Information
Designed in consultation with multiple external agencies to ensure relevant training that maximises graduate employability- Offers substantial fieldwork opportunities in the UK and overseas
- Provides opportunities to connect with external agencies and organisations to further enhance your training
- Delivered by leading international researchers in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation
- Offers access to excellent facilities including state-of-the-art research laboratories, greenhouses and controlled environment rooms
- Comprises modules that target both research and practical conservation skills
This Masters programme is taught at our Penryn Campus in Cornwall by staff at the renowned Centre for Ecology and Conservation. The course boasts a significant research component, with substantial fieldwork opportunities in the UK as well as a field course in Africa. A distinctive and integral feature of our MSc is the high degree of input from conservationists in collaborating governmental and non-governmental organisations. This participation takes a variety of forms, including guest lectures, field visits and specific training courses, but may also include providing research projects in their organisations. Collaborating organisations include: Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Marine Conservation Society, Natural England, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Zoological Society of London.
This applied degree provides excellent employability, with our recent alumni moving onto ecological consultancy work, government conservation programmes, NGO conservation projects and fully funded PhD positions in ecology and conservation.
The University of Exeter, Cornwall, programme in Biodiversity and Conservation gave me the academic foundation for my career in marine science. The world perspective, great faculty and diversity of experience of my fellow students really helped me to succeed in the program and professionally. The coursework and field programs really appealed to me and suited my academic learning style, and gave me a unique approach that I take with me in my career now.
The MSc Conservation and Biodiversity was a key milestone in my career to broaden my view on biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. The conservation action planning skills gained through several subjects of the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity helped prepare me for a career in conservation project management. The program allowed me to have a cross-sectional view on conservation actions.
The lecturers were very dynamic and the several field trips allowed students to gain a significant experience. The University support for overseas students (e.g, English class, support in english correction for the essays, etc) was very useful.
The University offers a diversity of study programs, excellent campus facilities and continuous innovation.
The University of Exeter is undoubtedly a path paver if you choose a career in Conservation science. The facilities at the Cornwall campus were state of the art, the lecturers were knowledgeable, passionate and approachable on every level with a genuine vested interest in the success of their students .The MSc. Conservation and biodiversity programme had a beautiful balance between theory and practical work, teamwork and independent learning , all the while with focus on global conservation issues , which, as a foreigner attending a European University, was much appreciated. The field trip to Kenya was stunning and eye-opening, the ideal opportunity to examine a range of conservation science challenges from a variety of perspectives. My cohort consisted of several champions in the discipline in their own right from various parts of the globe, and Prof. Godley as well as the other programme leaders certainly fostered an environment of shared learning, candid discussions and a strong sense of connectedness between us all during the learning experience. Since graduating from the programme in 2011,I continue to work joyously in my field as an educator inMarine and Environmental sciences in the Marshall islands and in my home region, the Caribbean. So,certainly, this programme has been instrumental in blazing the trail towards my future in Conservation science.
I graduated from the University of Exeter, Centre for Ecology and Conservation with a MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity in 2009. I spent almost two years researching different programmes internationally and was so fortunate to find and be accepted into this programme. I knew what I wanted to study but was looking for a well-rounded masters programme. Through my 10-plus year career since graduating I would say that almost all the coursework we studied in the MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity has surfaced multiple times. I appreciate that they incorporated real-world coursework in conjunction with academic work. I hope to go back someday for a PhD and be part of the Cornwall Campus community again!
I did the MSc in 2009-2010 and was very impressed with all aspects of the course. I found all of the staff very friendly and approachable in terms of both academic support and socially. I was particularly impressed with the variety of courses that trained us in skills relevant for work or further study. In particular the statistics course, which introduced us to coding in R made statistics accessible to ecologists, and i believe helped me enormously throughout my PhD and academic career to-date. Additionally, the marine mammal observer course provided me with the skills to become an MMO, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Cornwall is a fantastic place to live for anyone who enjoys the natural world. All in all I would highly recommend this course.
I absolutely recommend this masters course (MSc Conservation and Biodiversity). Like many others who have posted reviews on this page, the masters cemented my passion for ecology and conservation and gave me vital skills and experience to successfully pursue a career in this field. Falmouth is a fantastic place to study, especially if you enjoy being near the sea and surrounded by nature. The staff are extremely friendly and approachable and really engage with the students to foster a sense of community. The course is lively and varied with a mixture of lectures, practicals, field courses, presentations and group discussions, which facilitates learning. For the research project component, there are a wide range of projects on offer to choose from, and I was lucky enough to work with a Peruvian NGO and see first-hand how conservation issues are tackled on shoestring budgets. Since completing the masters in 2012, I have pursued a PhD and then several research contracts in marine science, and so can trace my career path directly back to this masters!
Enrolling on the University of Exeter’s MSc Conservation and Biodiversity course was a turning point in my career. I’d been working in environmental jobs since graduating from my undergraduate degree but nothing really satisfied me. I had a fantastic time on the course and found a career path that I absolutely love. The people I met – from fellow course-mates to academics and external experts – were inspiring and supportive. The Penryn campus in Cornwall is stunning and the perfect place to immerse yourself in studying for a course like this. I would highly recommend it!
My time in the Conservation and Biodiversity course at the University of Exeter (2014-2015) not only gave me a good foundation of skills needed for working in the marine conservation and research sector, but it also opened up opportunities after my studies and enabled me to secure the work I am doing now. The training provided by the course in data analysis and programs such as R and GIS, as well as grant writing and field methods has been critical for my current work. My experiences in the field – whether during the field course in Kenya or while conducting my thesis project- gave me hands-on experience that helped me know what kind of career I wanted in wildlife conservation. The Penryn campus is a great place to study and provides a wealth of resources and knowledge through their facilities, staff and professors.
Coming from Brazil, I immediately fell in love with the University, the Campus and Cornwall. The MSc Conservation and Biodiversity have helped me build a practical understanding of large-scale conservation issues. The opportunity to discover all the cutting-edge research conducted at the University of Exeter was a highlight to me and helped me to decide applying for a PhD scholarship afterwards. I highly recommend the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity and the University of Exeter in Cornwall.
This course is definitely life-changing. Not only you will be able to work with wonderful professors and involving in world-leading projects, but you will also be exposed to various conservation affairs that surely expand your horizon. It has helped me to be more determined in purchasing my dream in conservation and established networks within the industry. Moreover, the course also equipped us with skills such as R statistic and GIS training; allowing us to become a more desirable candidate. The Kenya field trip is definitely one of the highlights of the course. The animals that we saw and the locals we met there have brought great impacts to my view on conservation. I highly recommend the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity in University of Exeter.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Penryn Campus on the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity course. There were many different module options which allowed me to tailor the degree to my own interests but compulsory modules also ensured that key skills were acquired. I finished my degree with a good foundation knowledge in R and GIS, extensive fieldwork experience and confidence in presenting my work. The Kenya field course was my highlight, seeing first hand the conservation issues faced was hugely insightful and impactful. It is a friendly, supportive and inspiring place.
This course is definitely life-changing. Not only
you will be able to work with wonderful
professors and involving in world-leading
projects, but you will also be exposed to
various conservation affairs that surely expand
your horizon. It has helped me to be more
determined in purchasing my dream in
conservation and established networks within
the industry. Moreover, the course also
equipped us with skills such as R statistic and
GIS training; allowing us to become a more
desirable candidate. The Ethiopia field trip is
definitely one of the highlights of the course.
The animals that we saw and the locals we
met there have brought great impacts to my
view on conservation. I highly recommend the
MSc Conservation and Biodiversity in
University of Exeter.