed to the challenges of applying conservation theory to a scenario that is outside of their normal working experience, taking into account cultural differences, socio-economic challenges and potential language barriers. With a high proportion of threatened biodiversity occurring in the ‘Global South’, understanding the challenges and opportunities of working with local communities to take ownership and responsibility for conservation projects is of paramount importance. This module will explore conservation projects which involve local communities and aim to improve livelihoods, in line with sustainable development goals. 

CORN4002 Conservation Funding (20 credits)

Developing a well-informed and well-designed conservation project is of little value if there are no funds to allow the project to go ahead. Therefore, leveraging funding is a key skill for successful conservation project managers. In a sector dominated by charities and NGOs, accessing donations as well as all other funding opportunities is important. This module will explore what funding mechanisms exist for conservation and where conflicts of interest may exist. Students will gain first-hand experience of managing a funding campaign and grant writing as well as knowledge of a range of alternative funding strategies. 

CORN4004 Research Methods for Conservation (20 credits)

During this module students will develop and refine their research and data analysis skills to comprehensively evaluate conservation outcomes and associated measures of conservation success. These skills are essential for the formation of appropriate, hypothesis-driven questions and rigorous statistical analysis of scientific data, as well as for the monitoring and evaluation of measurable project objectives. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis will be explored using a range of case studies spanning species-focussed and ecological monitoring through to human opinion, engagement and behaviour change. Students will also have the opportunity to explore relevant methods of interest in much greater depth as an independent research task, helping them to focus learning on an approach relevant to their planned MSc conservation project and professional development plan. 

CORN4007 Conservation Project (60 credits)

Students will design and undertake a conservation project, putting into practice the skills learnt during the other modules and aligning with their own identified professional development plan. Following the Conservation Standards project cycle of assess, plan, implement, analyze and adapt, and share, students will complete a conservation project, tackling an identified problem and working alongside a project partner.  

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