Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health MSc, PgDip, PgCert, PgProfDev (Online Learning)

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

This programme has been designed to help you find work in environmental, intergovernmental, national and international agencies, as well as lobby groups, NGOs and other research groups.

Postgraduate Certificate (1 year part-time, 2 years intermittent study)

In Year 1 of the programme you will study three core courses:

Evolution and Biodiversity

This course will develop your understanding of evolutionary theory and the concept of biodiversity, including how it is measured and managed. You will explore the drivers for biodiversity loss, with particular emphasis on the interaction between human activities and the current acceleration in biodiversity loss.

Ecosystem Health and Sustainability

This course will develop your understanding of ecosystem health and how this relates to sustainability. You will look at various global conventions and initiatives that attempt to mainstream sustainability goals into broader human activity and to achieve internationally agreed targets. We will look at how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved as well as where barriers may exist.

Environmental Ethics and Governance

This course explores the decisions, responsibilities and challenges that underpin many environmental and conservation interventions. From individual research projects to broader requirements of good governance we look at the ethical frameworks that assist in directing meaningful environmental science.

You will be encouraged to analyse in depth the many conflicts that can exist in the development and implementation of new technologies or strategies and to come to your conclusions as to what is acceptable.

Postgraduate Diploma

(2 years part-time, 4 years intermittent study)

In Year two you will choose six elective courses from the following:

• Behavioural Flexibility
• Climate Change: Policy and Practice
• Connecting Environment and Society
• Conservation and Conflict
• Conservation Genetics
• Conservation Psychology
• Ecosystem Resilience and Extreme Events
• Innovative Approaches to Health Challenges Across Disciplines
• Introduction to Transboundary Diseases and their impact on trade and wildlife populations
• Introduction to GIS and Spatial Data Analysis
• Introduction to Wildlife Forensics
• Invasive Non-native Species
• Land Use and Food Security
• Led by Locals: power and participation in conservation
• Managing and Leading Conservation Projects
• Science Communication and Engagement for Practice
• Species Translocations
• The Marine Environment
• The Modern Zoo
• The Use of Artificial Reproduction Technology (ARTs) in Threatened Species
• Water and Sanitation
• Wildlife, Animal Health and the Environment
• Wildlife Trade
• Zoonotic Disease

Elective course availability will be subject to student demand. Course availability and allocations for Year 2 will be finalised in consultation with students during the Certificate phase of the programme.

Masters (3 years part-time, 6 years intermittent study)

In Year 3 you have the option to either complete a dissertation of 10000-15000 words or take the alternative route to Masters.

If you opt for the dissertation, you will be supported by your supervisor to develop a detailed proposal around a research topic that aligns with your interests.

If you take the alternative route you will take 30 additional credits of elective courses, and complete 30 credits working on an applied research project, where the output is intended to be a working document or resource developed to communicate with a specific audience. Examples include a business plan, a public engagement plan, a website, a lesson plan, etc. Regardless of the option taken, students often choose to work on topics relevant to their workplace, their community local conservation organisations, and aim to have a genuine impact.

Part-time

You can study this programme on a part-time basis. On successful completion of the courses and assessments you can graduate:

• After one year with a postgraduate certificate
• After two years with a postgraduate diploma
• After three years with a master.

Intermittent Study

Intermittent study allows more flexibility in how you choose to study. With this option, you will have:

• up to 2 years to complete the certificate
• up to 4 years to complete the diploma
• up to 6 years to complete the MSc

The standard programme structure is still maintained in terms of the progression requirement. However, you can tailor your education to fit more closely with commitments in both your private and professional life. If you choose to study this programme on a part-time intermittent basis, you also pay your tuition fees on a course-by-course basis rather than paying for the entire programme at the outset.

Postgraduate Professional Diploma

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course, without the time or financial commitment of a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue to studying towards a higher award on a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc programme. You will be required to take 60 credits of compulsory courses that make up the PG Certificate year but can use your PPD credits towards electives taken during the PG Diploma year.

Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.