Master of Conservation Biology
Overview
Master the science of conservation, ecology and biodiversity to find effective solutions in securing the world's biological diversity.
The Master of Conservation Biology 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 one and a half academic years in just 12 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. In addition to advanced-level coursework, you'll complete more than a month of fieldwork at unique sites, including subtropical rainforests, national parks, outback Australia, UQ’s Heron Island and Moreton Bay research stations, and the Solomon Islands.
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.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
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 in Context
- Conservation & Wildlife Biology
- Sampling Design and Analysis in Conservation Science
- Environmental Philosophy
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Endangered species ecologist
- Biodiversity educator
- National parks and wildlife officer
- Natural resources manager
- Policy developer
- Agribusiness consultant
- Zoologist
- Bush regeneration consultant
- Ecotourism manager
- Environment and sustainability consultant
Graduate salary
Agriculture & environmental studies (postgraduate)
compared.edu.au
“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 IsidoreGraduate, Master of Conservation Biology
“The exposure to working in the field in various ecosystems as part of my degree with an international cohort helped me to land a job as a conservation biologist in Mauritius before I had even completed my studies.”
Jonathan GnanapragasanGraduate, Master of Conservation Biology
“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 IsidoreGraduate, Master of Conservation Biology
“The exposure to working in the field in various ecosystems as part of my degree with an international cohort helped me to land a job as a conservation biologist in Mauritius before I had even completed my studies.”
Jonathan GnanapragasanGraduate, Master of Conservation Biology
Events
See all events
27 June
Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST)
Stories
See all stories
Stories
See all stories
Uni life
UQ’s Destination Australia scholarships – your ticket to international travel and study
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these 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 - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - 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.
Additional application information
A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for domestic students. CSP students pay a student contribution amount, rather than paying tuition fees. Domestic students who apply for entry to the program will automatically be considered for a CSP. CSPs are limited and are not guaranteed for all domestic applicants. More information about Commonwealth supported places.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Conservation Biology 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.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $60,024
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Conservation Biology for the 2021 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.
AUD $29,600
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Conservation Biology at 2021 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you complete this program in one year with a study load of 24 units, the actual annual fee will be higher. Fees will vary according to your choice of courses, the number of courses you enrol in, their unit value, and the time you take to complete this program.
Fees may be higher in later years or if you commence the program mid-year, as all fees are reviewed annually.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are offered for this program on the basis of academic merit. Once all CSPs have been exhausted, offers may be made on a tuition fee paying basis.
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.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Conservation Biology pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Conservation Biology is 5551.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Conservation Biology is 5551.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
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 Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Keep up to date
Sign up to get information about applying and studying at UQ.