Conservation Biology Coursework Masters Programme

Our teaching philosophy follows the observation of William Butler Yeats: “Teaching is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire”. The general aims of the Conservation Biology MSc programme are to produce graduates with a broad understanding of conservation issues and to provide them with the scientific background and tools to be able to analyse and solve practical, conservation-related problems. A synthetic, holistic approach is encouraged to problem solving through exposure to a variety of disciplines. Emphasis is also placed on developing oral and written communication skills. We have found that this broad approach to postgraduate education produces graduates who compete successfully in the job market and go on to make a difference in the field. Although emphasis is given to solving conservation challenges in an African context, students are provided with a broad-based education that will stand them in good stead throughout the world. In 2007, in a study published in Conservation Biology, the University of Cape Town was ranked equivalent with the fourth highest North American institution in terms of the impact of its conservation-related research publications.

Who is eligible to enrol?

Applicants to join the course must hold at least a BSc Honours (or equivalent qualification). Applicants will be drawn mainly from two groups: young people who have just obtained a degree and wish to become conservation biologists, and qualified, practising nature conservators who wish to update and/or expand their knowledge of the modern theory and practice of conservation biology. The course is an intensive one, and only a limited number of participants are accepted each year. Details regarding registration fees, and approximate accommodation and living expenses in Cape Town are available on request. Prospective applicants should apply to the Director, FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa 7701. Applications must reach this address before the end of August each year to be considered for a place on the course the following year. Applicants from outside South Africa are encouraged to apply early so that they have plenty of time to apply for funding and study visas. Applicants should please consult the Checklist for Applicants for the relevant documents and information that must accompany applications.

Structure of the course

The coursework component is intensive and exacting, but represents a huge learning opportunity and the chance to interact with a wide range of excellent conservation biologists, both within and outside the university environment. It includes 7 months of intensive coursework and a 6-month individual research project.

Coursework consists of a series of modules, each taught by experts in their field. Modules typically include lectures, practicals, essays, discussion groups, seminars and field excursions. Reading lists are provided. Emphasis is placed on African examples and case histories.

Appropriate computer courses are available for participants who do not have the relevant skills, but applicants are encouraged to develop at least rudimentary computer skills before enrolling. The Institute has excellent computer and library facilities.

Modules fall into four different sections: an introduction, an ecological core, an interdisciplinary core, and a synthesis. Each module lasts between one and four weeks.

The introduction occupies the first three weeks and includes orientation, an overview of conservation biology, and a week studying the philosophy of science.

The ecological core includes modules in community ecology, population ecology, biodiversity basics, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology, disturbance and restoration ecology, and invasion biology.

Coursework outline

The curriculum is divided into two parts. The first part consists of the regular course modules. The second part consists of a ‘longitudinal’ series of lectures and seminars that are aimed at (1) complementing and augmenting professional skills that may not be covered during courses; and (2) exposing students to relevant ideas that they may not encounter during the rest of the course.

Selection criteria

We accept only 12-14 students each year into the conservation biology masters programme. There are often 2-3 times this many applicants each year, resulting in competition for places. In addition to academic ability, preference is given to candidates with experience in the conservation arena, particularly in an African context. Because of the intensive nature of the programme, students spend a lot of time working closely with their peers. Having students from a diversity of backgrounds contributes significantly to the success of the programme. Consequently we strive each year to select students that combine a mix of youthful enthusiasm and mature experience, as well as a mix of students from first and third world countries. The ideal class comprises roughly one third students from South Africa, one third from the rest of Africa, and one third from the rest of the world.

Since its inception, more than 200 students have graduated from the CB programme from more than 30 countries.

Applications and queries

Address your application (or any queries) to:

The Director, FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town,
Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3290/1
Fax: +27 (0)21 650 3295

Or e-mail the course coordinator at peter.ryan@uct.ac.za.

Information for 2012

Hilary Buchanan processes the applications for the department and she has compiled a list of details for current applicants that includes important information about fees and the application process at UCT. Please download the following documents for more information:

Conservation Biology MSc Application Details [PDF - 77.5KB]
Departmental Application Form [PDF - 16.6KB]

Fees for MSc by Coursework & Dissertation in 2010 & 2011

• Full year: R 30 780
• The course is currently exempt from the full international fee but an international levy of R 2 500 is charged

Please feel free to contact Hilary with any queries: hilary.buchanan@uct.ac.za