Global Biodiversity and Conservation, MSc

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Key Course Details

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees
Sep 2026	£ 9,900

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2026	£ 3,300

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2026	£ 5,000

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees
Sep 2026	£ 23,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2026	£ 7,800

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2026	£ 11,700

Course Overview

Be part of a global movement to protect and restore the planet’s natural diversity with Swansea University’s MSc in Global Biodiversity and Conservation.

This programme will equip you with the scientific understanding, practical skills and global perspective needed to address one of the most urgent challenges of our time—the loss of biodiversity.

Throughout the programme, you will study the patterns, processes and drivers of biodiversity, from local to global scales, learning to understand how they inform conservation action. Alongside this, you will also learn how policy, governance and sustainable development shape biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Given the increasing reliance on digital tools in conservation science, the programme integrates technology-enhanced learning to ensure you are equipped with essential analytical and digital skills. Training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data visualisation will enable you to analyse and interpret biodiversity data effectively. Workshops in data science and programming will introduce you to the use of large ecological datasets and predictive modelling in conservation planning.

The programme is deeply research-led, incorporating the latest scientific findings into the curriculum, and encouraging you to engage in cutting-edge biodiversity and conservation science. Teaching is delivered by leading researchers who are actively involved in field and policy-based conservation projects, ensuring that you can learn from experts working at the forefront of the discipline.

You will have numerous opportunities to develop practical conservation skills, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity assessment, wildlife surveys and environmental impact evaluation across a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Why Global Biodiversity and Conservation at Swansea?

Your learning experience will be enhanced by Swansea’s exceptional natural surroundings—nestled between the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the Brecon Beacons National Park. You’ll get to study in one of the UK’s most biodiverse regions while exploring global conservation issues.

Our Biosciences Department, not only has state-of-the-art facilities, but is also internationally recognised for its research that informs our teaching in biodiversity and conservation:

97% of Research Outputs are Rated World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)
100% of the Research Environment is Rated World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)

Our research facilities include the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, an 18-metre catamaran marine survey vessel, and a globally unique visualisation centre that displays multi-dimensional information from animal tracking data.

With increasing global demand for skilled conservation professionals, this MSc prepares you for impactful careers in biodiversity conservation, environmental management, policy, research, and consultancy—at local, national, and international levels.

Your Global Biodiversity and Conservation Experience

You’ll get the chance to work alongside active research groups, collaborating closely with world-leading scientists, tackling issues such as bird flight behaviour, parasite dynamics in wild horses or sustainable agriculture.

This MSc also gives you the chance to put your learning into action through an independent research project guided by world-leading scientists.

Many projects focus on local conservation monitoring, giving you the chance to contribute to protecting rare or ecologically important species. Working alongside councils, NGOs, and environmental consultancies, you’ll gain valuable experience, while producing research that makes a difference, contributing meaningfully to the field of biodiversity and conservation.

Throughout the programme, you’ll be able to get hands-on experience where it matters most, in the field. You’ll take part in a series of intensive day trips across South Wales’ incredible habitats. You’ll learn to identify species, conduct biodiversity surveys, and assess ecosystem health, while applying your knowledge to real conservation challenges.

You can also choose to join an international field course — from exploring biodiversity challenges in the Himalayas to developing a conservation and restoration plan for a species in Egypt’s marine or terrestrial ecosystems.

Global Biodiversity and Conservation Employment Opportunities

A degree in Global Biodiversity and Conservation opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers in protecting and managing our planet’s natural resources and biodiversity.

You will have the opportunity to engage with real-world partners, working alongside organisations including Natural Resources Wales, The British Mammal Society, and The National Wetlands Centre Wales, building valuable professional connections. Our graduates work across research, policy, consultancy and conservation management, both in the UK and internationally. Potential graduate destinations include:

Conservation & Environmental Organisations

International NGOs (e.g. The Nature Conservancy, WWF, Conservation International) working on global biodiversity, habitat restoration and species protection
National and regional terrestrial conservation charities (e.g. land-trusts, wildlife trusts, The National Trust, RSPB, rewilding initiatives)
Landscape and ecosystem restoration projects worldwide, from forests and wetlands to grasslands and freshwater habitats

Government & Policy Roles

UK and Welsh Government bodies (e.g. Natural Resources Wales) engaged in biodiversity policy, species protection, ecological monitoring and sustainable land use
European and international regulatory and advisory frameworks (e.g. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Intergovernmental Science‑Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), contributing to global biodiversity governance
Protected area management and enforcement agencies across ecosystems

Environmental Consultancy & Industry

Consultancy firms specialising in environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, biodiversity audits and sustainable land-use planning
Corporate sustainability divisions and biodiversity offset/advisory roles within industry (e.g. natural infrastructure design, nature-positive business models)
Emerging roles in biodiversity credit markets, ecosystem services and green finance

Research & Academia

PhD and research positions in biodiversity science, ecosystem resilience, species conservation and landscape restoration
University and research institute roles (for example within leading conservation-biology centres) developing and implementing cutting-edge research on biodiversity and conservation
Science-communication, public engagement and education roles converting research into policy, practice and community action

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Course type

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Science Skills and Research Methods	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM700
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Geographical Information Systems	September-January (TB1)	20	GEGM22

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Marine Restoration	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM703
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Research Project	January-June (TB2)	60	BIOM750

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Science Skills and Research Methods	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM700

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Science Skills and Research Methods	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM700

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Endangered Species and The Red List	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM19
Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment	September-January (TB1)	20	BIOM22
Global Biodiversity Challenges in the Himalaya	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM17
Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM32
Conservation of Aquatic Resources	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM704
Species Conservation Planning in Tropical Marine Systems	January-June (TB2)	20	BIOM706
Preparation for Research Project	January-June (TB2)	0	BIOM750P
Law and the Nature Crisis	January-June (TB2)	20	LAAM41

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. This course is taught in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.

Teaching will be comprised of a variety of lectures, seminars, practicals and field work. You will also benefit from guest lectures from leading professionals. Work placements and internships provide hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your learning and build key connections.

Assessments are designed to reflect the types of tasks you will encounter during your career, such as practical conservation exercises, policy development tasks, and data-driven decision-making.

Mentoring, guest lectures and networking with leading organisations will all further enhance your professional development and employability.

Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your learning experience. These may include:

Recorded lectures to support flexible study and revision
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes and discussion forums

This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.

N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present) will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions will be monitored and data made available on request.

Welsh Provision

No Provision

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what is possible.

Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you:

An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Meet Your Lecturers

Our degrees are taught by experts, who have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to you.

You can find out more about our academic expertise on our staff pages.

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2025	£ 9,450	£ 22,250
September 2026	£ 9,900	£ 23,350

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2025	£ 3,150	£ 7,450
September 2026	£ 3,300	£ 7,800

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2025	£ 4,750	£ 11,150
September 2026	£ 5,000	£ 11,700

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

When participating in international field courses, you will need to cover the cost of travel and accommodation, and any visas and immunisations, if necessary. All costs are covered for fieldwork during taught modules in the UK
You will need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. snorkel equipment and binoculars
Additional costs may also be incurred for your research project, depending on what you choose to study

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

As a Swansea University graduate, you can access lifelong careers and employability support.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both a Personal Tutor and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s Application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.