Overview

Established by naturalist Gerald Durrell in 1963, Durrell has a proven track record of saving species from extinction, and nearly 40 years’ experience of delivering conservation training. Durrell has been working in Mauritius since the late 1970’s, and works closely with its partner organisation, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

Based exclusively on the island of Mauritius, the Post Graduate Diploma in Endangered Species Conservation Management course provides field experience, theory and human resource management skills needed to lead conservation projects over six intense months. It is a unique opportunity to learn directly from two of the world’s leading conservation organisations.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The course is tailored to graduates keen to complement their skill-set and CV and to gain practical experience and applied knowledge needed to be effective conservation professionals and lead their own species recovery projects; additionally it is open to those who have comparable experience of biodiversity conservation in the workplace. It also supports mature participants seeking to move into the wildlife conservation sector and those who have not received post-graduate level training in the field.

WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT?

The course includes six weeks of intensive taught modules, and approximately 10 weeks practical experience in field projects based in Mauritius and on offshore islands.

The programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University, and participants will receive a Middlesex University award upon successful completion.

The course includes six weeks of intensive taught modules, and approximately 10 weeks practical experience in field projects based in Mauritius and on offshore islands.

The programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University, and participants will receive a Middlesex University award upon successful completion.

During the course you cover topics such as:

  • Small population Biology and Applied genetics
  • Population monitoring techniques
  • Predator control
  • Endangered species recovery techniques
  • Invasive species management
  • GIS skills
  • Conservation planning
  • Project planning and leadership
  • Community-based conservation and education
  • Social research skills

Intensive taught modules are interspersed with extended periods in field-teams, workshops and personal study and research.

You have the opportunity to undertake a pilot research project on a topic of relevance to wildlife conservation. Within the field-teams you learn skills such as mist-netting, animal handling, supplementary feeding techniques, tree climbing, rare plant germination techniques and animal morphometrics.

COURSE OUTLINE

The programme is made up of five modules. In practice the topics for each module are interspersed with one another to maintain a synergy between the theory and practice of conservation biology.

  • Module 1: The Biology and Ecology of Small Populations
  • Module 2: Endangered Species Recovery Techniques
  • Module 3: Managing and Leading Conservation projects
  • Module 4: Public Engagement in Conservation Action
  • Module 5: Pilot Project in Endangered Species Recovery

WHO WILL LEAD THE COURSE?

The course will be run by Durrell Conservation Academy professionals in conjunction with specialists from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Course faculty will include internationally recognised visiting experts in conservation management and local field team leaders.

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT?

The programme advances understanding of and experience in:

  • Principles of small population biology
  • Conservation techniques for the recovery of threatened species and their habitats
  • Island biogeography theory and evolution on islands
  • Management and leadership of species recovery programmes
  • Invasive species biology, ecology and management
  • Planning conservation programme and stakeholder management processes
  • Networking with professionals within conservation

Participants will develop their ability to:

  • Critically analyse field projects
  • Reflect on and evaluate the application of conservation biology theory in the practice of endangered species recovery
  • Critically assess management and leadership styles and their impact on the functioning of endangered species recovery teams
  • Marshal ideas and examples into well-organised oral presentations
  • Conduct themselves confidently in interviews
  • Produce a concise and attractive CV

WHERE WILL THE COURSE BE RUN?

Accommodation

Students live in shared accommodation in La Preneuse, Riviere Noire close to a variety of restaurants and within walking distance from supermarkets and the beach.

Venue

Classroom-based learning takes place at Middlesex University at Cascavelle, Coastal Road, Unicity, Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius. A brand new campus opened in September 2017.

Field Stations

Participants’ practical skills are developed through work within four established field stations around Mauritius. Round Island; Plaine Lievre; Ile aux Aigrettes; Pigeon Wood and Ferney Valley.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The course fee is £7,100 (including accommodation and all utility bills)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 January 2018

Please click here for detailed course information.

Click the following link for a leaflet about the course -> 2018 PGDip leaflet_Mauritius

For further information or to apply, please contact +44 (0)1534 860037 or email academy@durrell.org