Conservation Management of African Ecosystems MSc

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A unique multidisciplinary programme that equips the next generation of conservation scientists and managers with foundational knowledge in data science, conservation ecology, and perspectives on conservation, poverty and development within African settings and beyond. The programme draws on the strength of existing research networks in African conservation research at the University of Glasgow. Students formalise their training through an independent thesis project that addresses a conservation management problem of the students’ choice in Africa, or elsewhere.
- Academic contact: mvls-cmae@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- MSc: 12 months full-time
Why this programme
- Gain insight into state-of-the-art research on biodiversity, the principles of conservation management, protected area management, and the human dimensions of conservation.
- Learn skills in the data science, spatial analysis, GIS, statistical programming, economic tools for conservation, conservation genetics and the epidemiology of diseases that threaten endangered species.
Develop competency in technical scientific skills (study design, statistics, data processing, wildlife telemetry, machine learning) and soft decision-making skills (scientific writing and communication) to enable independent research that generates high-quality outputs, and that communicates impactful messages to a broader range of audiences (e.g. for government policy making and public outreach).
- Opportunities exist for in-depth study of a specific conservation management issue through a research project involving critical evaluation of the literature, collection and/or analysis of data, and interpretation of results in the context of conservation.
- Wide range of experience, expertise and long-term cooperation with partners in East Africa offering students the opportunity to benefit from well-established teaching and support at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow, and combining that with research work in one of the major conservation areas of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and elsewhere.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
"This year has been transformative for me. While I had the opportunity to work independently, I also benefited greatly from the support and collaboration of my fellow students and the guidance of our course supervisors. By the end of this year, I’ve come to appreciate that nothing is impossible with collaboration. I’ve gone from not knowing how to program, recording audio, and running analysis to feeling confident in tackling even the most challenging tasks I once thought were impossible." MSc Conservation Management of African Ecosystems student
Integrated PhD - excel from your undergraduate degree
Main Campus Location
This programme is undertaken at the Gilmorehill Campus, in the West End of Glasgow. Easy to travel to by bus, subway, train or car.
Programme structure
The programme consists of five core courses which set a solid foundation in key research skills and spatial ecology in term 1.
The term 2 emphasis is on conservation management, including human dimensions of conservation, management of protected areas and conservation ecology.
There are a number of optional courses in term 2 which can be selected from a wide portfolio at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine.
The taught programme is followed by a research project on a relevant topic selected by the student in consultation with staff at the School and will build on our strong links in Africa, in particular with Tanzania.
A total of 180 credits are required, with 30 flexible credits in the second term.
See the accompanying detailed course descriptions found in the core and optional course links below.
Tanzanian students supported through Karimjee Conservation Scholarships (see below under ‘How to apply’) will undertake a second year of field-based training in Tanzania.
Term 1: Core courses
Term 2: Core courses
Term 2: Optional courses
- Animal Identification
- Biodiversity Informatics
- Care & Enrichment of Captive Animals
- Conservation Genetics
- Principles of Conservation Ecology
- Economic tools for conservation
- Geographic Information Systems for Ecologists
- Infectious Disease Ecology and the Dynamics of Emerging Disease
Term 3: Core courses
Example of research projects undertaken by past students.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
The Conservation Management of African Ecosystems programme is a multidisciplinary programme aimed at students wishing to develop a career in:
- Conservation management in universities
- Government departments
- Parastatal conservation organisations
- NGOs and other organisations
Some of our graduates go on to complete PhDs in Glasgow or other high quality institutions across the world.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26
MSc
UK
- Full-time fee: £11250
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £29700
Deposits
International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 when an offer is made.
Deposits: terms & conditions
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
Karimjee Conservation Scholarships
Beit-Glasgow Scholarship
GREAT Scholarships 2025
Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Master’s grant
Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)
University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
Alumni Discount
Postgraduate Access Scholarship
Global Leadership Scholarship
Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)
HESPAL Scholarship
Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
Sanctuary Scholarships
Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Life Science, Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental and/or Geographical Sciences, Marine Science, Ecology, Biodiversity, Astrophysics, Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Tourism.
Applicants must provide a personal statement and CV which evidences interest and involvement in conservation/ecology.
Applicants must have some level of mathematical or statistical understanding.
English language requirements
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
September 2025
International & EU applicants
Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.
Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2024 to 4 November 2024
All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 15 January 2025.
Round 2 application dates:5 November 2024 to 16 December 2024
All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 10 March 2025.
Round 3 application dates: 17 December 2024 to 3 February 2025
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 14 April 2025.
Round 4 application dates: 4 February 2025 to 24 March 2025
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 5 May 2025.
Round 5 application dates: 25 March 2025 to 12 May 2025
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 16 June 2025.
Round 6 application dates: 13 May 2025 to 7 July 2025
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 28 July 2025.
All international applications submitted by 16 December 2024 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 17 December 2024, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.
As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.
UK applicants
- 22 August 2025