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 more than a month of field work at unique sites, including subtropical rainforests, national parks, outback Australia, UQ’s Heron Island and Moreton Bay research stations, and the Solomon Islands.
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.
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
- 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
“I learned techniques that are applied on field, and how to devise research projects that aim to preserve ecosystems, particularly when the availability of information is limited. The program has an excellent coursework component that helped me to develop my creativity, level of commitment and communication skills.”
Yolanda ChávezGraduate, Master of Conservation Science
“I learned techniques that are applied on field, and how to devise research projects that aim to preserve ecosystems, particularly when the availability of information is limited. The program has an excellent coursework component that helped me to develop my creativity, level of commitment and communication skills.”
Yolanda ChávezGraduate, Master of Conservation Science
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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 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.
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 Science for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
AUD $29,540
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Conservation Science at 2021 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program.
Fees may be higher in later years 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. See the fee for a CSP in this program. 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 Science 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 Science is 5597.
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 Science is 5597.
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.
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