CONSERVATION - University of Kent · conservation implementation. Our disciplinary breadth enables u st oprv id e na wide range of topics across the full spectrum of conservation

CONSERVATION

Canterbury

The UK’s European university

Graduatestudy

Postgraduate programmes offered by the School of Anthropology and Conservation, with the

Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology

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INTRODUCTION

Our postgraduatestudents have the uniqueopportunity to be taughtby members of The DurrellInstitute of Conservationand Ecology (DICE)research centre. DICEstaff conduct conservationprojects with significantimpact across the world.

Durrell Institute ofConservation and Ecology(DICE) The Durrell Institute of Conservationand Ecology (DICE) is the UnitedKingdom’s leading research centrededicated to conserving biodiversityand the ecological processes thatsupport ecosystems and people.

It pursues innovative and cutting-edge research to develop theknowledge that underpinsconservation and sets itself apartfrom more traditionally mindedacademic institutions with its clearaims to:• break down the barriers betweenthe natural and social sciencesin conservation

• conduct research that informsand improves policy and practicein all relevant sectors

• disseminate knowledge andprovide expertise on conservationissues to stakeholders

• build capacity in the conservationsector through research-ledteaching and training

• strive for sustainable livelihoodsand biodiversity conservationthat benefits people.

Our members have outstandinginternational research profiles andintegrate this with considerable on-the-ground experience working withconservation agencies around theworld. This combination of expertiseensures that our programmesdeliver the skills and knowledgethat are essential components ofconservation implementation.

Our disciplinary breadth enablesus to provide supervision on awide range of topics across the fullspectrum of conservation biology,biodiversity management andsustainable resource use.

Recent or current projects cover:• biodiversity and ecosystemprocesses in human-modifiedtropical forests, Sabah, Malaysia

Conservation

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Postgraduate resourcesThe members of DICE have variouslong-term research projects aroundthe world, as well as maintaining anecological field trials area and fieldlaboratory on the University campus.The School of Anthropology andConservation (SAC) has excellentcomputing facilities and researchlaboratories for molecular genetics,ecology, ethnobotany and biologicalanthropology. The DICE researchseminar series, where renownedexternal academics come to presenttheir research to staff and students,runs in the autumn term, while thehigh-profile DICE annual lecture isheld in the spring.

External relationshipsWe have affiliations around theworld, including: the AppliedEnvironmental ResearchFoundation (AERF); Departmentfor Environment, Food & RuralAffairs (DEFRA); Durrell WildlifeConservation Trust; Fauna & FloraInternational (FFI), Indonesia;International Institute forEnvironment and Development(IIED); International Union forConservation of Nature (IUCN);Mauritian Wildlife Foundation;Natural England; Royal BotanicGardens, Kew; TacugamaChimpanzee Sanctuary, SierraLeone; United Nations EnvironmentWorld Conservation MonitoringCentre (UNEP-WCMC); WorldWildlife Foundation, UnitedKingdom, (WWF UK); ZoologicalSociety of London (ZSL); and thePowell-Cotton Museum, which isnearby in Kent.

• environmental spaces andthe feel-good factor: relatingsubjective wellbeing tobiodiversity

• evolution of protected areasystems with regard to climatechange in West Africa

• implementing CITES inMadagascar

• invasion dynamics of parrots andrisks to agriculture and society

• reconnecting poverty-alleviationto biodiversity conservation inKenya’s Eastern Arc Mountains

• securing the conservation ofbiodiversity across administrativelevels and spatial, temporal, andecological scales in Europe

• socio-ecological landscapesfor biodiversity conservationand climate change adaptation,Western Ghats, India

• status of chimpanzees and theiruse of the oil palm in degradedlandscapes using drone andcamera trapping technology,Sierra Leone

• the role of supplementalfeeding and disease inMauritius parakeets

• tolerating tigers in Indonesia:do local beliefs offset human-carnivore conflicts?

• Valuing Nature Programme.

Dynamic publishing cultureDICE research has been publishedin high-impact international journals,including Nature, Science, andCurrent Biology. Staff andpostgraduates frequently publishin leading disciplinary journalsincluding Conservation Biology,Conservation Letters, Journal ofApplied Ecology, and GlobalEnvironmental Change.

www.kent.ac.uk/sac

CONTENTSA successful future 4

Taught pathways 6

Conservation Biology (MSc) 7Conservation and InternationalWildlife Trade (MSc) 8Conservation and PrimateBehaviour (MSc) 9Conservation ProjectManagement (MSc) 10Conservation and RuralDevelopment (MSc) 11Conservation and Tourism (MSc) 12

Taught modules 13

Research degrees 16

Staff profile 19

Academic staff 20

Applying to Kent 22

General information 23

“DICE in Kent is one of thebest places in the world forconservation research andtraining – join them.”

Hugh PossinghamChief Scientist, The NatureConservancy

http://www.kent.ac.uk/sac

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

The School of Anthropology and Conservation has avery good record for postgraduate employment andacademic continuation: 94% of our postgraduatestudents, who graduated in 2016, found a job withinsix months or continued on to a PhD. Of these, 97%entered a professional role.

DICE programmes combine academic theory with conservation casestudies to develop students who are highly employable within government,NGOs and the private sector. Our alumni progress on to a wide rangeof organisations across the world, undertaking work that utilises theknowledge and skills they have developed through their studies. Examplesof the work our graduates do and the organisations they are employed byinclude: Wildlife Management Officer in Kenya; Chief of the BiodiversityUnit, United Nations Environment Programme; Research and AnalysisProgramme Leader for TRAFFIC; Freshwater Programme Officer,International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Head of theEcosystem Assessment Programme, United Nations EnvironmentProgramme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC);Community-Based Natural Resource Manager, WWF; Leader of the WWFTigers Alive Initiative; Managing Partner at Althelia Climate Fund; WildlifeOfficer at Heritage Council, Ireland; Conservation Scientist, Chester Zoo;Conservation Programme Manager, Zoological Society of London (ZSL);and Chief Adviser Wildlife Conservation Society, Indonesia.

Leonie LawrenceMSc in Conservation BiologyAfter finishing my MSc, I joinedGlobal Canopy Programme, initiallyworking on international climate andforest policy before moving on toresearching the supply chainsdriving tropical deforestation. Sincethen, I have expanded my work inthis area, focusing on palm oil andsustainable investment in myprevious role at ZSL, and recentlyjoining WCS as Regional TechnicalAdviser on forest risk commodities.I am currently based in Indonesia,working to reduce the impacts ofagriculture and its related supplychains, including those for coffeeand copra, on protected areas.DICE was invaluable in teachingme about the complexities ofconservation, the challenges weface and the range of skills neededfor effective interdisciplinaryconservation. I loved my time atDICE and now being part of thewide-reaching network of DICEalumni.

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Rachel Ashegbofe IkemehMSc in Conservation ProjectManagement I am Chief Executive and Directorof the SW Niger Delta ForestProject, Nigeria. We are pioneeringconservation efforts for threatenedforest landscapes and primatepopulations in southern Nigeria.In addition to project management,I develop and implement biodiversityaction plans, management plansand species-based conservationplans for the private sector,governments and NGOs.

The knowledge and experience Igained at DICE has been invaluable.The faculty members were excellentmentors; I felt empowered, whichled me to take on professional roles.For example, I am the Co-Vice Chairfor the IUCN/SSC Primate SpecialistGroup African Section and am afacilitator for Women in Primatology– a new international associationthat supports female primatologists.

Rob PicklesPhD in Biodiversity ManagementAfter my PhD I obtained aCommonwealth Fellowship from theCanadian Government and movedto Trent University, Ontario.

My project focuses on one ofCanada’s most iconic species: themoose. A common sight in the greatboreal forest that stretches acrossCanada, in recent years in thesouth of the species’ range, somepopulations have declined to nearextinction. The project is both aninvestigation into the causes ofrecent declines and an assessmentas to how the populations are likelyto change in the future in responseto climate change and associatedshifts in parasitism, predation andcompetition. Most recently, I havebeen using ecological nichemodelling to determine thedistribution of some of themost pathogenic of the moose’sparasites – the brainworm!

Sam LeslieMSc in Conservation and RuralDevelopmentAfter completing my MSc at DICE,I moved to Cambodia to work as anintern for Fauna & Flora Internationalto support the country’s onlyMSc programme in biodiversityconservation. Using skills I learntat DICE, I assisted students indesigning their thesis research,analysing results and polishingtheir final submissions as well asteaching two modules. Throughthis work, I was able to build astrong network and have beenworking as an independentconsultant in Cambodia andBhutan, on a range of excitingtopics including livelihood surveys,ecotourism and human wildlifeconflict compensation.


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TAUGHT PATHWAYS

There are a number oftaught pathways on offer,so you can choose thedegree that best reflectsyour interests.

All the MSc pathways follow acommon pattern, with 24 weeks ofteaching and the remaining time setaside for research and private study,including five months spent on aresearch project. Across the MScpathways there are four compulsorymodules, plus a research project,and then a suite of optionalmodules that allow you to choosethe academic content that best suitsyou, and contains an appropriatebalance of natural and socialsciences topics. You may takeup to two wild modules from thoseavailable across the University.

In exceptional circumstances, wewill admit applicants without a firstdegree if their professional careerand experience shows academicachievement of a high enoughstandard.

Pathways run subject to sufficientdemand.

MSc course modulesCompulsory modulesAll students take:• Multidisciplinary Perspectiveson Conservation

• Research Skills for NaturalSciences

• Research Methods for SocialSciences

• Dissertation Project –Conservation.

Optional modules• Advanced Topics in PrimateBehaviour

• Conservation and CommunityDevelopment

• Current Issues in PrimateConservation

• Economics of BiodiversityConservation

• Ecotourism and RuralDevelopment Field Course

• Integrated Species Conservationand Management Field Course

• International Wildlife Trade –Achieving Sustainability

• Leadership Skills forConservation Managers

• Managing Protected Areas• Population and EvolutionaryBiology

• Principles and Practice ofEcotourism

• Principles of GeographicInformation Systems (GIS) andRemote Sensing

• Special Topics in Conservation.

Additional optional modulesmay be available; please seewww.kent.ac.uk/pg for details.

AssessmentAssessment is carried out throughcontinuous assessmentof coursework. The researchdissertation is written up in theformat of a paper for publication.

DID YOU KNOW?Since 1991, there havebeen over 650 taught MScgraduates from 85 countries,many of whom now havesuccessful full-timeconservation careers.

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CONSERVATION BIOLOGY(MSC) PATHWAY

Location: CanterburyAttendance: One year full-time,two years part-timeStart: September

Pathway descriptionModern conservation sciencetranscends the traditionalboundaries of biology, ecologyand environmental management.Today’s managers of biodiversityneed to be versed in a broad rangeof specialist fields, from populationecology and human communitydevelopment, through tointernational wildlife trade andthe economics of conservation,as well as the latest techniquesin endangered species recovery.

Our MSc in Conservation Biologyis an interdisciplinary pathway thatintegrates all of these aspects ofconservation biology. It is designedfor wildlife managers with practicalexperience in internationalconservation work looking toacquire formal scientific training,

as well as students with academicqualifications looking to developa career in conservation.

Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus: • Population and EvolutionaryBiology.

You also choose four optionalmodules (see list of options on p6),two of which can be chosen frommodules offered by schools acrossthe University.

Distinctive featuresOur conservation biology pathwayis distinctive because we integrateboth the natural and social sciencesin our teaching. You benefit not onlyfrom formal lectures and seminars,but also from residential courses runat the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust atSlimbridge and at the DurrellConservation Academy at DurrellWildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey.

Studying at Kent also gives youthe opportunity to benefit directlyfrom DICE’s extensive linkswith international conservationorganisations when developing yourresearch project. Consequently, youcan gain field research experienceacross the world. Past students, forexample, have surveyed amphibianpopulations on the Seychelles andMadagascar, measured the impactof climate change on largemammals in the Peruvian Amazon,worked with NGOs on deforestationissues in Indonesia and designedconservation corridors in SouthAfrica.

The mix of formal academic training alongside the opportunity to gain practical field conservationexperience means that studentsfrom this programme take a verycomprehensive set of skills intothe workplace.

Entry requirementsA good second class honoursdegree or better in a relevantsubject; a good honours degree inother subjects together with relevantpractical experience.

“I think that havingclassmates from variousareas of the world, togetherwith the quality of theprofessors and their experiencein conservation, madediscussions a great learningexperience.”

Nicolás Galvez


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Distinctive features• This pathway offers anopportunity to specialise ina critically important field ofbiodiversity conservation andto benefit from DICE members’expertise and in-depthknowledge of CITES and wildlifetrade. You also have opportunitiesto engage with some of theleading organisations involvedin the monitoring of wildlife tradeand enforcement of regulations.

• This pathway examines thedynamics of international wildlife trade from all angles: the practical mechanisms set up to regulate wildlife trade; theecological assumptions, social,cultural and economic drivers oftrade; along with the challenges,pressures and the politicalenvironment that underliesrelevant international law andpolicy.

Entry requirementsA good second class honoursdegree or better in a relevantsubject; a good honours degree inother subjects together with relevantexperience.


Pathway descriptionInternational wildlife trade is bigbusiness and ranges from high-volume timber and fishery productsto the more traditional wildlifeproducts from endangered speciesused in horticultural, pet, leatherand medicinal trades. Internationaltrade and overuse are implicatedin the decline of around one thirdof threatened species. Equally,many of the world’s poorest peopledepend on the use or sale ofwildlife products for their livelihood.Meeting the twin goals of reducingpoverty and stemming the rate ofspecies loss requires improvedmanagement of trade in naturalresources.

This pathway is designed for peoplefrom areas such as governmentmanagement and scientificauthorities, NGOs, internationalagencies and donors who areworking to improve sustainability ofwildlife trade. It examines a numberof mechanisms for deliveringsustainable wildlife trade, especiallythe Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus: • International Wildlife Trade –Achieving Sustainability.

CONSERVATION ANDINTERNATIONAL WILDLIFETRADE (MSC) PATHWAY

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CONSERVATION AND PRIMATEBEHAVIOUR (MSC) PATHWAY


Pathway descriptionMany of the world’s non-humanprimates (NHPs) face extinctiondue to habitat destruction,fragmentation, overexploitation,disease and/or increasedcompetition over resources withtheir human relatives. In spite of theimpressive behavioural flexibility andcapacity for adaptation of numerousNHP species, global trends arealarming.

This pathway promotes aninterdisciplinary approachand understanding of primateconservation issues. A combinationof ecological, spatial, behaviouraland social methodologies andperspectives provides promisingavenues to inform and achieveeffective conservation managementand to help combat the manychallenges. This pathway highlightsthe benefits of incorporating anunderstanding of local humancommunities’ experiences anda sound knowledge of primatebehavioural and landscape ecologyto foster successful conservation ofnon-human primates. It familiarisesyou with a diverse set of practicaland theoretical tools to successfullypursue a future role in primateconservation.

Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus:• Current Issues in PrimateConservation.


Distinctive features• A wide suite of modulesincluding social scienceapproaches to conservation,Geographic Information Systems(GIS) skills and protected areamanagement enabling you todesign a learning syllabus tosuit your individual interests.

• Access to a unique network ofcollaborations with internationalNGOs and projects aroundthe world, from the neotropicsto Africa and Southeast Asia,zoological institutions acrossEurope and primate sanctuariesglobally.

• Teaching by research-activeexperts in both conservation andbiological anthropology, drawingon extensive field researchexperience with primates andbiodiversity conservation.



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Distinctive features• Lecturers are research active,world-leading academicswith practical experienceof conservation projectmanagement in locationsacross the world.

• DICE’s unique relationship withDurrell in terms of collaborativeresearch and training meansthat students on this pathwayare ideally placed to benefitfrom Durrell’s world-class trackrecord in leading conservationprojects across the world.

• You benefit from particularcourses on social science andprotected area managementskills, which are delivered bystaff experienced in projectmanagement within conservation.

• This pathway is unusual becauseit provides you with some of theskills necessary to manage fieldteams and endangered speciesconservation projects, as wellas equipping you with a solidbackground in relevant topicsof conservation biology.

Entry requirementsA good second class honoursdegree or better in a relevantsubject; a good honours degreein other subjects together withrelevant practical experience.

Location: Canterbury Attendance: One year full-time,two years part-timeStart: September

Pathway descriptionThe management of species,habitats and ecosystemsincreasingly draws upon principlesand practices from other disciplines,such as business, marketing andhuman resources. This MScpathway draws upon the extensiveconservation project managementexperience of DICE research centremembers and their links with theDurrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,and equips practitioners with theskills and tools they need to manageconservation projects effectively.It is suitable for managers ofconservation projects who wishto build on their existing skills, orconservation practitioners who wishto move into a project managementrole.

Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus: • Leadership Skills forConservation Managers.


CONSERVATION PROJECTMANAGEMENT (MSC) PATHWAY

DID YOU KNOW?DICE is an internationalcommunity; our alumnicome from 96 countries.

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Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus:• Conservation and CommunityDevelopment.


Distinctive featuresAs far as we are aware, thispathway is unique in providingsubstantive natural and socialscience training in bothconservation and relevant aspectsof rural development. DICE’sposition within the Schoolof Anthropology and Conservation

means we are well placed to offerconsolidated interdisciplinarytraining. The pathway includesfield trips to conservation sites andleading conservation institutions,and there are also weekly talks byinvited speakers, including leadingexperts in conservation policy andpractice.

Entry requirementsA good second class honoursdegree or better in a relevantsubject; a good honours degreein other subjects together withrelevant practical experience.


Pathway descriptionThe relationship betweenconservation and rural developmentcan best be described as anuneasy alliance: on the onehand, there is substantial commonground between them in termsof preventing environmentaldegradation, but on the other,they are often in direct conflict.This pathway explores the issuesunderlying the conservation/ruraldevelopment debate and offerspractical and methodological toolsfor working at the interface betweenthe two.

CONSERVATION AND RURALDEVELOPMENT (MSC) PATHWAY

“The Conservation and RuralDevelopment MSc offers awide scope of subjects, so Ihave been able to define myown learning path. Throughvaried disciplines, and in closecontact with experts from allaround the world, I havedeveloped critical thinkingskills which I can now applyto find ways to reconcilehuman needs andconservation concerns.”

Arantzazu Acha de la Presa

Sanjay Gubbi


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CONSERVATION AND TOURISM(MSC) PATHWAY


Pathway descriptionTourism, the world’s largest serviceindustry, is estimated to involveover ten per cent of the globalpopulation and providesemployment, government revenuesand new livelihood opportunities formany communities. ‘Nature-basedtourism’ is said to be growing at tentimes the sector average and, sincethis often involves protected areasand rare/endangered species,it should follow principles ofsustainability – ensuring minimalenvironmental damage andbenefiting local people. ThisMSc pathway examines key issuesrelating to tourism and conservationand is highly relevant to thoseworking for NGOs, governmenttourism departments, consultancyfirms, contractors, tour operators,international agencies and donors,as well as conservation managers,planners and community-basedconservationists.

Course contentYou take the compulsory moduleslisted on p6, plus:• Principles and Practice ofEcotourism.


Distinctive featuresThis pathway offers you a criticalengagement with the subject ofconservation and tourism, byexploring the wide range ofenvironmental, social, economicand other impacts. You considerdifficult questions, for instancein relation to the underlying valueswe might introduce into differentcultures around the world as part ofour ‘mission’ and what the historicalroots and repercussions of thesemight be.

The Ecotourism and RuralDevelopment Field Course, is aresidential module held previouslyin Scotland and Malta. It looks atthe practice of tourism and itseffects on wildlife, the environment,local economies and culture. Thismodule is highly recommendedto students on this pathway.



behaviour. Set within an evolutionaryframework, this module combinesestablished findings with the latestresearch.

Conservation and CommunityDevelopmentYou are given an integratedview of theoretical and practicalapproaches to conservationand community aspects of ruraldevelopment. Themes coveredinclude: community organisation– institutions, representationand decision-making; widerperspectives – project cyclesand multi-stakeholder processes;and policy and practice – therelationship between conservationand rural development.

Current Issues in PrimateConservation This module highlights the array ofthreats, issues and consequencesof anthropogenic threats andenvironmental changes on thestatus, behaviour and conservationof non-human primates (NHPs). Youalso become familiar with a range offield methodologies employed in thesurvey and monitoring of wild NHPpopulations in and outsideprotected areas.

Economics of BiodiversityConservationYou are introduced to key economictheories and concepts such asthe laws of demand and supply,market competition and economicefficiency, and the market failure

Below is a list of modulescurrently offered.

Please note that some modules maynot be available in a particular year.For this reason, minor adjustmentsto programme structure maysometimes be necessary.

For detailed descriptions ofmodules for Anthropology andConservation, visit: www.kent.ac.uk/courses/modulecatalogue

Advanced Topics in PrimateBehaviour This module provides you with anunderstanding of primate behaviourand ecology and how this allowsus to better understand theevolutionary biology of human

TAUGHT MODULES


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paradigm (property rights, publicgoods, transaction costs andexternalities).

Ecotourism and RuralDevelopment Field CourseThis module is based on a five-dayfield trip within the UK. It offers youthe opportunity to learn first-handfrom local businesses andgovernment agencies aboutpractical aspects of nature-basedtourism and its growing importanceto rural development andbiodiversity conservation in the UK.

Integrated SpeciesConservation and ManagementField CourseTackling conservation problems atthe species level of organisation isboth attractive and popular. In order

to achieve this, it is important tounderstand how ‘species’ aredefined and how they haveevolved and become extinctover evolutionary timescales. Thismodule draws together the variousapproaches to species conservationby appraising the structure, functionand implementation of speciesrecovery programmes.

International Wildlife Trade –Achieving SustainabilityYou are guided through the stepsof implementing a legal framework,from the adoption of nationalwildlife trade policies, prioritisationof species for managementintervention, making sustainabilityfindings and providing incentivesfor conservation, through to themultilateral governance structures.

Leadership Skills forConservation Managers You begin by reflecting on thequalities required in a leader andhow a leader’s management stylecan impact on others in anorganisation. You consider theextent to which we can applymanagement theory to the practiceof endangered species and habitatrecovery and the people involved inmaking it happen.

Managing Protected AreasIn lectures, seminars and field tripsyou study the following topics: theconcept of a protected area; thesignificance of size in protectedarea design; internationaldesignations of protected areas;sustainable development of andsustainable use of protected areas;

TAUGHT MODULES (CONT)


Principles and Practice ofEcotourism You are introduced to theimportance of the growing tourismindustry to biodiversity conservationand gain the analytical skills andmethodologies required toeffectively manage ecotourism tonatural areas, whether in protectedareas or on private or communalland. The emphasis throughout ison implementing the principles andpractice of ecotourism.

Principles of GeographicInformation Systems (GIS)and Remote SensingYou are introduced to the theory andpractice of GIS and remote sensingand to a range of methods forcollection, management andinterpretation of spatial data.Particular attention is paid to thedevelopment of the analytical skillsneeded to deal with spatial datausing GIS.

Research Methods for SocialSciencesThe module begins with a broadoverview of social scienceapproaches to research, highlightingcontrasts with standard naturalscience techniques and focusingon the qualitative-quantitative divide.You go on to examine the principlesof integrated research design andmixed-method approaches.

Research Skills for NaturalSciencesThe module reviews the approachesused by natural scientists in thedesign and analysis of research

projects. The principles ofexperimental design and how thesecan be applied to field projects isexplained, together with the natureof both quantitative and qualitativedata. An introduction to samplingstrategies and the role of probabilityin inferential statistics leads into therole of descriptive statistics andmeasures of variability in dataexploration.

Special Topics in ConservationYou undertake a detailed analysisor review of a specific topic ofinterest that relates directly to yourprogramme of study. The topicof interest may be explored usingone or more of the followingapproaches: comprehensiveliterature review; systematicevidence review; collection andanalysis of a small field data set;analysis of an existing data set;laboratory practical exercise;computer modelling.

planning and management;common threats to protectedareas; governance; economics ofprotected areas; and managementeffectiveness evaluation. Thismodule reviews the practice ofsetting land aside for such activitiesand managing protected areas.

Multidisciplinary Perspectiveson Conservation This module provides students froma range of disciplinary backgroundswith a broad overview of differentnatural and social scienceapproaches to conservation. Itintroduces you to the fundamentalconcepts that underpin biodiversitymanagement, as well as facilitatingthe development of professionalskills that will enable you to worksuccessfully with individualsand organisations across theenvironmental and conservationsectors. The focus is onunderstanding how differentdisciplinary perspectives cancontribute to problem-solvingin practice.

Population and EvolutionaryBiologyYou are introduced to evolutionaryand population biology, starting withthe main evolutionary processesthat influence populations andhow they evolve, leading into theestablished demographic theorythat underpins population biology.A practical component of themodule focuses on moleculargenetic techniques and how tointerpret such genetic data.

“Be assured that choosing tocome to the University of Kentwill be, by far, one of the bestdecisions you’ll ever make inyour life. With just the rightmix of academia and vibrantsocial events, you areguaranteed an educationcomparable to no other in oneof England’s safest and mostpicturesque counties, Kent!”

Oleta WilliamsMSc Conservation and RuralDevelopment


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RESEARCH DEGREES

The School has a longtradition of high-qualityresearch among its staff.The strong researchculture provides excellentopportunities for study fora postgraduate researchdegree.

Our innovative and cutting-edgeresearch develops the science thatunderpins conservation and tacklesthe more applied questions of howbiodiversity can survive in this evermore crowded world.

Postgraduate research can takeplace in any subject area whichqualified members of the Schoolare able to supervise. For furtherinformation, refer to the staffinformation on p20 or visit:www.kent.ac.uk/sac/staff-profiles

Biodiversity ManagementMSc by Research, PhDLocation: CanterburyStart: At any time but preferably inSeptember

The research degree programmecarries the generic title ofBiodiversity Management, in orderto allow a student to undertakeany relevant research project thatrelates to conserving and managingbiodiversity. With the variedresearch interests of the Schoolof Anthropology and Conservation(SAC) and DICE staff, this continuesto allow research on a wide varietyof projects on different organismsor systems and in different habitats

and countries. There are, therefore,specific research projects underwayon species conservation, wildlifemanagement economics, wildlifetrade, tourism and conservation,and the sustainable uses ofbiodiversity.

SAC and DICE encourage researchstudents to undertake originalresearch to submit as a thesison important topics related toconserving and managingbiodiversity.

Since it was founded in 1989,over 110 research students havegraduated from DICE and, as withall its other activities, the majorcharacteristics of the researchdegree programme in DICE are itsinternational and interdisciplinaryfocus.

Academic programmeA candidate undertaking a researchdegree must submit a thesis thatdemonstrates an ability to undertakean original investigation, to test ahypothesis and to understand therelationship of your field of studyto a wider field of knowledge.Additionally, in the case of adoctorate, the thesis submittedmust be an original contribution toknowledge or understanding in thefield of investigation. We stronglyencourage students to also write-uptheir research for publication in peerreviewed journals.

PhD based on publishedworksThis opportunity may suit graduates,usually of at least seven yearsstanding, who have alreadydeveloped their research skillsto doctoral level and publishedextensively during the course oftheir careers inside and outsideacademia.

The degree is awarded to thosewho are able to submit publishedworks which form a coherentbody of research. The works arerequired to be timely and current,demonstrating the use ofappropriate research methodologyand adhering to the University’sregulations for ResearchProgrammes of Study. Additionally,candidates should usually hold afirst or upper second class honoursdegree or equivalent experience.

For further details on all theseopportunities please contact theDirector of Graduate Studies [email protected]

External PhD studentsFirst, we are willing to considerregistration as an external student.As an external student you need toestablish arrangements with a localsupervisor and give details of thisarrangement to the School. You alsoneed to ensure that you have thefacilities needed, such as laboratory,library and computing facilities,to conduct your research andcomplete your dissertation. Weensure that purely external studentshave considerable contact with

http://www.kent.ac.uk/sac/staff-profiles

mailto:[email protected]


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

SAC, spending periods at theUniversity, as well as being visitedin their home country by their SAC/DICE supervisor.

Split PhDA split PhD allows you to spend aperiod undertaking fieldwork in yourhome country. The usual pattern ofa split PhD is that you spend oneyear at SAC and two years in thefield. For the PhD in BiodiversityManagement, students admitted toa split PhD must be associated witha range of approved institutions,comprising conservation NGOs andrelevant national wildlife authoritiesor museums.

Master of Science byResearch (MSc)These are one-year full-time ortwo-year part-time programmes.Candidates research and writea thesis under the supervisionof academic staff.

Doctor of Philosophy(PhD)The PhD is a three-year full-timeand five-year part-time programme.Candidates research and write athesis of a maximum of 80,000words under the supervision ofan academic team. Progress iscarefully monitored through theduration of the programme.

In general, you work closely withone supervisor throughout yourresearch, although you have a

committee of three (including yourprimary supervisor) overseeing yourprogress. In order to ensure a good,close working relationship with yoursupervisor(s), we encourage you tomake contact – preferably throughemail – with staff prior to applying,to discuss research possibilities.

Research strengthsSAC and its affiliated researchcentre DICE are Britain’s leadingresearch and postgraduate trainingschool dedicated to conservingbiodiversity and the processes thatsupport ecosystems and people.SAC and DICE members havecollaborated on projects embracingthe ecological, economic andsocial aspects of biodiversityconservation throughout the world.


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This has been achieved by staffwho combine on-the-groundconservation implementationwith world-renowned research.

Additionally, the School housesthe Kent Interdisciplinary Centrefor Spatial Studies (KISS), a UKresearch leader in spatial analyticaltechniques and spatial theories.

Research training andsupervisionAll full-time research students havea supervisory committee, whichincludes a main supervisor whooversees the day-to-day supervisionof the project. In conjunction withthe supervisory committee, anindividual training programmeis devised for each student thatincludes both the generic andspecific skills required to undertakethe project.

All PhD students have accessto the Researcher DevelopmentProgramme co-ordinated bythe Graduate School, a trainingprovision that promotes andsupports the personal, professionaland career development ofresearchers in higher education.

All new PhD researchers attenda Researcher DevelopmentAssessment Workshop, whichintroduces you to the University’sResearcher DevelopmentAssessment (RDA). This workshopfocuses on what you need to get themost out of your programme. Youare encouraged to consider yourexisting skills, as well as the skillsthat you hope to acquire while doingyour PhD. Following a skills audit,you undertake training courses asappropriate in the following areas:research management, personaleffectiveness, communication,networking and teamwork, andcareer management.

In addition, appropriate coursesfrom the following list will beidentified and included in yourtraining portfolio: referencingsoftware, interpersonal skills,

media training, presentation skills,project and time management,writing skills, indexing andabstracting services, advanced useof the web for research and thesiswriting. Subject-specific training isprovided by the School ofAnthropology and Conservation,which offers a wide range ofpostgraduate modules.

Choosing a research topicIf you are interested in registeringfor a research degree in BiodiversityManagement, you should initiallycontact the SAC/DICE staff memberwhose research is the most relevantto your interests. You should includea curriculum vitae plus a short two-page research proposal, aprovisional budget and potentialfunding sources with all enquiries.

RESEARCH DEGREES (CONT)

DID YOU KNOW?DICE members areworking on conservationprojects in 34 countries.


Dr Bob Smith is a Readerin Conservation Scienceand the Director of DICE.He is also an HonorarySenior Research Fellowat the UNEP WorldConservation MonitoringCentre and a memberof the IUCN WorldCommission on ProtectedAreas.

Bob first came to DICE to take theMSc in Conservation Biology andhis research project in South Africamarked the beginning of his careerin conservation science. His PhDand postdoctoral work focusedon identifying priority areas forconservation in the Maputalandbiodiversity hot spot. This work hassince expanded to include projectsin 22 countries in Africa, Asia,Europe and South America.

His research also covers a broadrange of other conservation topics,including understanding spatialpatterns of deforestation andhuman-wildlife conflict. In particular,he has published ground-breakingwork on the influence of corruptionand the role of marketing inconservation.

Here, Bob describes what is specialabout DICE, why he enjoys teachingand the pleasure of bumping intoDICE alumni all over the world.

STAFF PROFILE

‘DICE is proud of being differentto other academic institutions andthat’s the reason I love working here.We have long recognised thatsolving conservation problemsneeds an interdisciplinary approachthat puts people at the core. Thisis why DICE members have awide range of skills and yearsof experience of working withgovernments, civil society andbusinesses to make a differenceon the ground.

‘For example, my research ondesigning national park systemsand other conservation landscapesis based on studying and mappingbiodiversity patterns, but alsoinvolves understanding the bestway to engage with locallandowners and minimise impactson other land uses. Similarly ourresearch on reducing human-elephant conflict in Kenya usesdata on elephant movements

and behaviour, but also focuseson developing better land-useplanning and mitigation techniquesthat account for local conditionsand the needs of farmers.

‘Another great thing about beingat DICE is that I then get to sharethese insights when teaching on ourMaster’s programme. Our studentgroups are diverse and motivated,and I really enjoy discussing thelatest research with them andhearing about their ideas andexperiences.

‘These students then go on to joinour alumni network, a group of morethan a thousand people from over95 countries. So I know that whetherI’m at a local meeting or aninternational conference, I can besure of seeing at least one of ouralumni and getting updates on theamazing conservation work theyare doing around the world.’


20 Conservation

ACADEMIC STAFF

Our academic staff haveexcellent internationalresearch reputationsas well as a vast amountof practical experiencein the field. For detailsvisit their web pages:www.kent.ac.uk/sac/staff-profiles

Dr Peter BennettReader in Biodiversity andEvolutionary Ecology

Core expertiseEvolution, ecology and conservationof birds; biodiversity hotspots; lifehistory evolution and extinction risk;macroecology and macroevolution.

Dr Ian BrideSenior Lecturer in BiodiversityConservation

Core expertise Conservation education; guidingand interpretation; agroforestry;practical conservation skills;conservation and the creativearts; conservation and souvenirs.

Dr Joseph Bull Lecturer in Conservation Science

Core expertise Macroecology; socio-ecologicalsystems modelling; ‘no net loss’policy and biodiversity offsets;business and biodiversityconservation.

Professor Zoe DaviesProfessor of BiodiversityConservation

Core expertiseConservation interventioneffectiveness; conservation finance/investment; species/assemblageresponses to environmental change;relationships between biodiversityand ecosystem service provision;urban ecology; human-wildlifeinteractions.

Dr Robert Fish Reader in Human Ecology

Core expertiseSustainable landscapes; ecosystemservices, participatory planning anddecision making.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/sac/

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Professor Douglas MacMillanProfessor of Conservation andApplied Resource Economics

Core expertiseEconomics of wildlife conservation,the wildlife trade and poaching;human-wildlife conflict; conservationplanning, forest and biodiversityvaluation; land-use change.

Dr David RobertsReader in Biodiversity Conservation

Core expertiseInternational wildlife trade,particularly over the internet;species identification, detectability,discovery, rediscovery andextinction; orchid ecology,particularly response to climatechange.

Dr Bob Smith Reader in Conservation Science;Director of DICE (See profile onp19.)

Core expertiseDesigning conservation landscapesand protected area networks;human-wildlife conflict; conservationsocial marketing; conservation andcorruption.

Dr Matthew StruebigSenior Lecturer in BiologicalConservation

Core expertiseTropical ecology and conservation;impact of land-use and climatechange; biodiversity assessmentand analysis; species distributionmodelling and spatial analysis.

Dr Joseph TzanopoulosReader in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation

Core expertiseReconciling biodiversityconservation and sustainabledevelopment in rural areas;landscape ecology; natureconservation policy andgovernance; GIS; monitoring,modelling and impact assessmentof land-use changes; agroecology.

Professor Richard GriffithsProfessor of Biological Conservation

Core expertiseEcology and conservation ofamphibians and reptiles; effectsof environmental change onthreatened species; survey andmonitoring protocols for biodiversity.

Professor Jim GroombridgeProfessor of BiodiversityConservation

Core expertiseConservation of highly threatenedspecies; conservation genetics ofsmall populations; evolutionarygenetics, phylogenetics andbiogeography.

Dr Mark HamptonReader in Tourism Management

Core expertiseSustainable tourism and socio-economic impacts; tourism andpoverty alleviation; coastal andisland tourism.

Dr Tatyana HumleSenior Lecturer in Conservation and Primate Behaviour

Core expertiseGreat ape conservation andprimate behavioural ecology;ethnoprimatology; culturalprimatology; primate rehabilitationand reintroduction; human wildlifeinteractions.

www.kent.ac.uk/sac


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Only English language tests takenup to a maximum of two years prior to the date of registration are accepted for admission to the University. Please note that ifyour university studies have beencompleted entirely in English,you may be exempt from providingan English test certificate. Pleasecontact International Recruitmentfor clarification (www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/recruitment/team.html).

Making an application You can apply for a Kent higherdegree electronically via ourwebsite at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

If you are applying for a researchdegree, it is strongly recommendedthat you contact the School ofAnthropology and Conservation inthe first instance so that you havean opportunity to discuss your studyplans with the programme director.

Application deadlineThere is no fixed deadline forapplications. However, we stronglyrecommend that you apply as soonas possible and no later than threemonths before the start of term.If you wish to apply for on-campusaccommodation, an applicationmust be made online by the endof July. All overseas applications,requiring a Tier 4 visa, must besubmitted by 31 July.

Tuition feesFor the most up-to-date informationon tuition fees, please visitwww.kent.ac.uk/pg

School enquiriesPlease contact:Admissions Office,School of Anthropology andConservation,Marlowe BuildingUniversity of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UKT: +44 (0)1227 827013E: [email protected]/sac

Admissions enquiriesT: +44 (0)1227 768896www.kent.ac.uk/pg

Conservation

APPLYING TO KENT

Entry requirements For specific entry requirements fortaught programmes, please referto individual programme entries.

Biodiversity Management MScby Research, PhDA good second class honoursdegree or better in a relevantsubject; a good honours degreein other subjects together withrelevant practical experience.

English languageThe University requires all non-native speakers of English to reacha minimum standard of proficiencyin written and spoken English beforebeginning a postgraduate degree.

You should provide us with one ofthe following: an IELTS certificatewith a minimum score of 6.5,including 6.0 in reading and writingand 5.5 in listening and speaking;a Pearson Test of English (PTEAcademic) with a score of 62,including 60 in all four subtests;Cambridge English: Advancedand Proficiency with a score of176 including a minimum of 169in reading and writing and 162in listening and speaking; internet-based TOEFL with a score of 90including a minimum of 22 inreading, 21 in writing, 17 in listening,20 in speaking.

If you do not reach the requiredstandard, you can apply for oneof our pre-sessional courses.For further information, pleasesee www.kent.ac.uk/internationalpathways

This brochure was produced in January2018. The University of Kent makes everyeffort to ensure that the informationcontained in its publicity materials is fairand accurate and to provide educationalservices as described. However, thecourses, services and other matters maybe subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see www.kent.ac.uk/pgFull details of our terms and conditionscan be found at: www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, itneeds to process information about you foradministrative, academic and health andsafety reasons. Any offer we make to youis subject to your consent to process suchinformation and is a requirement in orderfor you to be registered as a student.All students must agree to abide bythe University rules and regulationsat: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

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European connectionsKent is known as the UK’s Europeanuniversity. Our two main UKcampuses, Canterbury andMedway, are located in the south-east of England, close to London,and we also have study locations inAthens, Brussels, Paris and Rome.

We have a diverse, cosmopolitanpopulation with 158 nationalitiesrepresented. We also have stronglinks with universities in Europe, andfrom Kent, you are around two hoursaway from Paris and Brussels bytrain.

World-class researchAs a student at Kent, you aretaught by leading academics, whoproduce research of internationalstanding. Based on our excellentresults in the most recent ResearchExcellence Framework, Kent wasranked in the top 20 in the UK forresearch intensity by the TimesHigher Education, confirming ourposition as one of the UK’s leadingresearch-intensive universities.

Strong academiccommunityKent’s postgraduate studentsare part of a thriving intellectualcommunity. In addition to lectures,seminars and supervision, youbenefit from a rich and stimulatingresearch culture. Woolf College,on the Canterbury campus, isdedicated to postgraduates andcombines accommodation withacademic and social space.

A global outlookKent has a great internationalreputation, attracting academicstaff and students from aroundthe world. Forty-two per cent of ouracademic staff are from overseasand our schools are engagedin collaborative research withuniversities worldwide. We offera range of opportunities to studyabroad and an approach that istruly global.

The Graduate SchoolAs a postgraduate student, youhave the support of the GraduateSchool, which promotes youracademic interests, co-ordinatesthe Researcher DevelopmentProgramme and the GlobalSkills Award and facilitatescross-disciplinary interactionand social networking.

FundingKent provides a variety offinancial support opportunitiesfor postgraduate students. Theserange from research studentships,location-specific funding, sport andmusic scholarships, and fundingspecifically for overseas fee-payingstudents. For further information,see www.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

Enhanced careerprospectsAt Kent, we want you to be in agood position to face the demandsof a competitive economicenvironment. During your studies,you acquire a high level ofacademic knowledge andspecialist practical skills.

We also help you to develop keytransferable skills that are essentialwithin the competitive world of work.

Further informationFor information about applying toKent, or to order a copy of theGraduate Prospectus, pleasecontact:The Recruitment and AdmissionsOffice, The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ, UKT: +44 (0)1227 768896www.kent.ac.uk/pg

The University also holds OpenDays and postgraduate recruitmentevents throughout the year. Pleasesee www.kent.ac.uk/visit

GENERAL INFORMATION

LocationCanterbury

FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences

SchoolSchool of Anthropology andConservation

ContactSchool of Anthropology andConservation, University of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NRT: +44 (0)1227 827013E: [email protected]

ApplicationsOnline at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply


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http://www.kent.ac.uk/visit

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 768896 www.kent.ac.uk/pg

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To find out more about visitingthe University, see our website:

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COME ANDVISIT US


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Documents

CONSERVATION - University of Kent · conservation implementation. Our disciplinary breadth enables u st oprv id e na wide range of topics across the full spectrum of conservation