This Master's in Applied Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Forensics gives you the opportunity to study at the 15th-ranked university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023).
Within conservation science, there is increasing recognition of the value of genetic data to support management decisions. However, scientists and managers with the skills and knowledge to apply population genetic theory to conservation practice are lacking.
Within this arena, wildlife forensics is an exciting new field that is attracting increasing global attention in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Theoretical and practical learning
The PPD/Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics aims to provide a blend of theoretical and practical education in the application of genetic data to wildlife management and conservation law enforcement.
The programme will cover all essential aspects, from population genetic theory and data analysis to the considerations involved in the interpretation and transfer of scientific findings to management, policy and criminal investigation.
Choice of specialism
You will have the choice to specialise in either applied conservation genetics or wildlife forensics. Both options provide transferable scientific skills relating to:
knowledge acquisition and application
problem-solving
science communication
decision making
The overall aim of the programme is to equip current and future wildlife professionals with the knowledge, skills and global networks to address modern challenges in conservation management and law enforcement.
Learn from internationally recognised specialists
The programme is designed as an institutional collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), a government facility which houses the UK wildlife DNA forensics laboratory.
Students will have a unique opportunity to learn from internationally recognised specialists in the application of genetic analysis to conservation management and wildlife forensics.
In addition, individual courses will engage a number of external tutors from local and international organisations with specific expertise in the subject matter. Course materials will be based on actual examples from wildlife management projects and forensic casework.
Online Learning
Our online learning technology is fully interactive, and award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh's excellent resources but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.
The programme has been designed to use a range of assessment tools, both formative and summative, with multiple feedback opportunities across the programme.
Summative assessment and feedback have been designed to help students develop the key skills associated with the learning outcomes and are tied to practical applications such as reports and grant writing.
Formative assessment (e.g. MCQs and discussion groups) will be included in each course to provide opportunities for feedback before assessment deadlines.
Opportunities will be provided for formative feedback on assessment drafts.
