External summary

The effective planning and practice of nature conservation is dependent on an understanding of the many conflicting needs of myriad stakeholders.  Only by acknowledging and incorporating these many threads into conservation strategy can we hope to make the right decisions for the future of our natural world.  With major global challenges such as expanding human population, accelerated species loss and climate change there has never been a more important time to engage in the appropriate use of evidence-based conservation strategies.

This programme of study brings together candidates from a vast range of conservation-related disciplines from all over the globe, combining their strengths in both academic excellence and field experience.  This unique combination of voices from around the world makes for a vibrant and interactive online environment, providing commentary on the various conservation issues from a range of perspectives.  During the three year programme, not only will students learn about the theoretical framework for conservation strategies but will also get an insight into the difficult path from theory to practice.

The main aim of this programme is to give candidates a good grounding in current conservation theory and practice by engaging with the scientific literature, with major conservation organisations and with relevant legislation.  This should take them to a position where they can begin to develop their own ideas and solutions to the many problems we face, through research, policy development and most importantly through inter-disciplinary working.  The second aim of the programme is to develop the skills and confidence students need to communicate with others within the many different interest groups, from academics to policy-makers, to field workers and the general public.  The interdisciplinary origins of the student cohort and the courses on offer provide an excellent platform for developing this second aim.  By encouraging students to engage with each other in discussion and debate, it is hoped they will develop a better understanding of, and respect for, the needs of the many stakeholders involved.

Educational aims of programme

Within the context of conservation education and training, many existing opportunities are specific to one element or another:  topics such as biodiversity, sustainability, wildlife conservation, ecosystem health or human development.  With this programme we aim to draw together all of these interrelated threads and present them as equally important components.  We believe that without understanding these individual elements and the many links between them, it is not possible to pursue a holistic approach to the management of global health in its broadest context.

In keeping with this multi-disciplinary approach, the programme draws together expertise from the University of Edinburgh's Global Health Academy, the School of Biomedical Science, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, with the support of the International Union for Conversation of Nature (IUCN) and partner global associates.

At the end of this programme of study we expect our graduates to:

• be fully conversant in current conservation theory and practice, and to be aware of conflicting ideas that may exist within it
• understand the many threats faced by species and ecosystems, and to appreciate the effects these can have on human health and well-being
• understand the need to incorporate basic human rights and concerns into any conservation strategy
• be independent and critical in the assessment of current thinking and practice
• be skilled in the collection and distillation of information from a wide range of sources
• be confident in communicating conservation to a wide range of audiences

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

Within the context of conservation education and training, many existing opportunities are specific to one element or another:  topics such as biodiversity, sustainability, wildlife conservation, ecosystem health or human development.  With this programme we aim to draw together all of these interrelated threads and present them as equally important components.  We believe that without understanding these individual elements and the many links between them, it is not possible to pursue a holistic approach to the management of global health in its broadest context.

In keeping with this multi-disciplinary approach, the programme draws together expertise from the University of Edinburgh's Global Health Academy, the School of Biomedical Science, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, with the support of the International Union for Conversation of Nature (IUCN) and partner global associates.

At the end of this programme of study we expect our graduates to:

• be fully conversant in current conservation theory and practice, and to be aware of conflicting ideas that may exist within it

• understand the many threats faced by species and ecosystems, and to appreciate the effects these can have on human health and well-being

• understand the need to incorporate basic human rights and concerns into any conservation strategy

• be independent and critical in the assessment of current thinking and practice

• be skilled in the collection and distillation of information from a wide range of sources

• be confident in communicating conservation to a wide range of audiences

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Although the programme provides an abundance of academic literature, it is always presented in a way that encourages critical thinking.  Students are encouraged to question all that they read and to assess the relative merits of source information and the discussion fora often include questions related to the integrity and reliability of presented material.  Students are free to express their own thoughts and analyses of the information they gather, developing their confidence and ability to critically appraise the work of others.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

The vast majority of our students are combining their studies with full-time work. As a result, they must quickly develop the motivation and ability to keep up with the demands of the programme around their various other commitments. Although teaching is concentrated around 5 week blocks, students must manage their time within this period to keep up with weekly lecture materials as well as working towards assignment deadlines.  It could be argued that students can only achieve this if they are well organised and motivated, and the organisation of each teaching block demands that students are both of these things.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

In terms of the technical and practical skills that have not been addressed elsewhere, students can expect to have confidence in:

• Planning and achieving identified goals in a personal and professional context.

• Working confidently both independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Scientific communication, with the development and presentation of ideas and research in a format recognisable to the professional community.

Students will have the opportunity to design their own programme of study reflecting their individual professional, academic or personal interests.

They will also have been exposed to a number of software packages, depending on their course choices, which will support statistical, epidemiological and geographical analysis.

Programme structure and features

The MSc in Wildlife, Diversity and Ecosystem Health is an online distance learning programme of part time study which runs over 3 years.  The overall structure of the programme is outlined in the following table:

*Written dissertation (either current or historical dissertation, casebook or portfolio)

See the Degree Programme Table for more details.

Advanced Standing:

Applicants with relevant postgraduate learning who wish to transfer credits to the programme can apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) will be considered on a case by case basis subject to approval by the College Postgraduate Studies Committee.  Under University regulations the maximum amount of credit which can be transferred is 60 credits. 

Progression requirements:

Students will be required to complete 60 credits of core and elective courses within a 12 month period in order to be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Wildlife, Diversity and Ecosystem Health. A Diploma in Wildlife, Diversity and Ecosystem Health will be awarded after 2 years of study and the accumulation of 120 credits from years one and two.

For students to be awarded an MSc in Wildlife, Diversity and Ecosystem Health, they will have successfully completed years one and two with the accumulation of 120 credits before the production of a Written Reflective Element worth 60 credits in the third year of this programme.

In terms of progression within the programme to Diploma level:

In terms of progression within the programme to MSc level:

Achievement of 40% in each taught element, but failure to achieve 50% or more in the same will result in award of Diploma or Certificate award.

For students completing their final years, achievement of 50% or more will result in a Masters award, failure to achieve this level will result in the Diploma award. Note: exceptional students who maintain an average of 70% through-out the time on the programme may be awarded a Masters with distinction.

Teaching and delivery methods:

All courses are taught by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment Learn 9 as the delivery platform. The programme combines independent study, online peer discussion, reflective learning, interactive tutorials, written assignments and critical reviews to develop an understanding of the important concepts and principles of Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health.  Students access courses in Learn 9 using the MyEd student portal – the gateway to web based services including access to the library, email and the online programme in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health. Course materials are protected by secure username and password access.

The Programme Director will maintain and run this MSc with the assistance the Global Health Academy Educational Team.  Discussion boards will be facilitating by e-tutors who will be expected to maintain a regular online presence to guide and assist students throughout the programme.  Experts from within the field of Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health will also make regular contributions, both challenging and guiding the learning experience of the student. 

Learning outcomes and assessment:

All assessed items are clearly linked to the learning outcomes set for each course.  The mode of assessment is determined by the course content and is chosen to best assess the content within that course.  A variety of assessment modes is employed to test a wide range of student skills and abilities and each student is exposed to a number of different styles in both formative and summative assessment.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

Lectures

Online discussion

Peer group learning

Problem based learning

Dissertation

Constructive feedback is provided to every assignment around six weeks after submission.

As a student of the University of Edinburgh our online learners have full access to all online resources offered; this includes IT support and the e-journals held within the Edinburgh University Library.

Assessment methods and strategies

Courses taken in the first two years on programme require the student to submit written assignments and take part in online discussion boards. Written assignments make up 60% of the mark for each course with the remaining 40% coming from online assessment. Written assessments are generally essays on a relevant topic but could also be the production of a poster or presentation. Online discussions that are assessed involve students discussing relevant issues related to course work.

Career opportunities

The Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health MSc programme is a part time programme with most students already in full time employment. Those enrolled in the programme often highlight their studies to their employer and use it as an opportunity to advance their career. Many students have also gone onto further education and have enrolled in PhD programmes at international universities.

Other items