Global Conservation Science MSc

Course overview

Be empowered to pursue the conservation problems that you want to solve.

Delivered by experts in the area of global conservation science and management, this course will provide you with strong interdisciplinary expertise in managing biodiversity and natural resources with a focus on social, economic and policy aspects.

Taking a global perspective, you'll be trained in both the ecological and decision science aspects of biodiversity conservation and in the broader ethical and social issues that are a part of conservation action on the ground.

You'll become skilled in areas such as geographic information systems (GIS), decision science and conservation project planning. You’ll also gain first-hand practical conservation experience from one of the world’s leading conservation organisations – The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

You’ll gain an understanding of the way conservation projects are designed, managed, evaluated and communicated, and you'll learn how to deliver effective conservation solutions.

Course highlights

• Learn from practitioners, NGO experts and international partners from within the conservation sector.
• Receive dedicated training in project management, fundraising, grant writing, and decision science.
• Visit and learn from one of the world’s leading conservation organisations with our Conservation Project Management module.
• Access our high-quality teaching facilities, including computer clusters and interactive meeting rooms.
• Undertake a substantial final research project, designed to equip you with key practical and analytical skills.
• Accelerate your career development by gaining extensive technical training in interdisciplinary conservation science.

Course details

By drawing on expertise from across the faculties of Biological Sciences and Environment, you’ll gain a unique set of skills in biodiversity conservation and management. You’ll also explore topics on climate change, environmental policy, international development, and solutions to the biodiversity crisis.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Global Conservation Science MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

You’ll be trained in the technical, scientific aspects of biodiversity conservation, as well as the broader issues in managing biodiversity. Teaching will take place through a variety of methods such as lectures, workshops, debates and group or individual research.

You’ll also have dedicated training sessions in teamwork, project management, grant writing, and leadership skills.

A considerable proportion of your learning will be led by experts from conservation institutions, so you’ll not only experience the wider conservation sector in specific areas, but also gain an in-depth understanding of the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary perspectives on conservation issues that are needed to develop effective solutions to problems.

Your learning will have a global focus, providing you with insights into cultural and ethical differences among regions, and exploring how threats to and solutions for biodiversity conservation may be applied differently.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 honours or equivalent, from a biological, environmental, or social science subject, with a strong interest in conservation and a commitment to interdisciplinary study. Given a strong interest and experience in conservation, we will also consider applicants from other backgrounds.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Documents and information you’ll need

• Completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study).
• Full CV.
• Transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date.
• Copy of final degree certificate (if completed).
• Evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only).
• Copy of passport (if you’re an overseas student).
• Completed supporting statement:

Find out more about how to apply.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Next steps

• We process your application.
• We inform you of our decision.
• If we make you an offer, you respond by accepting or declining.

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Taught postgraduate applicants are required to submit their results for consideration as soon as possible. Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK are recommended to submit their results no later than 31 July, although they will still be considered if submitted after this date.

Interviews

It is standard procedure to interview applicants, prior to making a decision on their application, for MRes Neuroscience, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial), MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, and MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine. Interviews do not form part of the standard admissions process for other programmes in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

International application deadline: July 31 2025

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences postgraduate taught admissions team

Email: fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,000 (Total)

International: £31,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offers a number of Masters scholarships to support and reward students from the UK and around the world. Don’t miss out on available support, visit our dedicated faculty scholarship page to check your eligibility.

Career opportunities

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to engage with all aspects of conservation work at a leadership level.

You'll be highly sought after by employers in both the public and third sectors, including organisations like the Wildlife Trusts, WWF, RSPB, and The Nature Conservancy, as well as NGOs that require a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental challenges.

With a comprehensive understanding of how to address environmental issues, you'll also have the expertise to work within public sector agencies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, and their counterparts globally.

Our dedicated employability and opportunity team will ensure that you're aware of events and opportunities to increase your employability.

Our Masters career development programme will also support you to explore career options, practice job interviews and understand the PhD application process.

You'll also have access to seminars and presentations from industry professionals (including our alumni) at faculty-led career events. We also have regular research seminars presented by leading academics from around the world on their specialist subjects.