At Conservation Careers we’re on a mission to help conservationists find the best training opportunities to launch or boost their careers. That’s why we’re sharing the Top Conservation Training Opportunities worldwide, based on transparent reviews from current and past students.
The list of Top Conservation Training Opportunities is drawn from over 1,300 conservation training opportunities across the globe that we’ve listed on our Conservation Training Board. It includes everything from short online courses to multi-year masters programmes.
If you know a great training opportunity that you think should be on this list, please feel free to recommend it here or email us.
Top Conservation Training Opportunities – In Alphabetical Order
Top Conservation Training Opportunities – In Alphabetical OrderThe following courses and programmes have received five or more positive reviews from current or past students:
12 week Nature Conservation Training Course
12 week Nature Conservation Training CourseTraining Provider | Ambios
Location | South Devon, UK
Type | Short course
Summary | This 12-week immersive course is suitable for anyone with an interest in nature. Whatever field of work you are in this course will be of benefit. Each industry/sector/ job has a role to play in knowing about and making informed decisions with regards to our natural world.
Ambios’ experience suggests that graduates looking for crucial experience, career changers who are looking for a way into working in the nature conservation sector or those who are inspired by the natural world and want to broaden their horizons really benefit from this course.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | In person
Duration | 2.5 months
Cost | £1,100 per month
Sample Review | “Ambios is a serious, professional organisation with a kind, caring and expert team. I’d recommend their courses to anyone that shares a passion for nature, hands on learning and the outdoors” – Laetitia Craig.
Asian Elephants: Animal Behavior and Wildlife Conservation in Thailand
Asian Elephants: Animal Behavior and Wildlife Conservation in ThailandTraining Provider | Mahouts Elephant Foundation
Location | Thailand
Type | Short course
Summary | This programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for qualified students to study Asian elephants in their natural habitat in their range country.
The Asian Elephant Compassionate Conservation field course explores how the science of animal behavior and well-being can be used in conservation, to improve outcomes for animals, people and the environment. Compassionate Conservation is an emerging cross-disciplinary scientific field, that recognizes that the health and wellbeing of all living things – including humans – are connected.
For this field course, each student will have his or her own research project, as part of an ongoing research collaboration between ICC and MEF, that is studying the behavior, social dynamics, bioacoustics and foraging ecology of a family rewilded Asian elephants. To collect the data for their projects, students will hike into bamboo and tropical evergreen forest to observe the elephants. Students will be accompanied by trained staff and elephant guardians when hiking out to the elephants.
Besides gaining field work experience, this course addresses the socio-cultural context of conservation. Students will explore the complexities and challenges of community-based conservation, and will be immersed in cultural experiences. Students will also gain language skills in S’gaw Karen and Thai, through formal lessons by bi- and tri-lingual field staff, and by conversing with community members.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | Placement abroad
Duration | 4 weeks
Cost | £2,175 per course
Sample Review | “I attended this study abroad program in August of 2018 and it was the best experience of my life! This was my first time traveling outside of the country by myself and it was amazing. I felt completely safe under the supervision of the staff in and out of the forest. The Mahout foundation has an fantastic staff and the people living in the village are beyond exceptional. Everyone is super friendly and love to interact with you and get to know you. I got to be well educated on ecotourism and the amazing herd of elephants I got to go out in the forest and see. Learning how Asian elephants interact in their natural environment just shows how it is the best place for them to be so, they can thrive and be happy and healthy 🙂 If you are thinking of attending this program I highly recommend it was the best decision I ever made and it meant a lot to me” – Danielle.
Conservation Boot Camp
Conservation Boot CampTraining Provider | Nature Seychelles
Location | Seychelles
Type | Short course
Summary | Based on Cousin Island Special Reserve, this innovative program provides you with an enviable in-the-field conservation experience. Participants help in monitoring of biodiversity and ecotourism.
You will get immersed in Cousin Island’s conservation work in quite a spectacular way. This place is unique and this is where the conservation boot camp happens! You will learn hands-on about conservation by contributing to the island’s conservation activities.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | Placement abroad
Duration | 4 weeks
Cost | £850
Sample Review | “The Conservation Boot Camp was an excellent experience for me. It was a month of being surrounded by exclusive wildlife, beautiful views, and interesting people. I was constantly learning: about conservation skills and tools, different animals and plants, and multiple cultures. I would definitely recommend this experience if you found that the program description could be a good fit for you!” – Cristina.
The Conservation Career Kick-Starter | UK Workshop
The Conservation Career Kick-Starter | UK WorkshopTraining Provider | Conservation Careers
Location | Shropshire, UK
Type | Short course
Summary | Give your conservation career a huge boost with a unique two-day residential training course designed to increase your chances of employment within the competitive conservation sector.
Get your career on track with the Conservation Careers Kick-starter designed to help you understand the job market, to navigate your career options, and to get hired more quickly. You’ll leave with a personal career plan which will get your career on track.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | In-person
Duration | 2 days
Cost | £216 (£194 for Conservation Careers Academy Members)
Sample Review | “This workshop is a comprehensive guide in applying for a conservation job. It is the best career workshop that I have been to. I feel everyone will benefit from the course, no matter what stage they are in their careers” – Zoe Trott.
The Conservation Career Kick-Starter | Online course
Training Provider | Conservation Careers
Location | Online
Type | Short course
Summary | Give your conservation career a huge boost with this online course designed to increase your chances of employment within the competitive conservation sector.
Get your career on track with the Conservation Careers Kick-starter designed to help you understand the job market, to navigate your career options, and to get hired more quickly. You’ll leave with a personal career plan which will get your career on track.
Attendance | Flexible
Delivery | Online
Duration | 2Access for a full year
Cost | £195
Sample Review | “I wanted to let you know that FFI offered me the role, and I have accepted. I also got offered a role with the RSPB as well! I wanted to thank you again, as the help you’ve provided through the Kick-Starter – I don’t think I would be in the same situation without it!” – Rosie Crawley, UK.
Conservation Leadership through Learning
Conservation Leadership through LearningTraining Provider | Colorado State University
Location | Fort Collins, CO, United States
Type | Masters
Summary | The Conservation Leadership through Learning (CLTL) program is a master’s degree which prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues at local, regional, and global scales.
The program is built around principles of experiential learning, inter-disciplinary instruction, and applied approaches.
Students work closely with a network of practitioners and organizations throughout the program. CLTL is the option for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | On campus
Duration | 1.5 years
Cost | £10,700 per year
Sample Review | “CLTL is a unique and innovative program that prepares students to be confident and dynamic leaders and team members. The emphasis on project-based and hands-on learning opportunities adds depth to the interdisciplinary coursework. This is an amazing, empowering program and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in conservation!” – Claire S.
Ecological Survey Techniques
Ecological Survey TechniquesTraining Provider | University of Oxford
Location | Oxford, UK
Type | Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Summary | The Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques aims to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to conduct effective ecological field surveys for a range of key taxa, and to analyse field survey data with confidence.
The PGCert is taught via a mixture of face-to-face, online and experiential learning. A choice of modules enables students to explore areas of interest and specialism relevant to their professional needs.
Drawing on a rich pool of expertise, teaching is conducted by a highly knowledgeable and diverse team of practitioners and academics engaged directly with ecological issues.
Attendance | Part time
Delivery | Mixed (in person and online)
Duration | 1 year
Cost | £5,350 / year
Sample Review | “Being a mature career changer and coming from an unrelated field, I am thankful to the University of Oxford for admitting me to the PG Cert course. It was challenging and demanded a lot of self-discipline because I was also working, but it certainly paid off. The course helped me bridge the knowledge gap and access further postgrad study that otherwise wouldn’t be possible”. – Christina Sekeres
International Wildlife Conservation Practice
Training Provider | University of Oxford
Location | Oxford, UK
Type | Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
Summary | 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 involves lectures, group discussions, technical practicals on the use of computer software, field sessions and tutorials.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | On campus
Duration | 8 months
Cost | £11,860 per year (Scholarships available)
Sample Review | “This is a diploma but actually has the level of a Masters. It is totally worth attending this course as they teach you a little of everything that you need to know for conservation. And then, you focus on a topic you want to learn more. It is a perfect environment to learn as all professors are highly qualified and cooperative. Moreover, you also learn a lot from your classmates. Highly recommended” –
MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
MSc Conservation and BiodiversityTraining Provider | University of Exeter
Location | Cornwall (Penryn), UK
Type | Masters
Summary | Taught by internationally recognised experts active at the science/policy interface, this interdisciplinary programme examines both scientific and policy-oriented aspects of conservation.
Teaching covers the breadth of this important field, examining how conservation goals may be achieved under climate change scenarios, in combination with food security requirements, while taking social justice issues into account.
The breadth of the degree gives flexibility to pursue those areas most relevant to your professional development and contains a significant research component supported by leading researchers.
A special feature of the programme is the Kenya field course, which includes visits to some of East Africa’s most famous conservation areas, as well as in-depth discussions with a wide range of stakeholders about synergies and trade-offs between conservation and development.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | On campus
Duration | 1 year
Cost | £13,500 per year
Sample Review | “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!” –
MSc Conservation Science and Policy
Training Provider | University of Exeter
Location | Cornwall (Penryn), UK
Type | Masters
Summary | This Masters programme is taught at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall by staff at the renowned Centre for Ecology and Conservation. It 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 this 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.
Attendance | Full time, Part time
Delivery | On campus
Duration | 1 year (full time); 2 years (part time)
Cost | £13,500 per year
Sample Review | “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.” –
MSc in Protected Areas
MSc in Protected AreasTraining Provider | Fundación Interuniversitaria Fernando González Bernáldez
Location | Madrid, Spain
Type | Masters
Summary | The MSc in Protected Areas is a postgraduate course organized annually since 2001 by three Spanish Universities (UAM, UAH, UCM) and the Fernando González Bernáldez Foundation, together with EUROPARC-Spain. It is aimed at protected areas rangers and managers who wish to further or update their skills, as well as at young graduates who are interested in a career in nature conservation and protected areas management
The course aims to give students the skills required for successful protected area and nature management. In order to do so it provides a broad training both in social and natural sciences. The course is organized as a full-time, one-year program (60 ECTS) divided into two terms and a field trip, from February to June and from September to December. Classes are held in Madrid, and are provided in Spanish. Its faculty combine university professors and researchers together with managers, consultants, and experts.
Attendance | Full time
Delivery | On campus
Duration | 1 year
Cost | £3,835 per year
Sample Review | “As far as I know this is the leading programme in Spanish for those seeking a postgraduate education in natural parks and protected areas, with an emphasis in the social, recreational and educational values of parks and opportunities for short internships in Spanish protected areas and conservation organizations.” –
Online training workshop: Project Management for Wildlife Conservation
Online training workshop: Project Management for Wildlife ConservationTraining Provider | WildTeam UK
Location | Online
Type | Short course
Summary | Gain skills to help increase the impact and efficiency of your conservation projects. This is an online training workshop, run over 6 weeks, with weekly live teaching sessions and pre-recorded training videos to work from in your own time.
Using up-to-date video communications software, we do everything we can to recreate the best of the interactive classroom environment, while offering you the flexibility to learn when and where you want.
Working with our highly qualified and experienced team, this workshop will provide you with the project management skills to efficiently run conservation projects of any size.
Attendance | Flexible, part time
Delivery | Online
Duration | 5 weeks
Cost | £180 (bursaries available)
Sample Review | “After 10 years of managing a project, this is the first time I’ve actually been trained in it. I found it very useful to actually get some principles and processes for how you should best manage a project, rather than just learning as you go, and often being very inefficient.” Dr Amy Dickman, WildCRU (University of Oxford) and Director of Ruaha Carnivore Project, Tanzania
Online training workshop: Strategy Development for Wildlife Conservation
Training Provider | WildTeam UK
Location | Online
Type | Short course
Summary | Learn skills to design conservation projects which have more impact. This is an online training workshop, run over 6 weeks, with weekly live teaching sessions and pre-recorded training videos to work from in your own time.
Using up-to-date video communications software, we do everything we can to recreate the best of the interactive classroom environment, while offering you the flexibility to learn when and where you want.
You will be guided through each step in designing an effective and comprehensive strategy for achieving your conservation goals.
Attendance | Flexible, part time
Delivery | Online
Duration | 5 weeks
Cost | £180 (bursaries available)
Sample Review | “Fantastic course. As a career switcher into Conservation this course gave me a really great introduction to creating a Conservation Strategy. It covers all the key aspects in a really simple and clear way. Terminology and concepts are explained well. I now feel confident in understanding how to develop a strategy, what the different components are and how to make sense of such complex issues!” –
Top Conservation Training Opportunities | What’s next?
This list of Top Conservation Training Opportunities will keep growing as we hear from more students. Do you know a great masters, Degree/Bachelors, short course or other training opportunity that should be on the list? Recommend a course or program here!
Courses and programs recognised as Top Conservation Training Opportunities will receive featured promotion for a year on Conservation Careers, a certificate of achievement and a badge to display, plus broadcast promotion across our email, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn networks.
Check out growing list of conservation training opportunities on our Conservation Training board, where you can search for training opportunities based on keywords, training type (e.g. masters, short courses), delivery method (e.g. online, on-campus), average rating from reviews, region and more.
Not sure if you need more training? Read our guide Do I need a masters degree to work in conservation or watch our video Postgraduate training for conservation careers.