Hartpury University is proud to announce the launch of its new MSc Biodiversity Conservation degree, open for applications and ready to study from September 2024.

With the increasing importance of understanding and protecting biodiversity, this degree offers students the opportunity to explore mechanisms for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in the face of human activity and climate change. By offering this exciting and timely programme, Hartpury University aims to contribute to the development of future leaders in biodiversity conservation and make a positive impact on the protection of the natural world.

Hartpury University’s 360-hectare estate with its diverse range of habitats provides an ideal setting for students to deepen their understanding of the scientific principles of biodiversity conservation. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in surveying skills, studying the native wildlife on campus, including hedgehogs, bats, moths and more. They will also have the chance to study alongside industry-respected academics who are actively involved in tracking and conserving wildlife, as well as participating in exciting field trips to local re-wilding projects, helping with bird ringing at WWT Slimbridge, and preparing and curating specimens in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Natural History Museum.

The degree programme offers a wide range of modules that cover various aspects of biodiversity conservation. In addition to applied theoretical principles of conservation, students will learn how to apply this knowledge to different scenarios. They will also develop practical skills in areas studying UK protected species, plant identification, and the use of technology including drones and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Students will have the opportunity to explore topics including regenerative agriculture, wildlife conflict, research methodologies, captive exotics, and wildlife policy and law, as well as completing a postgraduate dissertation according to their own area of interest whilst taking advantage our many partners and collaborators for UK or international projects.

Lecturers within Hartpury University’s animal department are respected in the UK and around the world, contributing to many areas of research and policy including welfare, conservation, and science. This not only enhances the teaching and learning experience for students, but also provides valuable industry links that can open doors to exciting connections and partnerships for research or career progression. Guest lectures including conservationists, sustainability experts, and ecological consultants, will provide valuable insights into the industry.

Upon completion of the degree, graduates will be well-equipped for careers in ecological consultancy, NGOs, research, environmental science, science communication, teaching, and more. The programme also supports progression to a PhD for those interested in furthering their research.

Programme Manager Dr Lucy Garrett explains: “This degree has been carefully constructed to equip budding conservationists with the skills needed for a UK or internationally based career. Never has there been a better time to take the next steps into a conservation role. Not only have we reached a pivotal point in terms of preserving and increasing our natural resources and the amazing wildlife it supports, but our world leaders are also starting to recognise the importance of biodiversity.

"The UK has pledged to deliver no net loss of biodiversity by 2030, so conservationists are needed to develop new ways in which we as humans can not only live sustainably through schemes like regenerative farming, but can show an increase in the plant and animal abundance with whom we share our planet.

“There is no doubt that higher levels of biodiversity result in higher levels of human wellbeing, but to make that happen we need courses like this to equip graduates with skills to assist landowners, persuade and inform policy makers, and to save species from extinction.”

The MSc Biodiversity Conservation degree can be completed in one year on a full-time basis or over two years on a part-time basis, allowing students to manage their studies alongside other commitments. A strong support network including lecturers, supervisors, personal tutors, and specialist academic, employability, and wellbeing teams, will help to ensure students get the most out of their time at Hartpury University.

Reflecting Hartpury University’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, students and staff were joined by industry experts for the first 24-hour BioBlitz event. Attendees worked together to survey the campus and record all sighted species of plants and wildlife.

In 2023, Hartpury University received the prestigious triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023). Research is at the heart of postgraduate study, and research submitted as part of the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) was praised as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’.

Hartpury University ranks 6th in the UK and 1st in the South West for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 4th in the UK for Teaching Excellence, according to the first-ever interactive Daily Mail University Guide.