Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The MSc in Wildlife Conservation & Management is designed for postgraduate students who wish to undertake further studies in pursuit of a career in the agricultural and environmental sciences, with a particular emphasis on sustainable management of wildlife resources within rural landscapes. The programme choice enables students to specifically focus their studies on global wildlife conservation and management. The programme fosters in its graduates the qualities of self-motivation and critical thinking. 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 of effective policy-making, leads to sustainable management practice including an appreciation of One Health. Wildlife Conservation & Management uniquely integrates the principles of wildlife conservation and zoonotic epidemiology, to underpin the effective management of wildlife populations and ecosystem health. This integrated structure is supportive of guided self-learning and provides the opportunity to develop key management skills across the agri-environmental sciences. Core elements of the overall programme include: literature review & knowledge assimilation; core lab, field and IT skills (including use of GIS and remote sensing software); experimental/survey design and quantitative data analysis; written and verbal communication skills. Use is made of individual and group work assignments designed to develop individual, teamwork and leadership skills. A major study project done in the Summer Trimester allows students to put these skills into practice. 

• 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

View All Modules Here

MSc Wildlife Conservation & Management (D027) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9690
nonEU    fee per year - € 27720

***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 

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.

• MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation FT
• MSc(Agr) Environmental Resource Management FT
• MSc(Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development FT

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised