Environmental Science

Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation and Management

The Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation and Management is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in biodiversity science, conservation biology, and natural resource management. The programme prepares graduates to address biodiversity loss and conservation challenges through scientific research and management.

Core areas include biodiversity assessment, conservation biology, ecosystem management, wildlife ecology, habitat management, threatened species management, protected area management, environmental policy, GIS for conservation, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical field applications.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with South Eastern Kenya University as a college. SEKU offers MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences. Moi University offers related MSc in Environmental Biology.

Students develop competencies in biodiversity survey, species identification, habitat assessment, conservation planning, protected area management, environmental impact assessment, GIS, and research. The programme includes coursework, field courses, laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. SEKU's programme is offered through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences with tuition fees of KES 110,000–120,000 per year. The programme accommodates biological science and environmental science graduates.

Graduates pursue careers as conservation scientists, biodiversity managers, environmental consultants, wildlife researchers, protected area managers, and lecturers in conservation organisations, government agencies, research institutions, and universities.

Skills Required

Biodiversity Assessment and Survey
Conservation Biology and Planning
Ecosystem Management
Wildlife Ecology and Monitoring
Habitat Assessment and Management
Protected Area Management
GIS for Conservation
Environmental Impact Assessment
Threatened Species Management
Conservation Research Methods

Key Subjects

Biodiversity Assessment
Conservation Biology
Ecosystem Management
Wildlife Ecology
Habitat Management
Protected Area Management
Environmental Policy and Law
GIS for Conservation
Threatened Species Management
Conservation Research Methods

Certifications

KWS Conservation Certification
IUCN Conservation Certification

Specializations

Wildlife Conservation

Focuses on wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, threatened species management, wildlife monitoring, and conserving wildlife populations and habitats.

Ecosystem Management

Examines ecosystem management, ecosystem ecology, habitat restoration, ecosystem services, and managing and restoring ecosystems for conservation.

Protected Area Management

Covers protected area management, national parks, reserves, conservation area design, and managing protected areas for biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity Assessment

Focuses on biodiversity assessment, species identification, biodiversity survey, monitoring, and measuring and assessing biodiversity in ecosystems.

Conservation Policy and Governance

Examines conservation policy, environmental law, biodiversity governance, international conservation agreements, and developing and implementing conservation policies.

Restoration Ecology

Covers restoration ecology, habitat restoration, ecological restoration, and restoring degraded ecosystems for biodiversity conservation.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 18 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Biodiversity Assessment
Conservation Biology
Ecosystem Management
Wildlife Ecology
Habitat Management
Protected Area Management
Environmental Policy and Law
GIS for Conservation
Threatened Species Management
Conservation Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Conservation Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines conservation biology, population viability analysis, extinction risk, conservation genetics, and designing conservation strategies for threatened species.
Biodiversity Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biodiversity assessment, species identification, biodiversity survey methods, monitoring, and measuring and assessing biodiversity in ecosystems.
Ecosystem Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines ecosystem management, ecosystem ecology, habitat management, ecosystem services, and managing and restoring ecosystems for conservation.
Wildlife Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers wildlife ecology, wildlife population dynamics, animal behaviour, habitat use, and monitoring wildlife populations and habitats.
Protected Area Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines protected area management, national parks, reserves, conservation area design, and managing protected areas for biodiversity conservation.
GIS for Conservation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers GIS for conservation, mapping habitats, analysing spatial data, remote sensing, and using GIS for conservation planning and management.
Environmental Policy and Law
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines environmental policy, conservation law, biodiversity governance, international conservation agreements, and developing and implementing conservation policies.
Threatened Species Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers threatened species management, species recovery programmes, captive breeding, reintroduction, and managing threatened and endangered species.
Habitat Restoration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines habitat restoration, ecological restoration, restoration techniques, and restoring degraded ecosystems for biodiversity conservation.
Conservation Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for conservation, experimental design, data analysis, field survey methods, and conducting conservation research, preparing students for their thesis.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines environmental impact assessment, assessing development impacts on biodiversity, and conducting EIAs for conservation planning.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a biodiversity and conservation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and conservation knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Wildlife Conservation
Focuses on wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, threatened species management, wildlife monitoring, and conserving wildlife populations and habitats.
Ecosystem Management
Examines ecosystem management, ecosystem ecology, habitat restoration, ecosystem services, and managing and restoring ecosystems for conservation.
Protected Area Management
Covers protected area management, national parks, reserves, conservation area design, and managing protected areas for biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity Assessment
Focuses on biodiversity assessment, species identification, biodiversity survey, monitoring, and measuring and assessing biodiversity in ecosystems.
Conservation Policy and Governance
Examines conservation policy, environmental law, biodiversity governance, international conservation agreements, and developing and implementing conservation policies.
Restoration Ecology
Covers restoration ecology, habitat restoration, ecological restoration, and restoring degraded ecosystems for biodiversity conservation.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Biodiversity and Conservation and Management programme begins with morning lectures on conservation biology, ecosystem management, or wildlife ecology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on biodiversity, conservation strategies, and ecosystem management. Laboratory sessions involve species identification, biodiversity data analysis, and GIS for conservation. Conservation biology sessions cover population viability analysis, extinction risk, conservation genetics, and designing conservation strategies. Ecosystem management sessions examine ecosystem ecology, habitat management, ecosystem services, and managing ecosystems for conservation. Wildlife ecology sessions cover wildlife population dynamics, animal behaviour, habitat use, and monitoring wildlife populations. Protected area management sessions examine national parks, reserves, conservation area design, and managing protected areas. GIS sessions involve mapping habitats, analysing spatial data, and using GIS for conservation planning. Field courses take students to national parks, reserves, and conservation areas where they conduct biodiversity surveys, habitat assessments, and wildlife monitoring. Environmental policy sessions cover conservation law, biodiversity governance, and international conservation agreements. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering conservation research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KWS officers, IUCN experts, and conservation practitioners provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's globally significant biodiversity creates demand for qualified conservation professionals in government, NGOs, and international organisations.
SEKU offers the programme at affordable fees of KES 110,000–120,000/year, making it accessible to many students.
Programme combines conservation science with management, providing versatile skills for diverse conservation careers.
Strong career opportunities with KWS, KFS, IUCN, WWF, AWF, NEMA, and international conservation organisations.

Against it

Career demand is moderate, with many conservation positions dependent on donor funding and NGO budgets.
Field work in remote conservation areas may require travel and extended stays away from urban centres.
Programme requires background in biological or environmental sciences, which may exclude some graduates.
Conservation salaries may be lower compared to private sector science and technology careers.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses

Public187k to 296k

187k at Moi University296k at Kenyatta University

Private131k to 250k

131k at Mount Kenya University250k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi 187K. Daystar 250K, MKU 131K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IUCN provides conservation grants for biodiversity research and capacity building. WWF Kenya supports conservation programmes and training. The programme's conservation focus attracts significant donor and international conservation organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
IUCN Conservation Grants
WWF Kenya Conservation Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate biodiversity and conservation studies at recognised universities.
IUCN Conservation Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
IUCN provides conservation grants for biodiversity research and capacity building, supporting postgraduate training and research in conservation.
WWF Kenya Conservation Grants
GrantKsh 350,000Kenyan
WWF Kenya supports conservation programmes and capacity building, providing grants for postgraduate training and research in biodiversity conservation.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for biological science, environmental science, and related graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes. SEKU offers the programme through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences with tuition fees of KES 110,000–120,000/year. Application fee KES 2,000 for masters at Moi University.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, field reports, GIS exercises, conservation plans, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering conservation biology, ecosystem management, wildlife ecology, and protected area management, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field and practical skills including biodiversity surveys, species identification, GIS analysis, and field course reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a biodiversity and conservation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and conservation knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). SEKU offers MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biodiversity and conservation training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. SEKU offers MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate biodiversity and conservation training.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Professional accreditation
NEMA regulates environmental management in Kenya. Graduates conducting environmental impact assessments may require NEMA certification as registered EIA/EA lead experts.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Conservation Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts conservation research, studying biodiversity, developing conservation strategies, and contributing to biodiversity conservation in research institutions.
Biodiversity Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages biodiversity programmes, overseeing conservation projects, habitat management, and species protection in conservation organisations.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on environmental and biodiversity issues, conducting environmental impact assessments, and advising on conservation and sustainability.
Wildlife Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts wildlife research, studying animal populations, behaviour, and ecology, and contributing to wildlife conservation and management.
Protected Area Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages protected areas, overseeing national parks, reserves, and conservation areas, and ensuring biodiversity conservation in protected areas.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biodiversity and conservation in universities, conducting research and training future conservation professionals and environmental scientists.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as conservation scientists, biodiversity managers, and environmental consultants in conservation organisations, government agencies, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GIS Software (QGIS/ArcGIS)
SoftwarePrimary
Geographic information systems for mapping habitats, analysing spatial data, conservation planning, and managing protected areas.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing environment for biodiversity data analysis, population modelling, and conservation research.
Remote Sensing Software
Software
Remote sensing software for satellite imagery analysis, habitat mapping, land cover change detection, and monitoring ecosystems.
Camera Traps and Field Equipment
Equipment
Camera traps and field equipment for wildlife monitoring, biodiversity surveys, and conducting field research in conservation areas.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biodiversity conservation is just about protecting animals.
Biodiversity conservation covers ecosystems, habitats, species, genetics, policy, management, and sustainable use, far beyond protecting individual animals.
Conservation careers are limited to working in parks.
Conservation graduates work in research, policy, consulting, NGOs, government, international organisations, and academia, not just in parks.
There is limited funding for conservation in Kenya.
Kenya's biodiversity is globally significant, attracting substantial funding from international conservation organisations, donors, and government.
This programme is only for biology graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from environmental science, forestry, agriculture, geography, and related fields, not just biology.
Conservation management is less rigorous than pure science.
Conservation management combines scientific rigour with practical management, ensuring research translates to effective conservation action.
Biodiversity conservation is a luxury for developing countries.
Biodiversity underpins ecosystem services, tourism, and livelihoods in Kenya, making conservation essential for sustainable development.