Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation.

About this course

About this course

You will gain the knowledge and skills you need to work in conservation biology and other environmental or ecological roles. You’ll study an area of ecological science, from both a UK and international perspective.

Areas covered include:

• global wildlife conservation policy and practice
• environmental impacts
• international sustainable development

This course has a professional focus, which will help prepare you for the workplace. You'll learn advanced methods to analyse published ecological literature, global conservation policies and assessment methods.

You’ll develop:

• an understanding of wildlife conservation policy and practice in the UK and internationally
• the ability to undertake complex, cutting-edge environmental data analysis and methods for effective communication of results to non-specialists
• skills to handle large datasets, including spatial data (GIS), remote-sensed data, camera traps, and machine learning
• techniques to review and analyse before published ecological research
• the skills necessary to work at the interface of science and policy
• the knowledge to launch a global career in organisations such as:
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

You’ll benefit from our relationships with notable wildlife organisations and be able to take part in projects with institutions, such as:

• the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• other local, national (UK) and international conservation organisations, including government and NGO

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have found employment with organisations including:

• Animal Plant Health Agency
• Chester Zoo
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Environment Agency
• Natural England
• The National Trust
• Scottish Natural Heritage

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

All students

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course. 

Applications for 2022/23

You'll be able to apply for 2022/23 entry from September 2021

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.