As the number of species facing extinction continues to grow at an alarming rate, conservation biologists are in greater demand than ever before. This MSc is your pathway to a worthwhile career tackling one of society’s most pressing concerns.
Deepen your understanding of the scientific principles underpinning conservation biology and explore practical solutions to environmental problems
Gain the practical experience you need for a fulfilling career in conservation or environmental management
Undertake a training-based placement to build the skills and qualities most valued by employers
Conduct fieldwork and research in some of the country’s outstanding natural environments: the Peak District National Park is right on our doorstep
Take a global perspective: our Tropical Conservation Biology module takes you to Costa Rica to explore primary and secondary rainforests
Be inspired by our highly qualified and experienced teaching team who are conducting influential national and international research
If you have your sights set on a career in conservation, habitat management or environmental consultancy, this MSc offers an excellent grounding in the skills and knowledge you need.
Over 35,500 species are now threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Current extinction rates are estimated to be up to 10,000 times higher than they would naturally be. There is an urgent need for skilled, forward-thinking conservation biologists who can help reverse this trend.
Our MSc Conservation Biology combines strong theoretical knowledge and practical abilities. You’ll explore the reasons why so many species are endangered and develop vital skills in the management of wildlife and environments. Building on a firm understanding of theory, you’ll find practical solutions to environmental management problems.
The course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), which means that it reflects the high standards, ethics and values expected of environmental professionals.
Practical challenges throughout
In the field and the laboratory alike, you’ll have the chance to hone your practical skills in everything from species identification to ecological surveys, sampling methods to statistical analyses.
Our facilities have recently been modernised to offer a first-rate learning environment. They include a glasshouse featuring plants from diverse habitats, an insectary housing many different species, and specialist laboratories. The latest addition to our facilities is our Aquatic Research Facility, which has been developed in collaboration with the Sealife Centre, Birmingham. We also have a student research lab where you will have a dedicated space to pursue your independent studies.
Exciting fieldwork in great locations
We bring theory to life with fascinating fieldwork opportunities. You’ll take full advantage of studying close to the stunning landscapes and diverse habitats of the Peak District National Park.
Conservation is a global priority so some students have ventured overseas to conduct their investigations. Our Tropical Conservation Biology module takes students to Costa Rica to explore primary and cloud rainforests. Students stay in a private research station that isn't accessible to the public, and is surrounded by primary and secondary rainforests with numerous trails that allow students to explore the rainforest safely.
Costa Rica Fieldtrip
Placement opportunities
To enhance your employability, the MSc includes an optional training-based placement. You’ll work with a host organisation such as a local authority, environmental consultancy, zoo or educational institution to experience ‘real world’ scenarios.
The focus of your placement will be on linking theory with practical investigations and problem-solving. You could find yourself exploring issues such as biodiversity, conservation, flood defence, or environmental contamination and remediation.
Our experienced teaching team
You’ll be taught by a highly qualified team who are supportive, friendly and approachable – keen to pass their knowledge on to you. They include active international researchers whose work has heralded important new approaches to conservation biology and environmental management.
They publish influential papers, speak at global conferences, serve on the editorial boards of scientific journals and are in demand as media commentators. For example, Dr Joana Carvalho, Dr Alessia Bani and a PhD student are working with Twycross Zoo and have pioneered a groundbreaking method that could play a crucial role in safeguarding chimpanzees from escalating threats and the risk of extinction. The project aims to assess the conservation status of wild chimpanzees by using a range oftraditional and emergingmethods including, believed to be for the first time,the use of eDNA from air and soil samples to detect the number of West African chimpanzeesin Guinea-Bissau.
How we're helping corals survive
Our Aquatic Research Facility is carrying out work with organisations across the globe to make coral reefs more resilient in the face of man-made afflictions.
We pride ourselves on a learning community which sparks curiosity and nurtures active minds. You’re encouraged to pursue your own specialist interests and, as part of the MSc, you’ll undertake a major independent project to produce a piece of original research which contributes to the world of conservation.
The University hosts an exciting range of special events and talks by leading scientists which will give you insights into latest research and developments within conservation. Subjects have covered everything from the threats facing our bumblebee populations to the evolutionary origins of the dodo. We also have wide-ranging academic collaborations with national and international partners which could open doors for you.
"Before studying the Conservation Biology MSc at Derby I was a secondary school science teacher for ten years. I wanted to make the leap to change to a different career, and the MSc at Derby was the perfect course for me. The ability to choose relevant modules that interest you, and have input into the design of your projects, assignments and thesis, also allows you to further tailor your learning experience, and in my case allowed me to specialise in Aquatic Ecology and develop invaluable skills in this area, which I now use on a daily basis." Pete Cowley, MSc Conservation Biology graduate
New Bioscience Superlab
Opened in 2025, our state-of-the-art Bioscience Superlab and Research Lab transforms learning and research for students, staff and researchers. These facilities house cutting-edge technology and offer real-world, sector-relevant practical experiences.
Note: Students who have previously completed and passed Habitat Management (e.g. during their undergraduate degree or another prior programme) are not required to retake the module. Instead, they must choose two of the optional modules.
Students who have not previously completed Habitat Management must take Habitat Management together with one of the optional modules.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Big spaces for big ideas
Kedleston Road offers it all: study in our largest library, relax in the Union Social Space, train in real-world healthcare settings, and stay active in our state-of-the-art Sports Centre.
You’ll be taught through lectures, guest lectures, workshops, practical sessions in the field and laboratory, and tutorials. There is also the opportunity to go on site visits.
The majority of modules are assessed by coursework rather than by exams. A wide range of assessment methods are used, from oral presentations and poster displays, to scientific and professional reports.
Fieldwork
During this course you'll have the opportunity to go on fieldtrips, allowing you to gain first-hand practical experience and learn new skills, such as site surveying and species identification.
Our course also gives you the opportunity to apply the theory you learn to a working environment. If you take the optional module 'Practical Training Based Placement Module, you will have the opportunity to complete work placements. Examples of organisations you might work with include: local authorities, industry, businesses, HE institutions, zoos, or Environmental/ecological consultants.
Learn from an expert teaching team
Special interests include:
Dr Nel Beaumont - Individual photo-identification of seals and other animals, and wildlife conservation education
Graham Rowe - Use of molecular genetic DNA markers to answer ecological and evolutionary questions
Dr Mark Bulling - Biodiversity and community structure, and ecosystem functioning across spatial scales
Dr Micheal Sweet - Coral biology and immune responses to specific diseases
Our MSc equips you with a wide range of skills and knowledge in both biological conservation and environmental management. It could pave the way for rewarding roles in habitat management or environmental consultancy, with conservation agencies or with local or national government.
There are also opportunities to move into industry in roles which bridge environmental management with broader conservation issues – so you could pursue a career in areas such as waste management, energy efficiency or recycling.
This programme is an ideal stepping stone to an academic research career too. You could undertake a PhD to advance knowledge in this critically important field.
Entry requirements
You will need an undergraduate degree (lower second or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject.
International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 6.0 or above.
Fees and funding
2026/27
(August 2026 - July 2027)
Type
Full-time
Part-time
UK
£9,720 for the full course*
£1,080 per 20 credits
International
£17,500 for the full course
N/A
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
Award
Credits
Postgraduate Certificate
60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma
120 Credits
MA or MSc
180 Credits
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
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