Biodiversity Management\t
Canterbury Campus, United Kingdom
MSc by Research in Biodiversity Management
University of Kent
Biodiversity & Conservation
Program Overview: MSc by Research in Biodiversity Management
The MSc by Research in Biodiversity Management at the University of Kent encourages you to undertake original, high-quality research, culminating in the submission of a thesis of up to 40,000 words. Delivered through the internationally renowned Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), this program combines natural and social sciences to address complex conservation challenges worldwide.
DICE is Britain's leading research and postgraduate training centre dedicated to conserving biodiversity and the ecological processes that support ecosystems and people. The institute leads projects in over 50 countries, covering topics such as human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, national park planning, ecotourism, and biodiversity mapping through eDNA.
During your postgraduate research studies, you will work under the supervision of an academic team with outstanding international research profiles and extensive on-the-ground experience collaborating with conservation agencies around the world. You will also participate in the vibrant postgraduate community of the School, attending seminar series and reading groups organised by research themes and centres.
Key Program Highlights
- Hosted by DICE, a Queen's Anniversary Prize-winning institute leading conservation projects in over 50 countries
- Research-focused MSc with independent thesis work supervised by internationally recognised conservation scientists
- Interdisciplinary approach combining natural sciences, social sciences, and policy-relevant applied research
- Access to the university's Researcher Development Programme providing workshops on research skills, networking, and career management
Research Themes & Structure
As a research-based MSc, this program does not follow a traditional taught module structure. Instead, you design and conduct an independent research project under expert supervision, supported by structured training through the university's Researcher Development Programme. Your work will focus on one or more of the following core research areas within DICE.
Conservation Biology
Research ComponentUsing ecological approaches to understand and maintain biodiversity and ecosystem service provision, with the aim of improving conservation practice both in-situ and ex-situ.
Human-Wildlife Interactions
Research ComponentInvestigating the dynamics between human communities and wildlife, including human-elephant conflict, coexistence strategies, and community-based natural resource management.
Conservation Social Science
Research ComponentApplying participatory approaches and social science methods to understand how communities engage with natural resource management and conservation policy.
Biodiversity Monitoring & Assessment
Research ComponentDeveloping and applying tools for mapping and monitoring biodiversity, including environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques and ecosystem assessment methodologies.
Conservation Policy & Governance
Research ComponentInforming national and international policy development through applied research on protected area planning, illegal wildlife trade, and sustainable land use.
Research Thesis
Core ComponentAn independent research thesis of up to 40,000 words representing original, high-quality research examined by one internal and one external examiner.
Supplementary Training Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the MSc by Research in Biodiversity Management are assessed on an individual basis. The program welcomes students with the appropriate academic background for research, and additional professional qualifications and relevant experience are also considered when evaluating applications. All applications are managed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, environmental science, or conservation
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional experience in the conservation sector is valued and may strengthen your application
- Research ProposalA clear outline of your proposed research topic aligned with DICE's research themes and staff expertise
- Academic ReferencesTwo academic or professional references supporting your research potential and suitability for the program
- Additional QualificationsPostgraduate qualifications, fieldwork experience, or publications may also be taken into account
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each component). Contact Uni4Edu for current data.
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 87 overall. Contact Uni4Edu for current data.
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 62 overall. Contact Uni4Edu for current data.
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate students, including dedicated scholarships for conservation science students through DICE and broader international awards. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the most suitable funding options.
DICE MSc Burnett Scholarship
Fully funded (tuition fees, UKRI stipend, and travel costs)A prestigious fully funded scholarship for students from eligible countries enrolling in conservation-related Master's programmes at DICE. Covers overseas tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel to and from the UK. Contact Uni4Edu for eligibility details.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters Students
GBP 6,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to international students assessed as overseas fee payers who hold an offer for a postgraduate programme at the University of Kent. Awarded based on academic achievement. Contact Uni4Edu for current availability.
Kent Future Students Global Scholarship
GBP 2,000 tuition fee reductionAn automatic tuition fee discount for newly admitted full-time postgraduate students from eligible countries. No separate application is required beyond meeting the eligibility criteria. Contact Uni4Edu for details.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Biodiversity Management program at DICE progress into a wide range of conservation and environmental organisations across the world. The program's combination of academic theory with practical field experience develops graduates who are highly employable within government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
Typical Career Roles
Where Our Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Kent is a well-established public research university consistently ranked among the top 50 in the United Kingdom and within the top 500 globally. DICE, which hosts this program, has been awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, recognising its outstanding contribution to conservation science.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #51 in UK |
| Biology | EduRank | #46 in UK |
| Best Global Universities | US News | #618 |
| CWUR World Rankings | CWUR | #695 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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