Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (Online Learning) PgCert, PgDip, MSc, PgCert (ICL), PgDip (ICL), PgProfDev Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecosystem Health Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study Online learning Part-time intermittent study PgProfDev | up to 2 years | Start date: multiple dates PgCert (ICL) | up to 2 years | Start date: September 2027 PgDip (ICL) | up to 4 years | Start date: September 2027 MSc (ICL) | up to 6 years | Start date: September 2027 Part-time PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2027 PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2027 MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2027 Key facts School Edinburgh Medical School College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Apply now Open Days on Demand Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff. Register to access Open Days on demand Overview About the degree programme Are you passionate about protecting the natural world and addressing global environmental challenges? This flexible, fully online MSc helps you build the expertise to do exactly that, across conservation, sustainability and environmental governance.Rather than treating conservation in isolation, we will look at ecosystems, wildlife and human health together, and at the intersections between issues such as:biodiversity lossclimate changeconflictgovernanceThis interdisciplinary programme also recognises the roles of wider sectors in shaping sustainability and conservation outcomes. It is designed for people from many starting points; graduates and professionals from environmental and ecological backgrounds, as well as those coming from beyond the sciences.You will tailor your studies through a wide choice of option courses, and in your final year apply your learning to a research project or to a real-world issue in your own workplace or community.Whether you want to move into conservation NGOs, government or academia, or bring new expertise to the career you already have, this programme gives you the knowledge and perspective to make a difference. Abby Bruce, who graduated in 2024, explains what she enjoyed about the Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health programme and studying online. Study options QualificationDuration (part-time study)Duration (part-time intermittent study)Number of creditsMaster of Science (MSc)3 yearsUp to 6 years180Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)2 yearsUp to 4 years120Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)1 yearUp to 2 years60Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev)N/AUp to 2 yearsup to a maximum of 50The programme is designed to be taken part-time at 15 to 20 hours per week and there is some flexibility to complete beyond the stated duration if you need to.You can study for the full MSc, or leave with a PgDip or PgCert if you complete the credits for that award.Standalone courses (Postgraduate Professional Development - PgProfDev)If you are a working professional who wants to study without committing to a full award, you can take standalone courses through our PgProfDev scheme, up to 50 credits over two years, gaining University of Edinburgh academic credit as you go.Each course takes around 100 hours of study, and you can transfer your credits towards a PgCert, PgDip or MSc if you later decide to continue. This route suits professionals who already have some experience of postgraduate study.If you wish to continue your studies with us, you can request a transfer from PgProfDev onto a named exit award. If your request is successful and you are eligible to transfer, you will be required to complete all compulsory courses required for your chosen exit award. You should consult your programme team before submitting a request.Any time spent studying PgProfDev will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete your chosen exit award.Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates. Programme rankings 19th in the world for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)20th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) Programme benefits Study an interdisciplinary and globally focused curriculum.Fit your studies around work and other commitments.Apply your learning to real-world challenges.Build transferable skills and shape your own path through a wide choice of courses.Join a global, supportive network of wildlife and conservation professionals.Learn from a longstanding, dedicated teaching team. What makes this particular masters programme so valuable is not only its time flexibility, but the knowledgeable professors, as well as the diverse pool of students all of which are always engaged and willing to support one another. Denisse Guitarra Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health, graduated 2018 Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time intermittent study PgProfDev Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) tuition fees PgCert (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) tuition fees PgDip (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 4 years) tuition fees MSc (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 6 years) tuition fees Part-time PgCert Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (1 year) tuition fees PgDip Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (2 years) tuition fees MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Funding opportunities Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Other funding opportunitiesThe University of Edinburgh offers a small number of scholarships to outstanding candidates. These are very competitive. We publish data on the success rate for scholarship applications to help you understand the level of demand.Online Learning ScholarshipsMastercard Foundation Scholarships Mastercard Foundation Scholarships are available for this programme. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and residents in an African country. Applications from refugees and displaced people who have left their African home country to live elsewhere on the continent are also welcome.Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate ScholarshipsIf the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship you are interested in applying for at the University of Edinburgh, please apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship first.If you receive a scholarship offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you can then apply for the academic programme. UK Government Loans If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option. View details: UK government loans Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a zoological, biological, environmental, veterinary or a relevant bio-science topic.We may also consider your application if your degree is in an unrelated discipline but you have relevant work experience; please contact us to check before you apply. You may be admitted to Certificate level only in the first instance. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study By the end of this programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed, ethical, and sustainable decisions in biodiversity and ecosystem management.Year 1 (Postgraduate Certificate)During Year 1, you will develop a critical understanding of biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that shape it, gain insight into sustainability and the role of ecosystem services in supporting human wellbeing, and examine global environmental governance frameworks and consider how they succeed or fail.Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma)You will choose from a wide range of option courses in Year 2, providing you with a chance to follow subject specialist or generalist pathways, as well as further develop your professional competencies.Year 3 (Master of Science)The MSc year provides an opportunity to develop your research skills either through:the traditional dissertation-style project of 10,000 to 15,000 wordsan alternative route of an applied interdisciplinary projectIf you opt for the traditional route, you will be supported by your supervisor to develop a detailed proposal around a research topic that aligns with your interests.If you follow the alternative route, you will take 30 additional credits of optional courses and complete 30 credits working on an applied research project, supported by a tutor, where the output is intended to be a resource developed for a real-world application.Regardless of the option taken, you may choose to work on topics relevant to your workplace, your community, local conservation organisations, and gain independent research skills. Compulsory courses During Year 1, you will develop a critical understanding of biodiversity and the processes that shape it, gain insight into sustainability and the role of ecosystem services in supporting human wellbeing, and examine global environmental governance frameworks and consider how they succeed or fail.Evolution and BiodiversityThis course is designed to introduce students to theory and examples that help us understand the origin and scope of diversity in the living world. We explore the concept of biodiversity and develop an understanding of how it is measured and managed and the drivers for biodiversity loss, with particular emphasis on the influence of human activities. During this course we also develop some of the key skills of critical thinking, evidence-based writing and peer-led discussions.Ecosystem Health and SustainabilityEcosystem services are central to this course with time spent exploring their relevance to human health, economic stability and society in general. The second part of the course looks at various global conventions and initiatives that attempt to mainstream sustainability goals into broader human activity and to achieve internationally agreed targets.Environmental Ethics and GovernanceThis course explores the decisions, responsibilities and challenges that underpin many environmental and conservation interventions. From individual research projects to broader requirements of good governance, we look at the ethical frameworks that assist in directing meaningful environmental science and practice. Option courses In Year 2, you will choose six options from a number of 10-credit courses:Behavioural FlexibilityClimate Change: Policy and PracticeConnecting Environment and SocietyConservation and ConflictConservation FinanceConservation GeneticsConservation PsychologyEcosystem Resilience and Extreme EventsInnovative Approaches to Health Challenges Across DisciplinesIntroduction to Wildlife ForensicsInvasive Non-native SpeciesManaging and Leading Conservation ProjectsSpecies TranslocationsThe Marine EnvironmentThe Use of Artificial Reproduction Technology (ARTs) in Threatened SpeciesWater and SanitationWildlife TradeWhere courses are timetabled concurrently it is possible to take a second course as ‘class only’ to engage with core content and wider reading. The alternative Year 3 for the MSc allows you to take a further 30 credits of elective courses. Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Part-time intermittent study PgProfDev Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) (2026-2027) PgCert (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) (2026-2027) PgDip (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 4 years) (2026-2027) MSc (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 6 years) (2026-2027) Part-time PgCert Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (1 year) (2026-2027) PgDip Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (2 years) (2026-2027) MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (3 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Disclaimer Option course availability is subject to student demand, and low demand may mean a course will not run. Course availability and allocations will be finalised in consultation with students during Year 1 of the programme. Teaching and assessment Teaching Study materials are released on a weekly basis, providing an overview of the study topic, suggested reading materials and key questions that address the learning outcomes for the course.Learning is delivered through:weekly materialswritten notescore and recommended readingorganised discussions with other learners, tutors and course organisersindependent study and reflectionShort multimedia items or podcasts may also be available for you to watch or listen to in your own time. Optional live sessions are offered throughout the year.You will have opportunities to connect regularly with your course organiser and programme team to address concerns and monitor progress. Assessment Assessed written and online assignments will test your knowledge and understanding of the learning outcomes, as well as your ability to communicate with others in a variety of ways. The course relies heavily on reading primary literature as well as other key publications.Examples of assessments include:diverse written assignments, such as case studies, reflections, proposals and presentationsgroup assignmentstext-based discussion boards Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Our academic staff Meet the staff who contribute to the teaching and implementation of the MSc in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health.Meet the programme team Online learning How online learning works Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world. Learn more about online postgraduate study at Edinburgh Watch our video to see how online learning works. Time commitment This programme is studied part-time and online, so you can fit it around work and other commitments. Teaching is primarily asynchronous: we release study materials each week and you work through them at the times that suit you.There are some optional live sessions, but these are recorded, so you can either join in real time or catch up later.For the Certificate, Diploma and MSc routes, you should expect to spend around 15 to 20 hours a week on your studies. That covers your weekly materials and reading, asynchronous discussion with tutors and fellow students, and independent study.Studying individual courses (PgProfDev)Through our Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev) scheme you can study individual courses one at a time, with several start dates across the year. You should expect to spend around 100 hours of study time on a 10-credit course. Equipment and software needs To study this online programme, you will need access to: a computer or laptop the internet the latest version of a web browser As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. IT support is available if you have technical difficulties. IT and computing help Support for online students As an online student, you will have access to a range of support services throughout your time at university if you need them.These support services include:academic support servicesebooks and ejournals within the librarythe disability and learning support serviceEnglish language supportskills development courses on LinkedIn Learningemail-based sessions delivered by the Counselling Servicesupport for students who are parents Careers and further study Career opportunities Many of our students are on the programme to enhance their existing careers in conservation-related roles or are looking to develop relevant ecological knowledge that can be applied in other sectors such as:financeeducationtourismFor others, the programme provides a platform for a career change to environmental roles, inspired by the need for investment in tackling global issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Graduate profiles Peter Grencis Degree: MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health Year of graduation: 2021 Current work: Working in conservation Prior to the MSc, I worked in healthcare for over 30 years. I came to the course as someone in my fifties, having followed one single career path for my entire working life. However, once I had settled into the course, I found that actually I could interact with the other students and could take part in meaningful discussions about topics that were relatively new to me. I can honestly say that my confidence grew steadily through the three years of the course, culminating with me passing the masters with a good final grade. Changing career from the NHS to conservation Tamari Yu Degree: MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health Year of graduation: 2017 Current work: Conservation officer I came from a conservation background, but I was still able to learn many new skills and gain new insights in conservation. I can’t tell you how many exciting projects I have been involved in, and more importantly, the changes that you can make truly matter. I felt that the MSc course has steered the course of my career by broadening my horizons and allowing me to advance up the career ladder. Broadening your career horizons Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin. If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 13 September 2027 20 August 2027 We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit one reference with your application. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - PgProfDev Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) PgCert (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 2 years) MSc (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 6 years) PgDip (ICL) Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (up to 4 years) MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (3 years) PgCert Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (1 year) PgDip Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (2 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh What our students say Joe Nash, graduating student of Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health (Online Learning), shares why he chose to study the programme at the University of Edinburgh and what he enjoys most. Our community The opinions and expertise of my course mates have been essential to my continual learning experience. The assessed forums changed from something I initially feared to something I looked forward to, as you never know what direction they’re going to go in. The broad nature of the course allows each student to choose topics which suit them and their own circumstances, supporting a vast variety of interests within the confines of the syllabus. Rebecca Sandey MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health, graduated 2021 Our students are drawn from a wide range of academic and practical disciplines, and they represent a vast wealth of knowledge and experience. Read more student and alumni stories Contact General enquiries Postgraduate Admissions OfficeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineCMVM College OfficeUsher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3EdinburghEH16 4UX futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7998 Academic contact Rob Thomas Programme Co-Director Edinburgh Medical School College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: Rob.Thomas@ed.ac.uk Dr Ellie Devenish-Nelson Programme Co-Director Edinburgh Medical School College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: Ellie.Devenish@ed.ac.uk Chat to our students on Unibuddy
