African Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems, but they face an ever-increasing range of threats, from climate change and human factors, to habitat loss and unsustainable utilisation. Our MSc in African Wildlife Ecology and Conservation provides you with the skills and knowledge to make the scientifically-informed decisions needed to effectively manage and conserve these unique natural resources.

This is a masters course based on in-person learning in East Africa and delivered in partnership with the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM). So, it offers far more than an occasional field trip: you’ll be based at the CAWM campus in Tanzania for two blocks of four to five weeks per year, which will be a mixture of classroom teaching and fieldwork. You’ll have another six to eight weeks in Tanzania for your research, with online learning in between.

With access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll be learning directly in the environment you’re learning about, to gain first-hand experience of African wildlife. As well as exploring both the theory and practice of conservation projects, you’ll also learn the latest analytical techniques including monitoring distributions and recording animal behaviour, together with statistical analysis, GIS and project management.

It’s a powerful combination of fundamental research, advanced knowledge and applied skills – whether acting as a platform for continuing to PhD level, or if you’re entering a career in conservation.

Please note, all overseas field courses are subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability. The University follows the latest government guidance and if required, the overseas trip may be replaced with a UK alternative field course

Features and benefits

Learn from experts – From tutors renowned for training wildlife managers to research-active academics with long experience in the region – not to mention guest lectures from external partners – you’ll learn from leaders in their field. 

Study in Tanzania – Learn amongst some of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems, with access to UNESCO World Heritage sites and Conservation Areas, and fieldwork based at a station in the wildlife corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.

Join a diverse cohort – Learn alongside students with a broad range of backgrounds, nationalities and experiences.

Flexible course – With all lectures and course materials available on our virtual learning platform, ‘Moodle’, you can learn, revise and revisit in your own time.

Learning materials – Draw from a vast range of resources, with access to online journals and e-books through both the Manchester Met and CAWM libraries.

Practical skills – Go well beyond a theoretical understanding of conservation science, with units and activities focused on fieldwork, applied techniques and project management skills.