Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)

Programme overview

This MSc covers a wide range of topics relevant to conserving wildlife and habitats, including conservation management, wildlife surveying and rural land use planning. Teaching is delivered primarily through live online lectures on weekday evenings plus self-guided learning, with two optional in-person study weekends in Scotland each year that provide field experience and face-to-face contact with staff and peers.

What you'll study

Core learning emphasises ecological and wildlife surveying techniques, interpretation and application of advancing technologies, and planning approaches for rural land use and conservation management. The programme content spans practical surveying methods, strategies for managing pressures on habitats and species, and skills to translate survey results into planning and management actions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent). Students on the course have come from a range of disciplines, including Education, Business Management, History and natural sciences. Exceptionally, applicants without a degree but with substantial relevant experience and clear motivation may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require applied knowledge of wildlife survey techniques, conservation management and rural land use planning. The programme is relevant to people aiming for careers in conservation practice, ecological surveying, land-use planning contexts and related advisory or industry roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Details on fees, scholarships and funding are handled by the institution; prospective students should consult SRUC's fees and funding information and postgraduate support pages for current options and eligibility guidance.