We’re in the middle of a biodiversity crisis; the sixth mass extinction event on Earth driven by man. Wildlife populations have declined by 68% since 1970 while climate breakdown is pushing the Earth beyond safe ecological limits.
There is unprecedented pressure on the environment from overexploitation, habitat degradation and destruction, climate change, invasive species, pollution and emerging diseases. However, you can be part of global and local solutions.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
The course blends taught conservation biology with practical field-based ecological management practice with a combination of physical and virtual field trips weekly during Semester 1.
Ecological Management and Conservation Biology highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
You will taught by staff with research profiles of international standing, with a wide range of interests in ecological management and conservation biology covering taxa from algae to mammals and environments from marine to terrestrial.
Industry Links
Internationally renowned ecologists in the School of Biological Sciences maintain close links with Government departments and conservation sector organisations responsible for the maintenance of biodiversity. Field trips include input from conservation charities, environmental consultants, zoological gardens, museums, nature reserve managers and independent research institutes.
World Class Facilities
The recently built, £38M, School of Biological Sciences has state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities whilst you will have access to field facilities including the Queen’s Marine Laboratory (QML) at Portaferry, Strangford Lough: one of only three working marine laboratories in Europe.
Student Experience
You'll take part in a class conservation biology group project (an Ecological Impact Assessment) before being given the option to undertake either a professional work placement project (embedded in business and industry) or a research project (embedded in academia).
Career Development
Many graduates enter the conservation sector internationally working across the globe at the local level to affect positive change. But you don’t have to necessarily work in a conservation-orientated career - previous students have gone to places as unusual as art galleries where they have created scientifically inspired artwork as an alternative method for environmental outreach.
Student Experience
Dr Neil Reid is Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology and Programme Director: “We need to enrich the student experience beyond sitting in dry academic lectures to give them experience of the real world, both physically and virtually, to acquire the practical skills they'll need for a job in conservation.”
The MSc may have up to around 50 students. The programme has a backbone of taught academic lectures covering the full spectrum of subjects contained within conservation biology including:
Ecological Management and Conservation Biology (40 CATS)
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 CATS)
Conservation Biology Group Project (10 CATS)
Semester 2 Modules
Skills in Ecological Management (30 CATS)
Literature Review (20 CATS)
Semester 3 Modules
Option 1: Work Placement Research Project (60 CATS)
Option 2: Academic Research Project (60 CATS)
What Else Will You Do?
Each week there is either a physical or virtual field trip to experience the practicalities of what you’ve learned in class and to see ecological management application in-the-field.
These include captive breeding facilities for endangered species, river corridors along which invasive species are managed, ground-nesting bird conservation programmes, national nature reserves including sand dunes, bogs and species-rich grasslands, commercial industry, Belfast Zoo and the Mourne Mountains.
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
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You’ll get to know your classmates and your lecturers well during field trips.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Continuous Assessment such as coursework and module assignments based on self-driven, independent, study (there are no examinations).
A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDIP) student who achieves 50% or higher in completed modules may be permitted to transfer to the MSc Pathway subject to General Regulations. The MSc will be awarded with Distinction to a student who achieves an average mark exceeding 70% and with Commendation for those achieving a mark between 60-69%.
What our academics say
My background is in Zoology and Ecology. I work mostly in Ireland but also the Tropics, for example, in Central America in high-altitude cloudforest on the impact of bushmeat hunting on animals like tapir.
Dr Neil Reid, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
How to write a research proposal, how to search literature database, how to generate ideas, the scientific method, Experimental design, introduction to statistics, Ethics in research, Impact in research, how to communicate science.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing this module should understand the process by which scientific research is developed through the construction of a research proposal. They should understand the process of generating ideas, formulating and testing hypotheses, the role of data analysis and statistics in experimental design, the ethical implications of research and how to develop the impact of their research on society.
Skills
Experimental design; selection of appropriate statistical tests; introduction to commonly used computer packages; time management; project planning; synthesis and collation of literature from electronic sources; personal development and planning; presenting and communicating scientific results.
Prepare a review of the peer-reviewed scientifically published literature in the field related to the core subject area of your Work Placement Project or Research Project.
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to access a wide range of primary scientific literature; gain subject-specific knowledge; be able to read, comprehend, interpret and integrate scientific literature; organise a scientific topic under a series of sub-headings or categories; report in writing on a scientific topic.
Skills
Literature searching; referencing of literature; scientific writing; presenting an argument; independent learning skills
Students will be split up into small groups (3-5) and set a collaborative project requiring team work and partitioning of specific roles to evaluate environmental data pertinent to Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
Learning Outcomes
Students will learn how to evaluate and weight the importance of various kinds of environmental data (e.g. habitat cover, site designations, key habitats and species of conservation importance etc.) in making sound scientific judgments underlying issues of ecological management and conservation biology.
Skills
Students will use bibliographic skills and information technology to solve a specific problem whilst work together in synergistic roles through self-organisation and delegation to complete a common task.
Students will learn to apply subject-specific skills in survey and experimental design, spatial analyses, numeracy and oral presentations
Learning Outcomes
An understanding of survey techniques, experimental design, and the evaluation of numerical and spatial data relevant to Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
Skills
Basic scientific communication skills using visual and oral presentations, advanced skills using information technology including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and ecological statistics.
An introduction to, and review of, subject-specific material concerning the main threats to biodiversity worldwide including habitat destruction and modification; invasive species; overexploitation; climate change
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of a number of areas underpinning ecological management and conservation biology including: biodiversity assessment; effects of managing habitats; the principles of conservation genetics; decision support systems; environmental economics and the conservation impacts of introduced species.
Skills
Students will develop visual, oral and written scientific communication skills based on subject-specific information provided during classroom-based lectures and directed self-study (i.e. reading). By the end of this module students will be able to deal with complex environmental issues systematically and creatively.
Most MSc students graduating in Ecological Management and Conservation find employment in conservation, education or Government sectors. Students will complete a work placement that generally begins at the end of the second semester. These placements can either be carried out at the host institution or remotely. Work placement providers will be drawn from environmental charities, environmental consultancies, NGOs, Government Departments (e.g. Environment of Agriculture), research institutes, zoological gardens, museums, educational bodies, TV and radio broadcasting or other related areas (organised by the student with support of the career services in the School of Biological Sciences).
Learning Outcomes
Awareness of professional standards and employability requirements. Upon completion of placements students should be able to evaluate critically, identify best practice and understand changes, opportunities and challenges in the host organization. Students will have had the opportunity to apply and develop knowledge and skills in order to conduct original research relevant for the host organisation.
Skills
Students will acquire transferable skills that will directly improve their employability including adherence to professional standards (working with and shadowing professionals in the field or throughout an assignment) and reflective skills (demonstrating an evaluation of the use of knowledge or the application of techniques in an applied context). Written and oral communication skills. Students will be able to critically analyse, synthesise and summarise academic and professional information, use initiative to independently plan and execute tasks at a professional level, conduct critical self-analysis to develop own learning, develop research and employability skills.
Research Project: Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
Overview
The Research Project spans the period May-Aug annually. Students will undertake discrete, structured research involving survey or experimental design, data collection or collation, analyses and write-up a thesis structured with an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements, references (cited scientific literature) and a Risk Assessment form in the Appendix. 25% of marks are awarded for the project and 75% for the thesis. The submission date will be at 17:00 on the last Friday in August annually.
Learning Outcomes
Student will learn how to design a scientific study, use appropriate data collection methods and make sound scientific judgements. They will experience a scientific research project from inception to write-up.
Skills
The research project will develop critical cognitive skills in problem solving including survey or experimental design, numerical analyses using information technology and effective written communication.
A 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant area of science, such as any type of biology (including animal science, biological science, environmental science, marine biology and zoology), agriculture or veterinary science and paleoecology or geography degrees are acceptable.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, therefore applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
Examples of relevant experience include (but are not limited to); farming, zoo work, conservation charities, environmental consultancy, conservation relevant NGOs, relevant Government Departments and overseas conservation volunteering.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The course has a mix of students from Ireland, Great Britain and international students (previously from, for example, but not limited to: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, the USA etc.)
If you undertake a Work Placement Project this MSc will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in conservation or ecological consultancy. If you undertake a Research project this MSc will qualify you for entering further research e.g. a PhD programme.
Employment after the Course
Graduates have been employed by a range of international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Government departments and environmental consultancies with some progressing annually into research at other Universities.
International students frequently return to their home country to work on local conservation.
Principal Town & Country Planning Consultant at TC Town Planning
Psychologist, DOE Marine Division
Conservation Officer, The Irish Wildlife Trust
Managing Quantity Surveyor, Faithful & Gold
Survey Team Leader & Wildlife Guide at ORCA
Ecologist at Roughan & O'Donovan
Ecologist at Neo Environmental Ltd
MCO Spatial NI at Ordnance Survey
Outreach Officer Bumblebee Conservation Trust
HSEQ Coordinator & Advisor Remondis Australia
Scientific Officer at AFBI
Scientific Officer at Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Principal Environmental Consultant at Ayre Environmental Consulting
Assistant Ecologist WYG
Consultant Ecologist at AECOM
Network Development Manager (NE) Sustrans
Ecologist at Blackstaff Ecology Ltd
Project Manager for ESGE, Munich
Lab Analyst at Fibertec Environmental Services, Michigan
Freelance Seasonal Ecologist/ Bat Surveyor
Environmental Educator, UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere
Conservation Advisor at RSPB
Application Specialist, Exploristics Ltd
Raptor Monitoring Officer at Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group
Environmental Assistant at Northstone (NI) Limited
AES Biodiversity Intern at Ulster Wildlife
Graduate Assistant Ecologist at Ecological Survey & Assessment (ECOSA) Limited
Ecologist at RPS Group
Ecologist at Focus Ecology
Compliance Officer at Norbrook Laboratories ltd
Assistant Ecologist Wild Frontier Ecology Ltd
Graduate Land Consultant at Mouchel
Regulatory Affairs Associate at Genpact Pharmalink
Engineering Technician at McCloy Consulting Limited
Volunteer at Belfast Hills Partnership Trust
Natural Resources Specialist at Equinox Environmental
Consultation and Design, Inc. Ashville
Employment Links
Employers who are interested in people like you:
Environmental consultancies including international organisations like AECOM Ltd., global conservation charities like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or Conservation International, government, for example, the Departments of Environment, Agriculture or Fisheries or local conservation groups such as those into fisheries management, stock assessment, habitat or species restoration.
Professional Opportunities
You will be perfectly placed as a site manager on a nature reserve or an environmental education officer. You could equally end up in industry conducting environmental impact assessments on projects such as alternative energy production like windfarms or marine turbines, or infrastructural developments such as airport runway extensions.
After your MSc you might want to travel and gain experience in places like Asia, South America or Africa.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.