- Demonstrate the significance and application of population genetics in the sustainable conservation and management of threatened species
- Devise and interpret agri-environmental studies/evaluations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of resulting observations
- Evaluate the critical role of conflict resolution in wildlife protection and conservation
- Integrate and apply understanding of wildlife ecology, zoonotic disease and its impact on human health including One Health
- Understand and apply the principles and practice of wildlife protection and management
- Understand and interpret the wider environmental issues and challenges of food production and security, and appreciate the objectives of national, EU and international policy
- Understand the use of core lab, field and IT (GIS) skills in scientific study and evaluation
- Value the functional benefits of biological diversity and natural ecological processes within managed ecosystems
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management is suitable for students who wish to undertake further studies in pursuit of a career in the agricultural and environmental sciences, with a particular emphasis on the sustainable management of wildlife resources within rural landscapes. This is a unique programme dealing with the principles of population management and zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife and conflict resolution.
This MSc enables students to specifically focus their studies on global wildlife conservation and management. For those with an inquiring mind, a deeper understanding of scientific principles relevant to solving agri-environmental food security concerns is provided, which in combination with understanding effective policy-making, leads to sustainable management practice.
The MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management uniquely integrates the principles of wildlife conservation and zoonotic epidemiology, to underpin the effective management of wildlife populations and ecosystem health.
The programme aims to facilitate the development of students to enable them to provide natural science solutions within a theoretical and social context. Students graduate with a range of skills and experience that makes them highly employable as they develop the ability to problem solve in multiple situations.
Students have the opportunity to visit current conservation and management projects in Ireland, to acquire applied field skills. Students also receive contributions from national and international experts in wildlife conservation and management.
This MSc is set within the UCD One Health paradigm in an agricultural context as approximately 60% of land use in Ireland and 50% of the globes land use is devoted to farming. The vision of UCD One Health is to maximise the health and well-being of humans, animals and the environment through academic excellence, collaborative research, education and outreach.
About This Course
There are a range of potential employment opportunities
for graduates from this programme including government departments, local authorities, county councils, environmental protection agencies and a range of national and international NGOs. In addition, suitable candidates may progress to PhD study.
Graduate Roles:
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Officer
- Ecological Advisor
- Policy Officer
- Conservation Manager
- Park Ranger
- Research officers
- PhD and Further research
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40150 | Wildlife Conservation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40360 | One Health | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40390 | Human Impact on the Environment | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40440 | Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40700 | Communication for Research | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FOR30430 | Geographic Information Systems | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40180 | Data Analysis for Biologists | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40190 | Habitat Evaluation | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40200 | Conservation Genetics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40470 | Practical Research Skills | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40690 | Ecosystem Monitoring | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ZOOL40280 | Biological Invasions | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC40370 | Research Project (AESC) 2 | Summer | 30 |
Graduate Profile - Amelia Keane, Environmental Consultant, Malone O’Regan Environmental, Dublin
I have always known I wanted to work in the environmental field, so after completing my undergraduate degree in Zoology I knew that the next step would be the MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management programme at UCD. This programme has a broad range of topics, which enabled me to develop a better understanding of different aspects of Irish ecology and environmental policies. The lecturers are very supportive, very understanding and very passionate about their subjects.
The practical experience that I gained in undertaking habitats survey and report writing was extremely beneficial when applying for jobs. I am now working as an Environmental Consultant where I get the opportunity to travel around Ireland and survey a variety of different habitats, birds, mammals, and much more. I would highly recommend this programme for anyone looking to work in the environmental field.
MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management (D027) Full Time
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
EU fee per year - € 10174.5
***Fees are subject to change
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
EU fee per year - € 10174.5
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
- Applicants must hold hold the equivalent of a minimum Lower Second Class Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8), or international equivalent, in a Biological Science, Environmental Science, Animal Science, Equine Science or Veterinary Medicine degree programme from a recognised higher education institution.
- Applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they include strong evaluation, analytical and communication skills and have experience of working in the area.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/
- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | D027 MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management Master of Science |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Closed |
* you can change options at the top of the page