MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management (Distance Learning)

This programme encompasses a broad range of topics and land uses. Conservation management, rural land use planning, land use history and more. The course is studied over three years.

Location: Aberdeen
Study mode: Distance Learning (3 years)
Subject area: Environment, Conservation and Sustainability, Animal Care
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: Z103

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Course overview

Threats to our wildlife and their habitats range from climate change through developments in agriculture and forestry to recreation, urban development, and population growth. Conservation managers face multiple challenges in addressing these factors. This programme equips students with skills and understanding relating to topics ranging from ecological surveying to rural land use planning and interpretation to application of advancing technologies.

Course delivery is through live online lectures on weekday evenings and self-guided materials. There are two in-person study weekends each year at venues in Scotland, which offer a great opportunity to meet fellow students and lecturers and to get out into the field. Attending these is optional though is much encouraged.

Applications are accepted from those with an honours degree. Students come from diverse backgrounds and have included graduates in Education, Business Management and History as well as in natural sciences. Exceptionally, non-graduate applicants with substantial relevant experience may be considered.

MSc/PgDip/PgCert Wildlife and Conservation Management is delivered by SRUC and validated by the University of Glasgow. In 2025, the course won the prestigious award of Higher Education Programme of the Year, presented by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Entry requirements

Applications are accepted from those with at least a 2:2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.

We also welcome applications from individuals with degrees in a wider range of disciplines, and/or who have relevant experience, along with clear motivation for the programme.

What you'll learn

There are eight taught modules, which development a range of technical, practical and professional skills. These are delivered as four modules in year 1 and four in year 2 (two modules per semester each year). In year 3, students carry out a research project and submit this as a dissertation. This gives the opportunity for detailed study into a subject of particular interest to the student, guided by a SRUC supervisor. Residential study weekends help underpin the learning and provide opportunity to see and discuss practical applications of conservation management.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Course modules

: This module uses technical guidance material to ensure students are trained to industry standards. Students will develop skills in both planning and recommending surveys, whilst also interpreting the significance of the results.
: This module explores methodologies for the design and execution of experiments and analysis of resultant data. Students develop skills in selecting appropriate methods of design and analysis to match research objectives, and in data visualisation, interpretation and communication methods.
: This module will look at the importance of both the historical and cultural heritage of the landscape and the reasons for its designations. This module will consider how sustainability is integral to the planning system and provide an understanding of frontline planning topics, such as natural capital and ecosystem services.
: This module will enable students to understand the potential impacts of a range of agricultural enterprises on different aspects of the environment, comparing systems such as conventional farming with organic farming and High Nature Value Farming. Conflicts and synergy with managing forestry and conservation will also be explored.
: This module will introduce students to the latest advances in cutting-edge research at SRUC and beyond. Much of the work will be undertaken studying research outputs, encouraging research-led teaching. The focus will be on digital intelligence to aid sustainability in the rural sector, rather than the ability of use technology.
: Urban green spaces and rural landscapes are increasingly used as multi-functional resources for education, leisure, recreation, fitness and tourism. Protected areas, in particular, experience both the benefit and cost of their status which makes them highly marketable for tourism that brings economic benefits at all levels. However, the fragility of many such areas renders them extremely susceptible to the varied impacts of such activities. This module examines the various visitor management techniques used to provide an enjoyable visitor experience while not compromising the protection of natural resources.
: In this module students will engage in constructive debates on topical issues in Countryside Management and their impacts on wider society. The module is designed to develop students’ critical and evaluatory skills whilst dealing with complex issues and making informed judgements.
: This module approaches conservation management using multiple scales. This includes species focussed approaches (e.g. protected species management), habitat management and landscape scale projects. Management planning is however not simply a list of activities. By evaluating the importance and constructing work programmes, managers are able to prioritise, budget and control staff and volunteers.

Student experience

“I loved the real-life relevance of the HNC/HND" Eve Schulte says, who also completed the HNC Countryside and Environmental Management and HND Countryside Management. "Learning was underpinned with field visits where we would consolidate and gain practical experience. Staff at nature reserves were often previous SRUC students. I found this inspirational, if they could do it, so could we.

Eve also completed a BSc Sustainable Environmental Management, before taking a break from study. "When I returned to do the MSc, SRUC offered the type of course I could best fit around my full-time work as an Environment and Heritage Ranger for Forestry and Land Scotland. Being able to do the different levels consecutively or take a break in between is a great way to learn, particularly for a mature student with work commitments.

"The MSc course has taught me many new skills, as well as opening my eyes to the application of new technology in the field of nature conservation. I am hoping that in the future these skills and experiences may lead to interesting new career opportunities.”

Woman wearing a safety helmet, with an owl on her shoulder

"The MSc course has taught me many new skills, as well as opening my eyes to the application of new technology in the field of nature conservation."

Eve Schulte, MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management

Meet the lecturer

Dr Nick Littlewood

Programme Leader

Nick is Programme Leader for MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management, based at the Aberdeen campus. He runs the dissertation year of the course and leads the Advances in Land Management module.

With a wide-ranging interest in wildlife conservation, Nick conducts research on the impact of management on species and habitats. His work spans plant, invertebrate, bird and mammal assemblages and the interactions between these. He uses camera traps and bioacoustics for research and monitoring and is passionate about promoting evidence-based practice in conservation.

PURE profile

Dr Louise Ross

Senior Lecturer

I'm based at the Aberdeen campus, where I am Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation Management programme. On the MSc, I deliver the Ecological Surveying module and am a dissertation supervisor. I have over 15 years’ experience as a researcher in plant ecology. I am especially interested in plant community ecology, land management, restoration ecology, protected areas and ecosystem services.

PURE profile

David Knight

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Environmental Management based at the Aberdeen campus and delivering the teaching for the planning and sustainability module.

Before joining SRUC, I worked in different management roles before making a career change when I returned to University and gained my degree in Environmental Science. I'm currently completing a PhD in Plant and Soil Science where my research is investigating the sustainability of biomass feedstocks when used for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. I have research interests in land use change, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and soil carbon sequestration.

Get in touch

Colin Hardacre

Lecturer

Based at SRUC’s Aberdeen campus, Colin delivers the module on Managing the Outdoors for People and the Natural Environment.

Before joining SRUC, Colin worked on a range of upland conservation and access projects. These included moorland regeneration in the Peak District National Park, designing and creating footpaths in spectacular settings around the North York Moors and Brecon Beacons National Parks and upgrading sections of the Pennine Way. He then worked an Interpretation Guide and Ranger in Aberdeen before joining SRUC.

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Dr John Holland

Research Fellow

John is a Research Fellow with the SRUC Hill & Mountain Research Centre. He contributes to the Conservation Management Planning module.

John’s research is on plant-herbivore interactions, with a particular emphasis on grassland, mire, and montane communities. His main focus is on upland ecosystem services, hill grasslands, agri-environmental management, and agroforestry.

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Victoria Pendry

Senior Lecturer

Victoria is a Senior Lecturer based at the Elmwood Campus, where she also leads the HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management.

Victoria delivers teaching on farming and conservation management planning on the MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management, and also acts as a Year Tutor. Victoria is particularly interested in countryside management and environmental values.

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Dr Robin Walker

Senior Lecturer

Based at the Aberdeen campus, Robin has worked at SRUC, and its predecessor, SAC, since 1999. He delivers the Topical Issues in Wildlife and Conservation module.

Robin has over 25 years’ experience in crop and soil systems research, teaching, and knowledge exchange. He is Programme Lead for the MSc Agricultural Professional Practice and has research interests in low-input cropping systems and optimising the integration of crops, grassland, and livestock.

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Anthony Wilson

Lecturer

Tony is a Lecturer in Wildlife and Countryside Management based at the Elmwood Campus, where he is also responsible for teaching rural skills and land-based studies. Tony delivers teaching on forestry and the environment on the MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management.

Tony was previously a countryside ranger in Fife and Tayside for 25yrs. Tony is particularly interested in aspects of forestry, ornithology, and mycology.

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Fees and funding

Visit our fees and funding section for more information about postgraduate study.

SRUC Alumni: previous graduates and those who are soon to graduate from SRUC are eligible for a 15% discount on this course. Learn more