Master of Conservation Biology

The Master of Conservation Biology uses the science of conservation, ecology and biodiversity to develop strategies and policies that aim to find effective solutions in securing the world's biological diversity.

This one-year master's program provides a comprehensive education in the ecosystems and evolutionary potential of the world's flora and fauna. It's suitable for those with an approved bachelor's degree – see Program Details for entry requirements.
Undertake high-level coursework that covers all aspects of biodiversity and conservation, environmental philosophy, national and international conservation policy, and systematic conservation decision-making processes.
Benefit from an intensive structure designed around blocks of fieldwork that allow you to complete the equivalent of three semesters of study in just 12 months. You will also travel to some of Australia's unique field sites.
Gain valuable hands-on experience as you apply your knowledge on field trips to subtropical rainforests, national parks, outback Australia, nature reserves and UQ's Heron Island and Moreton Bay Research Stations.

The Master of Conservation Biology will enhance your career prospects by building knowledge and experience in the scientific methods used to analyse, quantify and make decisions about conservation.

News

International Scholarships

Scholarships of up to $10,000 AUD are available to international students who apply and are accepted into the Master of Conservation Biology.

Find out more
Fast Facts

Early commencement

Classes for this program start in June each year so you can get a head-start on your studies before the official commencement of semester in July. You will receive information about start dates when you are accepted into the program.
Fast Facts

Global standing

UQ was ranked number one in Australia and 12th in the world for Environmental Sciences in the 2018 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Alumni

UQ was the perfect fit for me and has led to my work in the Amargosa Vole Conservation Project in California where I manage a captive breeding colony of the endangered Amargosa vole. I get to see the different parts that contribute to an overall conservation effort, and how my actions contribute to its success. Nora Allan, Master of Conservation Biology
Scientific Aid, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Conservation professionals work in the field and in offices across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

They typically work in government departments, universities, non-profit organisations, or in industry in various managerial, educational, research and consultancy roles.

Graduates may work in areas like:

national parks and wildlife conservation
natural resource management
policy development
mining
agriculture
education
research.

Other graduates use the Master of Conservation Biology to further their research ambitions and proceed to enrol in the Master of Conservation Science, Master of Philosophy or a PhD program, where they continue developing their research skills and make significant contributions to knowledge.

Research

Extend your program with a research project

After completing seven courses in this program you may choose to transfer to the Master of Conservation Science where you'll undertake a six-month major research project or complete additional coursework. Admission is based on GPA.
Alumni

“The course is brilliantly put together, the content is well delivered and the field trips serve as powerful reminders of what it is that we as conservationists are fighting to save.” Lenn Isidore, Master of Conservation Biology
Teaching staff

World leading conservation experts

You will have access to world leading academics and their research programs. Courses are taught by highly regarded academics that are world leaders in their fields.

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Program details Next

Summary

Program code

5551
Faculty

Science
Duration

1 Year full-time
Commencing

Semester 2 (28 Jun, 2019)
Program level

Postgraduate Coursework
Units

24
Delivery location

St Lucia
AQF

Level 9
CRICOS code

077443C

Admissions criteria

Prerequisites

Bachelor degree in botany, ecology, evolution, zoology or an approved discipline.

UQ or equivalent GPA of 5 on a 7 point scale.

English Proficiency

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ, view the English proficiency policy.

Visa requirements

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Conservation Biology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa.

The Australian Government has simplified the visa application process. Now, all international students apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted. Find out more about the visa application process.

Learn more about entry requirements

Program structure

Courses

The courses offered in the Master of Conservation Biology are set out in the course list. Each course is allocated a certain number of units (#).

Courses Program Rules

The Program Rules explain what is required to complete the Master of Conservation Biology. These requirements include the total number of units you need to complete in order to graduate.

Program Rules

To have your degree conferred, you also need to comply with UQ’s policies and rules.

Further study options

Graduates of the Master of Conservation Biology have the opportunity to progress into the following programs:

Doctor of Philosophy

Programs and Courses

If you're a current student who has already commenced study at UQ, refer to Programs and Courses in my.UQ for full information about your program structure, rules and requirements.

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Find out more about financial aid, including scholarships and financial aid programs.

Indicative annual fee

AUD $56,904

Indicative fee 2019

The "indicative annual fee" is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Conservation Biology for the 2019 academic year. It is calculated based on an intensive full-time study load.

If you do not enrol in the intensive study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis.

All fees are reviewed annually.

Visit Tuition fees for more information.

Scholarships

International students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships and prizes. These may be offered by the University, the Australian Government, foreign governments, or private organisations.

Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria and are very competitive. More information, including information about how to apply, is available on the Scholarships website.

Applying online

Apply now

All international student applications for the Master of Conservation Biology can be lodged directly to UQ using our online application form or through an approved UQ agent in your country.

The program code for the Master of Conservation Biology is 5551. You'll need this when applying.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study.

Apply now