Master of Science in Conservation Biology at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The MSc in Conservation Biology at UCT deals with the conservation and biologically sustainable use of biodiversity. It trains students to identify threatened species, ecosystems and ecological processes and to develop measures that reduce threats to biodiversity, covering both theory and practice.

Faculty: Faculty of Science | Department: Department of Biological Sciences (FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology) | Duration: Coursework January to August, minor dissertation due by mid-February of the following year (about 14 months) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Coursework (BIO5007H, 90 credits, January to August) covers biodiversity basics, conservation ethics, population ecology and viability analysis, conservation genetics, community and ecosystem ecology, invasive species, landscape ecology and GIS, conservation planning, climate change and conservation, resource economics, societies and natural resources, and conservation leadership; followed by a 90-credit minor dissertation (BIO5008W) due by mid-February of the following year. A 180-credit dissertation route also exists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be an Honours graduate in the Faculty of Science, or a graduate of another faculty or university holding a degree recognised by Senate as equivalent to a Science Honours degree, or demonstrate equivalent attainment through examination, publication or appropriate training. Candidates approach a supervisor in the department before acceptance by the Dean.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za

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