MSc Wildlife Management and Conservation

Full-time 12 months

Wildlife management and conservation is an exciting, fast-moving topic filled with dynamic and motivated people. It is passion that drives the world of conservation and only through this level of dedication do prospects for species and their habitats improve often against what seem to be overwhelming odds. The world's human population exerts an enormous pressure on the environment, its wildlife and their habitats. This is reflected in a decrease in the areas unexploited by man and an escalation in efforts to manage wild animals, either with a view to conserving them or because they are classified as pest species. Whilst many authorities appreciate that wildlife needs space and sensitive land management policies, financial constraints and obligations to ensure an economic return from land usage often results in the steady decline of certain species at local, national or even global levels. Furthermore, social and governmental pressures encourage the multiple usage of land for agro-forestry, ecotourism, sport, meat production and conservation. These diverse requirements can only be rationalised by an appreciation of the variety of disciplines associated with the management and conservation of wildlife. A solid understanding of the theoretical side of an issue must be coupled with equally important practical considerations. Armed with this knowledge, a wildlife manager will be aware of the dangers of a particular environmental development to the welfare of the spectrum of species in a community and be able to take appropriate action to alleviate or avert any undesirable outcomes. Frequently in these situations, there is a need to deal with officials or members of the public who do not have the benefit of the appropriate academic training and here the wildlife manager has to be able to 'get the message across' in a simple but effective manner.

Global environmental issues, e.g. climate change, habitat destruction, over-fishing, continue to increase in significance. Never has there been a greater need for individuals to care about these issues and to be well trained in the management and conservation of wildlife.

Aim

The MSc in Wildlife Management and Conservation is one of the longest running courses of its kind in the UK and was initiated in 1986. Over the decades, it has evolved into a truly vocational course which aims to achieve just one thing: to launch your career in the conservation sector.

The MSc course at Reading

The course is outward looking, focusing wholly on the skills and other attributes required by the sector rather than what Biological Sciences can conveniently offer. The course is supported by the RSPB, WWT, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Hawk Conservancy Trust, Marine Conservation Society and others. To cover all elements effectively, a large number of external speakers contribute to the course coupled with numerous trips to NGOs. Field work is hugely important but time and money is not wasted on credit hungry residential field courses, rather targeted field work is carried out on a weekly basis. Before you start on your project in April, you will have spent several hundred hours working in the field, which is essential to develop the practical skills that so many employers demand.

The course is intensive comprising 10 ten credit modules and one 20 credit module with associated continuous assessment. The taught component is given during the first two terms (October - March) of the academic year. All of these modules have been designed and are run specifically for MSc wildlife managers; they are not available to undergraduates or MSc students from other courses. In January and April there are written examinations. Mid-April to August inclusive is devoted to a practical project which culminates in the production of a thesis. The examination papers and thesis are marked by both internal examiners and an external examiner. Successful candidates are awarded an MSc degree.

Job Prospects

The course is designed to pave the way for students to enter careers associated with, for example, wildlife conservation, habitat management or the management of vertebrates for conservation. This is quite often achieved by placing students with their desired organization for the duration of their projects which subsequently leads to employment. The MSc has an unrivaled record of employment. Of those students where the employment destination is known (80% of total number), about 80% of all students go on to work in the conservation sector (data not derived from response to questionnaire). Recent graduates have, for example, gained employment with the RSPB, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Local Wildlife Trusts, GreenForce in Uganda, the Environment Agency, a bird observatory in Portugal, the MOD, Natural England, County Biodiversity Offices, numerous overseas conservation organizations and consultancies. In addition, about 10% of students progress to do PhDs. Further information on graduate employment can be found in the Course Handbook which is given to all students on enrolment.

The University of Reading

Reading University is situated within what is arguably the most beautiful campus in the UK. Most of the 300 acre campus consists of three lakes, meadows maintained specifically for biodiversity, and a large area of woodland (The Wilderness). There are numerous modern Halls of Residence and all MSc students are eligible for this type of accommodation if they so desire (although it is recommended that self-catering halls are targeted to retain flexibility). A number of nature reserves and government and industrial bodies with interests relevant to the course are close to Reading. In addition, the University owns extensive areas of farmland in the adjacent countryside. An area of approximately four hectares or the Whiteknights campus is managed by students on a voluntary basis for wildlife.  

Entertainment and Spare-time Activities

Reading shopping centre is extensive and the Oracle Centre (which opened in 1999) offers a variety of outstanding social venues. The number of pubs, bars and night clubs has increased considerably in recent years. Reading is on the main train line directly into London (Paddington) and buses go from the campus directly into London City centre via the motorway. Reading has also direct bus links with Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. The University itself has excellent sports facilities. The Sports Centre, as well as offering the usual badminton, squash, indoor football, etc, has been extended recently to include a two storey fitness centre. If all this clubbing and exercise is not your scene, Reading is surrounded by superb and easily accessible ancient countryside. The possibilities for walking, cycling and engaging with wildlife are endless. In addition, there are a number of nature reserves in or very close to Reading that are always looking for volunteers to help with their work, which can add a very important component to your cv. Several students every year become involved with local nature reserves and offer their services on a regular, voluntary basis.

Support

University support for students and their learning falls into two categories. Learning support includes IT Services, which has several hundred computers, and the University Library which across its three sites holds over a million volumes, subscribes to around 4,000 current periodicals, has a range of electronic sources of information and houses the Student Access to Independent Learning (S@iL) computer-based teaching and learning facilities. There are language laboratory facilities both for those students studying for a language degree and for those taking modules offered by the Institution-wide Language Programme. Student guidance and welfare support are provided by Programme Directors, the Careers Advisory Service, the University's Special Needs Advisor, Study Advisors, Hall Wardens and the Students' Union. Each student will be assigned to a personal tutor and in the Summer will also have a research project supervisor.