MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology blends taught conservation biology with practical, field-based ecological management practice. Weekly physical and virtual field trips run during Semester 1, with input from conservation charities, environmental consultants, zoological gardens, museums, nature reserve managers and research institutes. Teaching is by staff of the School of Biological Sciences, with access to the Queen's Marine Laboratory at Portaferry.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students complete a class group project (an Ecological Impact Assessment) and then choose either a professional work placement project embedded in business and industry or a research project embedded in academia.

Career pathways

Many graduates enter the conservation sector internationally, working at local level to effect change; others have moved into varied fields such as creating scientifically inspired artwork for environmental outreach.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.2 honours degree or above in a relevant science, such as biology (including animal science, biological science, environmental science, marine biology and zoology), agriculture, veterinary science, palaeoecology or geography. Applicants without these academic requirements but holding a degree and appropriate experience (for example farming, zoo work, conservation charities, environmental consultancy, NGOs, government departments or overseas conservation volunteering) are considered individually. International applicants need IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years). Apply ideally by 31 July 2027; a deposit is required to secure a place.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,200 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time MSc; published 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 27,600 a year (2026/27). International/EU Other, full-time MSc; published 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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