Conservation Education and Engagement
Master the skills to inspire communities and influence policy. Learn how to create a world where conservation thrives at ARU in Writtle.
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
If you want to transform your passion for the environment into meaningful, lasting impact, this is the course for you.
As well as exploring the theories behind conservation and behaviour change, you’ll gain the advanced skills, practical experience and confidence to inspire others and drive real-world action.
Learning in the classroom, on field trips, and through opportunities to contribute to community initiatives, you’ll discover how to motivate more people to take action on conservation issues.
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Learn from research-active staff involved in real-world conservation projects
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Develop your skills using state-of-the-art facilities and practical resources
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Connect with industry through guest speakers from wildlife trusts, zoos and conservation NGOs
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Take part in field-based activities using the farmed landscape on campus
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Gain hands-on experience through forest schools and community projects
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare for a fulfilling career driving real change.
On this course, you’ll learn first-hand how behaviour change and community engagement can make all the difference in education, advocacy and conservation programmes.
You’ll gain vital scientific knowledge, analytical expertise, and research and project management skills. You’ll also develop an understanding of policy, legislation, and ethical issues.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Discover how science, creativity and action combine to create change.
You’ll explore current challenges in conservation, and the ethics and policies that guide how we engage others to help address them. You’ll learn how to deliver effective, enduring environmental education tailored to different learners and settings.
You’ll learn from successful examples and put your new skills into practice through field trips, guest speakers, and practical activities – including public-facing initiatives – on our Writtle campus.
You’ll complete your Master’s with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Research Methods (Postgraduate) (15 credits)
- Conservation Education
- Ethics and Policies of Conservation
- Wildlife Conservation and Trade (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Human Behaviour Change (15 credits)
- Conservation and Community Engagement
- Humans and Environmental Interactions
- Practical Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Steven AllainLecturer in Animal Science
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Dr Jonathan AmoryAssociate Professor
Facilities
Here at ARU Writtle, you'll enjoy our expansive 150 hectare campus, offering:
- A rural campus on the edge of the village of Writtle, in the middle of the Essex countryside.
- A fully operational farm, home to sheep, pigs, and cattle, alongside a variety of arable crops and grass leys.
- Dedicated conservation areas, carefully managed to support local biodiversity.
- A state-of-the-art Science Centre, complete with modern labs and purpose-built teaching spaces.