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Solar panels on a roof.

Master of Conservation Science

Overview

Master the scientific methods used to analyse, quantify and make decisions about conservation.

The Master of Conservation Science program will show you how to use science to support conservation strategies and policies. It integrates conservation, ecology and biodiversity – with a focus on the problems of restoring and maintaining viable populations of animal and plant species, and natural and managed ecosystems – so you can better confront complex conservation problems.

This program is taught by world-class experts, in an intensive mode that allows you to complete the equivalent of two academic years in just 18 months.

You'll deepen your understanding of all aspects of biodiversity and conservation, environmental philosophy, national and international conservation policy, and systematic conservation decision-making processes. And, in addition to advanced-level coursework, you'll complete a variety of field work teaching at unique sites,such as subtropical rainforests, national parks, and UQ’s Heron Island and Moreton Bay research stations.

Choose between the research and coursework pathways. Once you complete 12 courses, you can apply for admission to complete a major four-month research project, or opt to complete four additional courses to finish your degree.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
1.5 Years (or part time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 2 (27 Jun, 2024)
Program Code
5597
AQF
Level 9
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$72240
Duration
1.5 Years
Start Semester
Semester 2 (27 Jun, 2024)
Semester dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
5597
CRICOS Code
082609K
AQF
Level 9

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Study at UQ, the world’s leading university for biodiversity conservation research.
  • Gain a comprehensive education in the ecosystems and evolutionary potential of the world’s flora and fauna.
  • Complete field work at unique sites and research stations.
  • Deepen your understanding of all aspects of biodiversity and conservation, environmental philosophy, national and international conservation policy.

1 in Australia for environmental sciences

QS World University Rankings 2023

20 in the world for environmental sciences

QS World University Rankings 2023

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Research experience
  • Laboratory work
  • Fieldwork
  • Studios
  • Workshops

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

  • Conservation & Wildlife Biology
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Marine Conservation
  • International & National Conservation Policy

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Endangered species ecologist
  • Pest management researcher
  • Natural resources manager
  • Policy developer
  • Environmental sustainability manager
  • National parks and wildlife officer
  • Agribusiness consultant
  • Zoologist
  • Bush regeneration consultant
  • Ecotourism manager

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
  • a graduate certificate in conservation biology.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7 point scale in your previous qualification. The Master of Conservation Science is a 32 unit program delivered in the regular University semesters as well as in shorter intensive teaching periods, to enable the program to be completed in 1.5 years.
  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
  • a graduate certificate in conservation biology.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7 point scale in your previous qualification. The Master of Conservation Science is a 32 unit program delivered in the regular University semesters as well as in shorter intensive teaching periods, to enable the program to be completed in 1.5 years.

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include botany, conservation, ecology, environmental studies, evolution, mathematics or statistics, marine science, and zoology. Advice on other relevant disciplines is available from the Faculty by contacting enquire@science.uq.edu.au.

Related programs

English language requirements

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

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

 

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Conservation Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$9,960

2024

$9,960

2024

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (24 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Check the courses and program structure for more details. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase. 

AUD $72,240

2024

AUD $72,240

2024

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Additional costs

  • This program includes one or more compulsory field trip courses that may incur additional costs. Please check the course descriptions for more information.

Government assistance

Financial aid

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

Learn more about financial aid

HECS-HELP

Domestic places in the Master of Conservation Science are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.

Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - April 1 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - April 1 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

Explore other programs

Sustainable Energy

Master of Sustainable Energy

St Lucia
1.5 Years full-time1.5 Years full-time
(or part time equivalent)

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