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The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev
The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev

Online

1 up to 6 Years

English

Part time

22 Aug 2025

08 Sep 2025

GBP 19,100 / per year *

Distance Learning

* estimated tuition for applied conservation genetics with wildlife forensics (MSc) | PgCert: £6,370 | PgDip: £12,735

Introduction

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 applying 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 several 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

The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online postgraduate programmes since 2005 and is the largest provider of online programmes in the prestigious Russell Group of universities.

Online learning is aimed at people who want to study for a postgraduate qualification alongside ongoing personal and professional commitments. You can study at times most convenient to you and tailor the timeframe of your studies to suit your needs. Most of our students continue in their employment while they study.

Student support for online students is given as much emphasis as for our on-campus learners. The 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.

A dedicated e-learning team ensures the programme runs smoothly and is supported by an experienced team of a programme director, coordinator, administrator and course leaders. Each student is provided with a personal tutor.

Courses are taught and completed entirely online. The varied teaching includes:

  • Online lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Specialist external lectures
  • Scientific group discussions
  • Case studies
  • Problem-based learning scenarios
  • Literature-based research
  • Computer-assisted learning
  • Quizzes

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.

Awards: MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev

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