MSc Wildlife Conservation
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
About this course
Explore contemporary wildlife conservation on this innovative and hands-on MSc. Learn from world-leading experts on this exciting course that utilises research, practical skills and technology for solving global conservation challenges.
- Focuses on developing your research, practical and technological wildlife conservation skills
- Learn about protecting and preserving wild animals, plants and their natural habits to preserve their long-term survival
- Take part in a week-long international field course packed with hands-on skills training in areas like mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques, and applications of innovative digital technologies for field surveying. You’ll also gain experience using the latest software packages, including ArcGIS, R and Distance
- Complete a Placement Project module, connecting you with potential employers and ensuring you graduate work-ready
- Learn from world-leading, reach-active experts in the field of wildlife conservation
- Benefit from world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including drone technology, genetics and GIS facilities)
- National and international connections open up numerous opportunities
Wildlife conservation is an exciting field of study that has important implications for the way in which we manage our world. With an increasing global population, healthy and functioning ecosystems are vital for human health, wellbeing and success. We need wildlife for their ecosystem services, and conserving wildlife is becoming increasingly complex, with greater need to utilise digital technologies such as drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors. This Masters will provide you with advanced skills in using conservation technology for wildlife conservation monitoring and research. Additionally, you will gain specialist skills such as complex data handling and analysis; and academic skills such as grant writing, forming collaborations and effective communications.
You will take part in a week-long residential packed full of practical skills training, such as mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques and applications of innovative digital technologies to surveying in the wild. Not only will you develop practical ecology field skills such as species identification and surveillance, you will also have access to cutting-edge technologies, such as drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors, to perform fundamental and applied research. Professional researchers and local experts will be on hand to guide your learning.
A postgraduate degree is highly recommended when considering a career in Wildlife Conservation, particularly as governments around the world are setting ambitious targets for tackling global conservation challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. As a result, there is demand for graduates that can demonstrate the necessary theoretical background, alongside practical skills for conservation practice. LJMU boasts world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including state-of-the-art drone technology and GIS facilities), which you will be able to use during the course. You will have 24 hour computer access and access to specialist software. In addition, the LJMU library has an extensive collection of online and hard copy books, journals and internet resources related to the course.
Your lectures and seminars will be delivered by world experts in the field of wildlife conservation and conservation technology. The quality of research and teaching during the course mean that you will graduate with cutting-edge knowledge and access to a host of international professional networks. The Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology (RCEAP) conducts research at the frontiers of biological anthropology, catalysed by discovery-oriented field research. The Drone Research Group comprises experts in the design, development and use of drone systems for a wide array of scientific applications. You will have opportunities to network with external collaborators and stakeholders in the conservation sector.
Find out more about studying MSc Wildlife Conservation
Go on a tour of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
You have the choice of doing a Dissertation or Placement Project.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Conservation Challenges
30 credits
30 credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the major challenges to wildlife conservation. It enables you to critically evaluate published work and the practical skills to design and conduct your own research or wildlife conservation project.
Technology and Operations
40 credits
40 credits
This module provides a comprehensive overview of different conservation technologies and their applications to wildlife conservation in terms of research and practice. Special emphasis is placed on drone technology, including conceptual understanding of drone applications, and practical skills in being able to specify, select, install and deploy sub-systems to fulfill the requirements of an application.
Applied Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides extensive training in generic research knowledge and statistical techniques for the Natural Sciences. It aims to provide you with a broad appreciation and application of research methods and methodology, including an understanding of the uses and limitations of different research methods. You will also learn how to design and execute a wildlife conservation project keeping in mind feasibility, ethics, data protection, and project logistics and funding.
Conservation in Practice
30 credits
30 credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of research design, especially in the application of important tools and methods for data collection of wild animals. It aims to: help you understand and apply theoretical, practical, and analytical skills in primatological or other wildlife fieldwork; provide particular emphasis on how to census animals using line transects and build digital data-collection tools using open-access software; enable you to map the spatial distribution of findings for spatial analyses, present findings in a professional context, and employ these techniques in a field setting.
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the school. PPE and access to specialist facilities are provided for all necessary practical work. There are no additional costs for any day field trips. This programme includes a core residential field trip, which may be in the UK or an international destination, subject to Covid-related national and international travel restrictions. Travel, accommodation and site costs are included in the course fees. You will be required to meet other potential costs, such as field clothing, visas and immunisations if required.
Optional modules
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
Those studying MSc Wildlife Conservation have the choice of doing a Dissertation or Placement Project. The aim of this module is to enable you to conduct independent scientific research under the guidance of an academic tutor. It gives you the opportunity to make a major contribution in a chosen subject area through a supervised programme of individual study. It also allows you to demonstrate your ability to carry out scientific research and to present findings as a scientific report.
Placement Project
60 credits
60 credits
You have the choice of doing a Placement Project or Dissertation. The aim of this module is to enable you to conduct independent practical conservation work under the guidance of an academic tutor hosted by a conservation professional/practitioner. It gives you the opportunity to make a major contribution in a chosen subject area through a supervised programme of individual study. It also allows you to demonstrate your ability to carry out practical conservation skills and present survey findings in a report.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
You will have a number of hours per module per week of taught material and/or laboratory work. Teaching will take place throughout the week and can vary across semesters, dependent on which modules are running. Private study will cover both time spent studying at home or in the library, analysing data and completing directed tasks and coursework. Taught sessions will provide an orientation to the topic and opportunity for classroom discussion and debate. You will be expected to read widely using primary sources of reference material.
Teaching methods
There is a strong emphasis on practice-based learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, student-led discussion groups and fieldwork. Self-guided study is also a key requirement at MSc level. The week-long residential includes practical skills training, such as mapping, biodiversity monitoring techniques and applications of innovative digital technologies to surveying in the wild.
Applied learning
During your studies you will develop a hypotheses-driven study based on the latest wildlife conservation literature. Converting your idea for a study into a practical plan will involve: learning how to write a grant proposal (from funding experts), creating a budget, and thinking through the logistical issues of conducting research in challenging environments.
You will learn how to operate drone technology for wildlife conservation research and how to analyse the data obtained using these systems; providing you with a unique skillset.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods on this course include: written, oral and practical assignments such as project reports and seminar presentations. Practical skills will be assessed via the dissertation and oral presentations.
Where you will study
This programme is based in the City Campus. Here you will find world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including state-of-the-art drone, genetics and GIS facilities) which you will be able to use during the course. You will also have 24 hour computer access and access to specialist software. In addition, the LJMU library has an extensive collection of online and hard copy book, journal and internet resources related to studying Wildlife Conservation.
Course tutors
Dr Hinchcliffe has a PhD in Molecular Ecology from the University of East Anglia and a Masters in Biology from the University of Sheffield. Alongside her Lecturer role at LJMU, she is a member of the School Diversity and Equality committee and an Associate Editor for Ecological Solutions and Evidence – the British Ecological Society Journal. Dr Hinchcliffe is a Senior Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and freelance ecology consultancy surveyor. Her research background is conservation biology, using both molecular and ecological tools to investigate key evolutionary questions that apply to real-world conservation. She is interested in how populations adapt in the face of environmental challenges; and being able to use this information to evidence key decision-making concerning species management and long-term conservation initiatives.
I am deeply passionate about providing students with transformative opportunities and helping individuals realise their potential. By creating inspiring and engaging research-led learning environments, I enjoy showing how teaching concepts can be applied to real-world conservation and literally save species from extinction
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
You will have numerous career development opportunities, including hands-on research residential and placements with conservation organisations and employers. You will work in forest, mountain and freshwater ecosystems and conduct research projects on a huge array of vertebrate and invertebrate species, survey large reforestation projects or assess the impact of wildfires in the region.
Taking the academic, practical skills and field connections you have gained during this exclusive programme, you will be prepped to progress in your career in the UK and abroad. Roles within NGOs, environmental consultancy and environmental government bodies could be the next natural step.
The academic staff leading this course conduct research in wildlife conservation. Your programme leaders uphold a wide range of international and national connections that can provide exciting opportunities for you during and after the course. You will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at international sites and make career-long connections. We will also encourage you to become members of learned societies, such as Society of Wildlife Conservation.
Tuition fees and funding
- Full-time per year:
- £12,410
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the school. PPE and access to specialist facilities are provided for all necessary practical work. Travel, accommodation and site costs are included in the course fees. You will be required to meet other potential costs, such as field clothing, visas and immunisations if required.
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Full-time per year:
- £19,400
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the school. PPE and access to specialist facilities are provided for all necessary practical work. Travel, accommodation and site costs are included in the course fees. You will be required to meet other potential costs, such as field clothing, visas and immunisations if required.
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
The minimum qualification for entry is a good first degree (2.2 Hons) in biological science, environmental science or related field. Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirement but have a good first degree or professional experience will be considered on their individual merits in relation to the proposed programme. Professional experience, publications, written reports, CPD activities and other suitable evidence of accomplishment will be considered.
International requirements
Other international requirements
Applicants will need a recognised English language qualification (IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each category) or Pearson score of 58-64 within 2 years prior to the programme start date (min. 51 in each component for UKVI Purposes).
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.