About this course
Explore contemporary wildlife conservation and technology for conservation on this MSc at LJMU. Learn from world-leading experts and take part in a field trip.
- Learn from world-leading experts in the field of wildlife conservation and conservation technology
- Study on this course which is the only one of its kind in the UK
- Benefit from world-class teaching and laboratory facilities (including drone technology, genetics and GIS facilities)
- Design and complete a wildlife conservation study abroad using the latest software packages, such as ArcGIS, R, and Distance
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, conserving our wildlife becomes more complicated and conservationists are increasingly using technology such as drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors to help them with their efforts.
This Masters will provide you with advanced skills in using conservation technology for wildlife conservation research and will give you the specialist skills to set up and operate conservation technology, and analyse data.
A postgraduate degree is highly recommended for a career in this area so that you can demonstrate the necessary theoretical background and practical skills to work in the field. 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 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.
* 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. 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.
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.
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Molly's story
With a first degree in Wildlife Conservation, Molly Frost decided to take the next step and study for her Masters in Wildlife Conservation and Technology at LJMU.
“My first degree made me re...
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
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.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. 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.
As a graduate from the programme you will be able to pursue a career working for national or international wildlife conservation NGOs, national or international environmental consultancy companies, and environmental government bodies. The course is also excellent preparation for conservation research and academia. Staff involved in the course have a wide range of international and national connections that can provide exciting opportunities for students during and after the programme.
The student experience
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your course
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and a dissertation.
The academic staff leading this course conduct research in this area. 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 the learned societies, such as Society of Wildlife Conservation.
Core modules
Survey, Mapping and Field Skills*
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.
Technology and Operations
40 credits
This module provides a comprehensive overview of conservation technology at a conceptual and practical level. Special emphasis is placed on being able to set up, use and analyse data from various technologies, such as for example drones, camera traps and acoustic sensors.
Wildlife Conservation
30 credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the major themes in wildlife conservation. It enables you to critically evaluate published work and the practical skills to design and conduct your own research.
Research Methods
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 of research methods and methodology including an understanding of the uses and limitations of different research methods
- teach you how to design and execute a research project keeping in mind feasibility, ethics, data protection, and project logistics and funding
Dissertation
60 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to conduct independent scientific research, in an appropriate manner, 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
- allows you to demonstrate your ability to carry out scientific research and to present findings as a scientific report
Teaching
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. The majority of teaching will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, however the days/number of hours taught will vary week to week. 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-lead discussion groups and fieldwork. Self-guided study is also a key requirement at MSc level.
Applied learning
During your studies you will develop an 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.
Assessment
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.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Prof Serge Wich
Programme Leader
Prof Serge Wich
Programme Leader
Studying first at the University of Amsterdam, Serge obtained his PhD at Utrecht University before joining the Great Ape Trust of Iowa. Following a time at the University of Zurich and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program, Serge joined LJMU in 2012. Two years later he became an Honorary Professor for the conservation of the great apes at the University of Amsterdam. Founding Director of the non-profit, ConservationDrones.org Serge’s research interests focus on: primate behavioural ecology, tropical rain forest ecology and the conservation of primates and their habitats and the use of technology such as drones to study and conserve wildlife.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being able to expose students to an emerging technology (UAVs) in order to improve conservation and, at the same time, prepare them well for a career in this field by giving them the ability to learn about such a novel technology.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
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.
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Entry requirements
You will need:
- a good second class honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, conservation, animal behaviour, zoology or ecology
- an academic reference
- a satisfactory reference from your employer or line manager etc
or
- professional experience, publications, written reports, CPD activities and other suitable evidence of accomplishment
- a satisfactory reference from your employer or line manager etc
- to attend an interview
Additional Information:
- IELTS 6.5 (Minimum of 5.5 in each component)
- Pearson PTE Academic 64 (minimum 59 in each component for UKVI Purposes)
- RPL is accepted on this programme
- International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate
- International students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part-time
If you have any specific queries, please contact scspgt@ljmu.ac.uk
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.
View country specific entry requirements
Contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance on visa information. Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
You will apply for the majority of postgraduate courses using our online application form. You should complete the form thoroughly and provide a detailed personal statement which reflects your suitability and aptitude for the programme.
To study this programme you must be motivated towards and have a passion for conservation (as evidenced by engagements in local or international conservation activities, nature clubs or campaigns, for example).
You must also show that you are independent, creative, can think outside the box, are practical and interested in technology, - such as cameras, recorders and drone technology.
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.