Conservation Biology
(MRes) Conservation Biology
Entry for 2026
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course learning outcomes
Demonstrate a systematic and conceptual understanding of current knowledge with respect to selected research areas in conservation biology
Critically evaluate and synthesise current research and methodologies in conservation biology, generating original hypotheses and identifying appropriate methodological approaches to test them
Plan and conduct a research project in conservation biology, dealing with complex issues systematically and creatively, and showing originality and independence in the application of knowledge to address the research questions
Communicate their conclusions in selected areas of conservation biology to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly in both oral and written form, with an oral presentation of a standard equivalent to a research seminar and written report being of publishable quality.
Autonomously advance their knowledge and understanding in conservation biology, showing the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development
Work cooperatively and effectively with a supervisor and research team, to conduct, analyse and present research in conservation biology
Full-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Quantitative Skills in Ecology (839C1) | 15 | 7 |
| Core | Research Foundations (828C1) | 15 | 7 | ||
| Option | Conservation Biology and Biodiversity (853C1) | 15 | 7 | ||
| Current Topics in Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation (836C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Digital Journalism (007P3) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Masters Tropical Rainforest Field Course (834C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Rewilding and Ecosystem Services (833C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| The Science of Climate Change (837F8) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Spring Semester | Option | Advanced Conservation Biology (854C1) | 15 | 7 | |
| Field Biology and Conservation Skills (835C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Masters African Zoology Field Course (837C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Masters Mediterranean Ecology Field Course (827C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Spring & Summer Teaching | Core | MRes Research Project in Evolution, Behaviour or Conservation (832C1) | 90 | 7 |
Part-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Quantitative Skills in Ecology (839C1) | 15 | 7 |
| Core | Research Foundations (828C1) | 15 | 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Option | Advanced Conservation Biology (854C1) | 15 | 7 | |
| Field Biology and Conservation Skills (835C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Spring & Summer Teaching | Core | MRes Research Project in Behaviour or Conservation I (842C1) | 45 | 7 | |
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
| 2 | Autumn Semester | Option | Conservation Biology and Biodiversity (853C1) | 15 | 7 |
| Current Topics in Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation (836C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Digital Journalism (007P3) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Masters Tropical Rainforest Field Course (834C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Rewilding and Ecosystem Services (833C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| The Science of Climate Change (837F8) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Spring Semester | Option | Advanced Conservation Biology (854C1) | 15 | 7 | |
| Field Biology and Conservation Skills (835C1) | 15 | 7 | |||
| Masters African Zoology Field Course (837C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Masters Mediterranean Ecology Field Course (827C1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Spring & Summer Teaching | Core | MRes Research Project in Behaviour or Conservation II (843C1) | 45 | 7 |
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.