Ecology and Conservation (Graduate Diploma) - 2012/2013 entry

This programme will be of interest and practical value to all who are concerned about the quality and future of the world in which we live. It provides a sound academic base to understand the principles and practice of wildlife conservation and environmental management, if you are working – or looking to work – in these fields, either professionally or as a volunteer.

It is designed for students who want to gain an informed and integrated understanding of the diversity and organisation of life, the interrelationships between organisms and their environment, the dynamics of natural and human-made ecosystems, and of the UK and international political, social, legislative and administrative framework of conservation. It also provides valuable supplementary training for those professionally concerned with environmental design, management, planning and control, and education.

Find out more about studying at Birkbeck and what our students say about our geography- and environment-related programmes.

• Nationally recognised award for almost 40 years.
• Ideal for people working or volunteering in wildlife conservation and environmental management.
• A 'conversion course' for those with qualifications in other areas.
• Evening classes plus field teaching and weekend specialist modules.
• Individual supervised project dissertation or literature review.

To gain the Graduate Diploma, you must successfully complete modules worth 120 credits. You need at least 60 credits from the following three core modules:

• Ecological Communities: Structure and Function (15 credits: your grade does not count towards the final award)
• Species and Populations (30 credits)
• People, Policies and Practice (30 credits).

These modules are taught as evening classes from October–April and involve a written examination and coursework. Students without prior ecological knowledge are strongly advised to take the module Ecological Communities in their first year.

In addition, you must complete either:

• an independent project dissertation (60 credits) undertaken under the guidance of a specialist adviser or
• a Literature Review (30 credits) plus additional taught modules to make up the remaining 120 credits for the award.

Students already in possession of a good cognate degree, or with significant professional experience, may – at the discretion of the course director – progress to the Graduate Diploma by means of the independent project dissertation (60 credits); such students should seek an appointment to discuss the options available before registration.   

Specialist/ practical taught modules (15 credits) include:

• Ecological Survey and Monitoring
• Environmental Interpretation and Education
• Conservation Management Planning
• Critical Studies in Science and Environmental Communication.

Each of these modules is normally offered as three linked weekends or as a week’s full-time study. Not all practical modules are offered every year. The 15-credit modules and the dissertation/literature review may be taken at the same time as, or subsequent to, the core modules. In all cases, you must complete your studies within five years from the date of registration.

We offer student support and have a range of research resources.

Modules from this programme also form part of Birkbeck's BSc Biodiversity and Conservation, BSc Environmental Management and BSc Environmental Science degrees. Students awarded the Graduate Diploma are exempt from the corresponding modules of these degrees. If you wish to transfer to a BSc, you will be given credit for any modules that you have completed and your marks will be carried over. If you are considering such a transfer, please discuss this with the appropriate BSc course director (see undergraduate prospectus for contact details).

We also offer an MSc Environmental Management (Countryside/Protected Area Management).

Graduates ago on to careers in countryside management, conservation, environmental education, tourism, planning and policy-making.

• We suggest you apply as early as possible.