Introduction
Programme Description
This online learning programme provides an interdisciplinary approach to conservation management.
It draws together expertise from within the University of Edinburgh's Global Health Academy and partner global associates, to deliver first-class teaching and research in the field of Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health.
You will assess all aspects of ecosystems, aiming to conserve and maintain their sustainability in both the developing and developed world.
This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Academies.
Online Learning
Our online learning technology is fully interactive, 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.
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered using innovative online learning. It involves a mixed teaching approach that includes independent study and reflection, as well as online discussion and group project work.
Year 1: certificate
You study the following areas:
Evolution and Biodiversity
Ecosystem Health and Sustainability
Ecosystems and Governance
Conservation Ethics
Year 2: diploma
You choose six elective courses from the following:
Climate Change, Policy and Practice
Communication and Public Engagement of Conservation
Connecting Environment and Society
Conservation Genetics
Ecosystem Resilience and Extreme Events
Environmental Law
Ex-situ Wildlife Management
An introduction to transboundary diseases
Introduction to GIS and spatial data analysis
Invasive Non-Native Species
Land Use and Food Security
Managing and Leading Conservation Projects
Reflections on Professional Development
The Marine Environment
The Modern Zoo
The Use of Artificial Reproduction Technologies in Threatened Species
Water and Sanitation
Wildlife Crime and Forensic Investigation
Wildlife, animal Health and environment
Zoonotic Disease
Elective courses are subject to minimum student numbers and timetabling restrictions.
Year 3: masters
You complete your own choice of a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words.
Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)
Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to study towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.
Career Opportunities
This programme has been designed to help you find work in environmental, intergovernmental, national and international agencies, as well as lobby groups, NGOs and other research groups.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:
an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
IELTS Academic: total 6.5 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT: total 92 (at least 20 in each module)
PTE(A): total 61 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections; the "Enabling Skills" sections are not considered)
CAE and CPE: total 176 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components
Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than three years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.