The MSc Conservation Studies is a one-year interdisciplinary Masters degree. It provides a scientific understanding of data collection and analysis, environmental governance, and conflicts between conservation and societies.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2018, you can find information about 2018 entry on the 2018 Conservation Studies page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time; part-time study is not currently offered
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies welcomes applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including, but not limited to:
You should have a keen interest in conservation and the scientific methods that underpin conservation policy, and be able to demonstrate this through one of the following:
You must also be prepared for the demands of working across disciplinary boundaries – for example, those from a mathematical background should demonstrate good literacy and an awareness of the social context of conservation issues. Those from a humanities background should demonstrate numeracy and logical thinking.
An AS-Level, Scottish Higher, International Baccalaureate or equivalent qualification in a subject such as physics, maths, or engineering will be advantageous if you are intending to take a more quantitative route through the programme.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £9,000
Overseas: £21,990
Applications should be submitted as early as possible and no later than 12 August 2019. Applicants who will require a visa to study in the UK should normally apply by June.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MSc Conservation Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to conservation theory and practice. It brings together students and academic staff from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, but with a shared passion for conservation.
Our growing understanding of ecosystems, ecosystem services, and biodiversity suggests that conservation of the environment is crucial to humankind's survival. However, there are significant challenges to effective conservation.
Firstly, there is a need for further advances in scientific understanding and data collection. The MSc Conservation Studies provides advanced training in data collection and analysis and the design of ecological studies with the opportunity for you to develop fieldwork, mathematical computing, and experimental skills.
Secondly, there is the need to inform and engage the public, managers, and decision makers. On the MSc Conservation Studies, you will explore conflicts between different human agencies, engage with conservation policy and governance at different scales (local, national, and international), and consider the relationship between the public, science, and policy.
The degree is distinguished by its interdisciplinary character and you will be encouraged to use ideas from different disciplines to illuminate current debates in conservation with a view to mediating what can appear to be irreconcilable differences. The core modules comprise seminars led by subject experts drawn from across the University and speakers from conservation-related organisations who provide a professional perspective.
The MSc degree is a one year full-time programme. Students complete one core module in Semester 1 (September to December) and a second core module in Semester 2 (January to June). Students take one or two optional modules in each semester. The period from June to August is used to complete the summer research project.
The MSc degree involves both independent and group study, and teaching methods include seminars, workshops, and practical exercises. Most modules are assessed through coursework, including written assignments, social media assignments, and presentations.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.
Each semester is organised around core modules exploring the theory and methodologies needed to complete the summer research project.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Optional modules allow you to shape the degree around your own personal and professional interests.
The optional modules available vary each year but will normally cover topics including:
In Semester 1, all students will normally take an optional module in quantitative methods.
Optional modules require a minimum number of students to be offered and are subject to change (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
The final module of the MSc degree is the summer research project. The project takes the form of a period of independent supervised research where you explore a conservation topic in depth. Through the project, you will apply the theory and analytical methods learned in the core modules.
You can choose to present your research project as:
If students choose not to complete the project requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PG Cert or PGDip instead of an MSc.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies at St Andrews is a new initiative to foster interdisciplinary postgraduate education and scholarship.
The School’s interdisciplinary programmes and community provide postgraduates with a stimulating environment in which you can:
Scholarships
Scholarships are designed to help students support themselves during their studies. Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.
Postgraduate loans
Loans are available for students who meet the residency and other criteria. Find out more about postgraduate loans.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews. Find out more about the Recent Graduate Discount.
St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of our research degrees is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed by means of a substantial thesis of original research.
The MSc Conservation Studies provides the subject knowledge and general skills needed for conservation-related careers in government and public bodies, non-governmental organisations and charities, and the private sector. You will:
Alongside your studies you will be able to complete the M-Skills programme, a programme of face-to-face and online workshops and training materials for Masters students. M-Skills will help you develop the broader personal and professional skills you need to succeed in your degree and enhance your employability.
Additionally, the Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of career development events.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
University of St Andrews
Bute Building
Queen's Terrace
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email: gradschool@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).
Study at the University of St Andrews and experience the world-class teaching and cutting edge research of Scotland’s first university.