COURSE CURRICULUM

This MSc in Species Recovery and Conservation provides comprehensive training in biodiversity conservation, species management, and ecosystem restoration through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and independent research. The Conservation Priorities module introduces the key concepts and frameworks used to understand conservation challenges, conflicts, and decision-making, covering topics such as conservation planning, political ecology, and the historical development of conservation priorities. Species Recovery: Theories, Methods and Techniques focuses on preventing extinction and restoring threatened populations by exploring population dynamics, habitat management, invasive species control, reintroduction and translocation programmes, conservation modelling, public engagement, and ex-situ conservation approaches. Students also gain practical field skills including wildlife survey techniques, animal capture and handling, and dietary analysis. The Captive Breeding and Husbandry module examines the successful management and reproduction of endangered species in captivity, covering animal housing, nutrition, healthcare, behavioural enrichment, contraception, rearing, and pre-release preparation, while introducing industry-standard conservation software such as Zootrition, SPARKS, PMx, and ZIMS. Conservation Genetics develops an understanding of how genetic theory and molecular techniques support species recovery by addressing issues such as inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, population fragmentation, genetic drift, and forensic applications, as well as the role of genetics in captive breeding and wildlife management. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) module provides expertise in spatial data collection, mapping, remote sensing, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), enabling students to monitor biodiversity, analyse environmental change, and support conservation planning. Research Methods and Data Analysis equips students with advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, data interpretation techniques, ethical research practices, and scientific communication abilities. The programme culminates in a 60-credit Research Project, where students design and conduct an original investigation in an area related to species recovery and conservation, producing a detailed scientific report. Overall, the course prepares graduates for professional roles in wildlife conservation, conservation research, environmental management, zoological institutions, non-governmental organisations, and further doctoral study, with a strong emphasis on integrating scientific evidence, practical conservation techniques, and global biodiversity protection strategies.