Curriculum Information

The MSc Research project is delivered over two modules which involve the student in detailed research in a subject area relating to Wildlife and Conservation Management. In this first research-based module students will gain experience in information retrieval, develop skills in evaluating and interpreting data from dispersed sources, develop a critical approach to data evaluation, and plan a feasible research project.

Students will develop their personal research interests in relation to real-world problems and conservation challenges, and develop strategies to study these issues in detail. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with academic staff and external partners in research initiatives which tackle emerging issues in conservation. Students are encouraged to question assumptions in conservation practice and develop problem-solving initiatives using a variety of different contemporary technological/analytical approaches, which are informed by cutting edge research and practice. 

Students will be supported in developing critical digital skills in data analysis and interpretation for the purposes of conservation which are vital to graduate employability. Analysis workshop activities are largely computer-based, working with a variety of industry-standard ecological software and a range of data types. Students will learn to edit, clean and analyse existing datasets of varying size and scope, enabling digital fluency within the field of wildlife conservation and management. Students will complete workshops introducing the fundamentals of R, with an emphasis on ecological data analysis. Key statistical models will be applied to ecological datasets to evaluate differences between groups and relationships between continuous variables (e.g. species richness). Sessions will focus on model selection and averaging to evaluate hypotheses regarding ecological processes. Students will also learn approaches to identify and compare plausible models explaining variation in ecological outcomes.

The module focus is on development of professional skills and students are expected to work autonomously to develop a feasible research project, under the guidance of academics. Module activities are designed to enable gain professional level digital skills, regardless of previous experience and these skills will be applied throughout the course. In this module we value the diversity of learners within the group and demonstrate a wide intercultural approach to research and conservation practice.  In addition to professional practice skills, students will also be provided with support in skills linked to career development, as a mechanism to support future graduate career success.