Students on both pathways must complete the compulsory modules listed below: 

ESC-40121 Key topics in Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
Through lectures, exercises and interactive workshops, this module aims to explore key topics in conservation biology and develop skills in the practical application of ecology to conservation. You will be encouraged to demonstrate your awareness of current key issues, as well as developing a critical approach to understanding and proposing solutions across various contexts. Typical content will include species and site conservation, protected areas, priority areas and holistic approaches to landscape conservation.

LSC-40143 Biodiversity Skills (15 credits)
In this module you will develop your research skills and field techniques in preparation for effective and critical assessment of biodiversity. As part of this, you will build specialist skills in the identification of selected taxon to species level as well as reviewing scientific literature, investigating fieldwork techniques and methods.

ESC-40123 Quantitative Skills in Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
In this module you will develop hands-on experience of industry-standard software for the analysis of ecological data, for example, survey data to estimate abundance, audio data to identify animal sounds and site data for selecting priority areas for conservation. You will also develop an advanced level of proficiency in ecological data analysis in R. You will gain essential practice in applying statistical techniques to biodiversity data from field surveys and large data bases by building core skills in problem solving, analytical thinking and investigation.

LSC-40139 Practical Field Skills (15 credits)
This module will help you develop field techniques for assessing biodiversity, especially by further developing practical field skills. The module concludes with a six-day residential field course in the UK where you will design and implement a group project to answer a question related to biodiversity conservation.

ESC-40093 Research Design (15 credits)
Helping you to prepare for independent research, this module enables you to build key skills to design and conduct high quality, ethical research. Your awareness of various research methods will inform your approach to understanding complex data and information that will further advance your skills for future academia and/or employment.

ESC-40109 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (15 credits)
This module aims to develop your skills and understanding of the concepts and practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. This will involve using industry-standard software and cloud-based applications for mapping, spatial data acquisition and analysis. GIS and spatial analysis are core elements of conservation ecology and help to provide insight into species distributions, protecting area siting and prioritising conservation areas.

Students will take two 15-credit optional modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 from the modules listed below.

ESC-40060 Climate Change Science (15 credits)
Are you intrigued by human-induced and natural climate change? This module covers the various factors affecting the climate and the influences of these changes on our planet, exploring how climate change has developed and how we can prevent it. You will develop high-level skills in basic modelling, data analysis and how to interpret complex information and evidence related to climate change.

GEG-40034 Development and Climate Justice (Masters) (15 credits)
Explore some of the current debates in human geography and learn more about economic development and climate adaptation. You will be introduced to some of the key challenges across political, economic and developmental geography through the evaluation of case studies from across the globe. This will develop your geographical understanding of economic and environmental history, such as green grabbing, conservation and mitigation measures. 

ESC-40101 Collaborative Project (15 credits)
This module provides the opportunity to work on real-world issues as you work with Keele University staff to identify and approach collaborative partners, define projects and gain essential employability skills and experience. You will be supported to lead collaborative discussions to co-define and co-design a project scope and to review the project's progress and outcomes. You will also develop highly desirable skills in project planning and management, effective communication in a professional setting, and problem solving.

Please note: Depending on the pathway, Dissertation (ESC-40089) or Dissertation - VMU Lithuania Pathway (ESC-40115) must be taken in addition to the above modules.

ESC-40089 Dissertation (60 credits)
Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s), independent research and self-learning techniques.

OR

ESC-40115 Dissertation - VMU Lithuania Pathway (60 credits)
Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. In collaboration with Keele and VMU staff, you will identify and develop your own research question and implement the appropriate methods and techniques to provide insights and evidence for your rationale.