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PGDip in International Wildlife Conservation Practice

PGDip in International Wildlife Conservation Practice

Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

8 months

Start date

03-FEB-25

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

Postgraduate Diploma

Subject areas

Wildlife Conservation / Protection Archaeological Conservation

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

About the course

The Recanati-Kaplan Centre Postgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice is an eight-month, full-time course for early-career wildlife researchers.

The course is designed to enhance the skills of conservation science practitioners by teaching field survey techniques, data analysis methods, and reporting techniques commonly used in the study of terrestrial mammals. The course aims to help ecologists and field biologists in the developing world to implement effective conservation research and action.

The course is delivered by the Department of Zoology’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), which has been active in conservation research and practice for more than three decades. The course is made possible by a donation from the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation, and is jointly managed with the Department for Continuing Education.

The focus of the course is on methods commonly used in the study of large mammals, and especially carnivores, in the developing world. The curriculum consists of modules on wildlife ecology, monitoring and survey techniques, GIS and habitat assessment, population management and statistics, as well as two reports which together complete an independent research project. The mode of teaching in the modules consists mostly of lectures, group discussions, technical practicals on the use of computer software, field sessions, tutorials and (group) workshops.

Assessment

Assessment is through the two reports of the independent research project and four assignments. The project reports will be a maximum of 7,000 words, and each worth 30% of your final mark. The assignments will be up to 2,000 words, and each worth 10% of your final mark. Most module assignments will be short-answer questions, presenting data to be analysed, scientific research to critique, a problem for which you will design solutions, or information to be synthesised into a brief report/recommendation.

Graduate destinations

Graduates of the course continue to build on their role as field biologists and conservation practitioners, working within national wildlife management and protected area systems, for NGOs or as independent practitioners. Many graduates further their academic studies within two or three years of completing the course. Alumni and tutors stay in contact via a mailing list and private social media group.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£15,840

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£15,840

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a biology/natural resources-related field. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.