Study biodiversity abroad

Biodiversity and conservation is the study of living organisms, their interactions, and their habitats.

Ecosystems and their inhabitants have never been more threatened. As a biodiversity and conservation student, you’ll use ecological theory and field-work to study the dangers faced by organisms, plants, and animals, including climate change and deforestation. You’ll evaluate the best ways to manage and sustain natural environments so that they can continue to be a safe home for wildlife.

Studying abroad is a fantastic way to explore different countries’ landscapes, climates, habitats, and species of animals and plants. From volcanoes to jungles, oceans to rainforests, you’ll see how organisms interact with each other around the world. You’ll examine the policies in place to protect fragile ecosystems, learn from international experts, and contribute to pioneering research.

Biodiversity and conservation can be studied at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A BSc usually takes between three and four years to complete, and many programs will include a year spent studying abroad at a partner university.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you might want to gain a postgraduate qualification. Master’s programs in biodiversity and conservation are offered as either an MA or a Master of Research (MRes). An MRes is heavily structured around independent research projects and students take fewer taught modules.

Following this, you can study a PhD which typically takes between four and seven years to finish.

A variety of teaching methods are likely to be used in your program, including lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, laboratories, and practical field-work. You’ll probably be assessed through a combination of exams, essays, presentations, and practical work.

The precise content of your degree will vary from university to university, but there are some core topics that you can expect to encounter, including:

• Environmental processes and systems
• Global environmental challenges
• Climate change
• Water resource management
• Conservation governance
• Conservation landscapes
• Ecosystems
• Research methods

The skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of biodiversity and conservation have never been more needed. Your degree will be highly valued by a range of public and private employers. Here are some of the most common roles secured by biodiversity and conservation graduates:

• Environmental researcher
• Environmental consultant
• Conservation officer
• Environmental project officer
• Water technologist
• Charity fundraiser
• Environmental policy analyst
• Teacher/ educator

Getting an internship during university holidays is one of the best ways to network with professionals and improve your employability. Your university’s career service should be able to support you with placement opportunities and applications.