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Conservation MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2026/27 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Conservation MSc (2025/26), click here

Join a highly regarded master’s course with a long and proud history that is designed for aspiring nature conservation professionals and researchers. Based within UCL’s internationally respected Geography Department, you will explore ecological, social and policy dimensions of conservation while also gaining first-hand experience through residential fieldwork. Develop a valued combination of scientific analysis skills and practical expertise in managing and restoring the natural environment, preparing you for impactful careers in conservation and related fields.

UK students International students

Study mode

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£19,300

£9,650

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£39,200

£19,600

Duration

1 calendar year

2 calendar years

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applications with relevant professional experience in conservation or environmental management will also be considered.

The English language level for this course is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This interdisciplinary MSc provides a rigorous foundation in the ecological, social, and policy dimensions of conservation, equipping students to critically engage with the complex challenges facing biodiversity and ecosystems today.

The course combines scientific training with a strong vocational orientation. Students explore evidence-based approaches to conservation and environmental analysis, while also developing a nuanced understanding of the human dimensions of environmental change. Residential field classes offer first-hand experience of real-world conservation practice and decision-making, helping to bridge theory with professional application.

Designed to support careers both within and beyond academia, the MSc Conservation fosters the analytical, practical, and collaborative skills needed to contribute effectively to the evolving field of environmental stewardship.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for graduates in environmental science, geography, biology, or related fields who are passionate about biodiversity and conservation. It suits those aiming to enter or progress within conservation-focused careers, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their practical and research skills for further academic study or applied work.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Graduates of the MSc Conservation course join a global community of conservation professionals, equipped with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. You will benefit from:

Interdisciplinary teaching, combining natural and social science perspectives on conservation, enabling you to approach environmental problems from multiple angles.
Strong vocational focus, with direct engagement from conservation professionals who contribute to teaching and supervision.
Access to a wide alumni network across the conservation and environmental sectors, supporting career development through shared connections and insights.
Opportunities to pursue diverse career pathways, with graduates going on to roles in policy, advocacy, research, fieldwork, and further academic study.
A research-informed academic environment, supported by UCL Geography’s active groups exploring biodiversity loss, environmental change, ecological modelling, and the politics of nature.
A collaborative student experience, with a close-knit cohort culture and support from passionate and approachable academic staff known for fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

“I learned that people are at the heart of conservation. People constantly interact with their environment, reshape it, and are shaped by it.” — Cassandra Dummett, MSc Conservation

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates from the Conservation MSc course have secured roles across a wide range of organisations and sectors in the UK and internationally, including charities, NGOs, consultancies, and government agencies. Many go on to become conservation and environmental professionals, policy advisers, or researchers in organisations that address biodiversity, sustainability, and ecological restoration.

Employers span the public, private, and non-profit sectors and have included government departments, environmental consultancies, international development agencies, and research institutes. According to the Graduate Outcomes survey (2017–2022), 83.8% of graduates were in highly skilled work or postgraduate-level study within 15 months of graduating.

This MSc also serves as a strong foundation for doctoral study. A significant number of graduates pursue PhD research, contributing to the development of conservation science and practice. Notably, alumni from the programme have gone on to hold influential positions in the field, including the Chair of Natural England and the CEO of The Wildlife Trusts.

Students benefit from early exposure to a broad network of alumni and potential employers, helping them explore diverse career paths across conservation, environmental policy, and ecological consultancy.

Employability

The MSc Conservation is designed to support both academic and vocational career pathways, equipping graduates with the advanced skills and knowledge required to address global conservation challenges. Whether you aim to enter the conservation sector directly or pursue further academic research, the course offers a strong foundation for career development.

You will develop a wide range of transferable and professional skills that are highly valued by employers across conservation and related fields. These include:

The ability to design and carry out original research projects
Critical analysis and interpretation of ecological and conservation data
Creation of scientific outputs in a variety of formats, including reports, publications, and presentations
Problem-solving in complex environmental contexts
Effective communication and collaboration with a range of stakeholders

Networking

Students benefit from the expertise of world-class researchers working across conservation science, policy, and practice. The interdisciplinary nature of the course enables engagement with academics from across UCL, broadening students’ academic and professional networks.

The Department of Geography hosts annual careers events where alumni share their post-graduation experiences across the conservation sector—including roles in NGOs, government bodies, research institutions, and consultancies. These events, combined with UCL’s wider postgraduate network and dedicated careers service, support students in building connections and exploring the diverse career paths available to conservation graduates.

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of field studies, lectures, computer-based and lab-based practicals, and seminars, including a residential field class to a coastal site in Norfolk. These varied teaching methods are designed to provide a strong foundation in conservation theory, field skills, and data analysis, while encouraging critical thinking and reflective learning.

Practical sessions and fieldwork offer students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world context, enhancing their ability to assess biodiversity and develop conservation strategies.

This approach supports the course’s learning outcomes by fostering both academic knowledge and the practical skills required for careers in conservation and environmental management.

Assessment on this course is designed to support students in achieving the learning outcomes through a range of formative and summative methods. You will be assessed through coursework and essays that develop your critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. The course culminates in an independent research dissertation, which includes both a written component and a presentation of your results.

These assessments are intended to strengthen your ability to evaluate conservation strategies, apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, and communicate research findings effectively.

Each 15-credit module involves approximately 150 hours of learning, including lectures, practical sessions, pre-recorded lectures, independent study, peer-to-peer learning, tutorial support, and assessment preparation. This is supplemented by voluntary in-person activities such as research seminars and assessment feedback sessions.

For full-time students, contact time typically averages around 12 hours per week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments (approximately 20-25 hours). Additionally, around one week is dedicated to fieldwork.

You will also complete a dissertation worth up to 60 credits, maintaining regular contact with your supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout your research and writing.

Modules

As a full-time student, you will undertake eight taught modules and complete a research dissertation across the academic year.

Term 1:
You will take four compulsory modules, one of which includes a residential fieldwork component. These modules lay the foundation for your studies and introduce key concepts and skills relevant to conservation.

Term 2:
You will select four optional modules from a broad range of Geography offerings. Depending on availability, options may include residential field classes based in the UK or overseas. Module choices may include:

Term 3 and Summer:
While some dissertation planning typically begins in Term 1, the main research and writing take place in Term 3 and over the summer. A number of field-based taught module components are also scheduled during this term.

As a part-time student, you will undertake eight taught modules over two academic years and complete a research dissertation. The course combines lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and may include residential fieldwork depending on the modules selected. We aim to offer flexibility to support part-time students in planning their pathway through the course.

Dissertation planning typically begins in the second year, with research and writing carried out during Term 3 and over the summer.

Year 1
Term 1: You will complete two compulsory modules, providing a foundation in conservation theory and practice.
Term 2: You will select and complete two optional modules, which may include UK or overseas field-based learning depending on availability.

Year 2
Term 1: You will complete the remaining two compulsory modules, further developing your core knowledge and skills.
Term 2: You will select and complete two additional optional modules.
Term 3 and Summer: You will focus on your dissertation, undertaking independent research and writing with support from your supervisor.

Compulsory modules

Tropical Futures

Conservation and Environmental Management

Environmental Data Acquisition and Analysis

Scientific Basis for Freshwater and Coastal Conservation

Research Project and Dissertation

Optional modules

Coastal Geohazards

Environmental GIS

Politics of Climate Change

Lakes

Aquatic Macrophytes

Biological Indicators of Environmental Change

Introduction to Citizen Science and Scientific Crowdsourcing

Rewilding

Field Evidence of Environmental Change

Designing and Managing Citizen Science

Wetlands

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Conservation. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Conservation. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Conservation.

Fieldwork

The course includes a residential field study to a coastal site in Norfolk, providing practical experience in conservation methods and ecosystem assessment. Students also have the opportunity to take part in additional residential field classes, which may be based either in the UK or at an overseas destination, offering exposure to a wider range of conservation contexts and field techniques.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time	Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£19,300	£9,650
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£39,200	£19,600

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Some optional modules include fieldwork components that may incur additional costs. These expenses vary depending on the location, exchange rates, and the cost of travel and accommodation. Students are advised to contact the Department if they require further information on the specific costs associated with optional fieldwork modules.

Students are also required to produce a printed poster for their dissertation presentation, which involves an estimated cost of approximately £20.

The residential fieldwork is mandatory but there are no additional costs for students.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Information about funding opportunities for the MSc Conservation course can be found via UCL’s Scholarships Finder. Applicants are encouraged to explore a wide range of scholarships, studentships, and bursaries available to support their studies.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (equivalent to 1yr full-time) (1 year)

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to understand:

what draws you to the field of conservation and your motivations for pursuing further study
why you are applying to the MSc Conservation course at UCL specifically
what aspects of the course content, structure, or ethos particularly resonate with you
how your academic background and/or professional experience has equipped you for the demands of this intellectually rigorous course
how this course aligns with your long-term academic, research, or professional ambitions.

In addition to meeting the academic entry requirements, your personal statement provides an opportunity to show how your interests, experience, and aspirations align with what this course offers. We particularly welcome applicants who are passionate about conservation practice and policy, and who can demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing meaningfully to this field.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This course only requires one reference in support of your application. Your reference should be academic unless you have been out of university education for more than four years. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.