Environmental Science

Master of Science in Ecology and Conservation

The Master of Science in Ecology and Conservation is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in ecological science and biodiversity conservation. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and environmental protection.

Core areas include ecological theory, conservation biology, biodiversity assessment, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, wildlife conservation, habitat management, conservation genetics, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical field ecology and conservation applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Mount Kenya University as a college. MMUST offers related MSc in Environmental Biology through its School of Natural Sciences. MKU offers MSc in Ecology. JKUAT offers related MSc in Zoology (Conservation Biology) at KES 140,000 per year.

Students develop competencies in ecological assessment, biodiversity survey, conservation planning, habitat management, population analysis, wildlife monitoring, and research. The programme includes coursework, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. JKUAT requires Second Class Honours Upper Division in Biological Sciences. JKUAT fees are KES 140,000 per year for related conservation biology programmes.

Graduates pursue careers as ecologists, conservation biologists, wildlife managers, environmental consultants, researchers, and lecturers in wildlife authorities, research institutions, NGOs, conservation organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Ecological Assessment and Survey
Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring
Conservation Planning and Management
Population and Community Ecology Analysis
Habitat Management and Restoration
Wildlife Monitoring and Management
Conservation Genetics
Ecosystem Ecology and Modelling
Environmental Impact Assessment
Ecology and Conservation Research Methods

Key Subjects

Ecological Theory
Conservation Biology
Biodiversity Assessment
Population Ecology
Community Ecology
Ecosystem Ecology
Wildlife Conservation
Habitat Management
Conservation Genetics
Ecology Research Methods

Certifications

KWS Professional Certification
IUCN Conservation Certification

Specializations

Conservation Biology

Focuses on conservation biology, biodiversity conservation, species conservation, conservation planning, and protecting and managing biodiversity and endangered species.

Population Ecology

Examines population ecology, population dynamics, population modelling, population viability analysis, and understanding and managing animal and plant populations.

Community Ecology

Covers community ecology, species interactions, community structure, community dynamics, and understanding ecological communities and their interactions.

Wildlife Conservation

Focuses on wildlife conservation, wildlife management, wildlife monitoring, protected area management, and conserving and managing wildlife populations and habitats.

Habitat Management

Examines habitat management, habitat restoration, habitat assessment, habitat protection, and managing and restoring habitats for conservation.

Conservation Genetics

Covers conservation genetics, genetic diversity, population genetics, genetic analysis, and using genetics for conservation and species management.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 180,000
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Ecological Theory
Conservation Biology
Biodiversity Assessment
Population Ecology
Community Ecology
Ecosystem Ecology
Wildlife Conservation
Habitat Management
Conservation Genetics
Ecology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Ecological Theory and Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines ecological theory, ecological principles, ecosystem function, ecological processes, and understanding ecological systems and theory.
Conservation Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers conservation biology, biodiversity conservation, species conservation, conservation planning, and protecting and managing biodiversity and endangered species.
Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines biodiversity assessment, biodiversity survey, species identification, biodiversity metrics, and assessing and monitoring biodiversity in ecosystems.
Population and Community Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers population ecology, population dynamics, population modelling, community ecology, species interactions, and understanding populations and communities.
Ecosystem Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines ecosystem ecology, ecosystem function, nutrient cycling, energy flow, ecosystem services, and understanding and managing ecosystems.
Wildlife Conservation and Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers wildlife conservation, wildlife management, wildlife monitoring, protected area management, and conserving and managing wildlife populations and habitats.
Habitat Management and Restoration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines habitat management, habitat assessment, habitat restoration, habitat protection, and managing and restoring habitats for conservation.
Conservation Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers conservation genetics, genetic diversity, population genetics, genetic analysis, and using genetics for conservation and species management.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines environmental impact assessment, EIA processes, ecological impact assessment, and assessing environmental impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Ecology and Conservation Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for ecology and conservation, experimental design, field methods, data analysis, and conducting ecological research, preparing students for their thesis.
GIS for Conservation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines GIS for conservation, spatial analysis, habitat mapping, species distribution modelling, and using geospatial tools for conservation planning.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an ecology and conservation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and ecological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Conservation Biology
Focuses on conservation biology, biodiversity conservation, species conservation, conservation planning, and protecting and managing biodiversity and endangered species.
Population Ecology
Examines population ecology, population dynamics, population modelling, population viability analysis, and understanding and managing animal and plant populations.
Community Ecology
Covers community ecology, species interactions, community structure, community dynamics, and understanding ecological communities and their interactions.
Wildlife Conservation
Focuses on wildlife conservation, wildlife management, wildlife monitoring, protected area management, and conserving and managing wildlife populations and habitats.
Habitat Management
Examines habitat management, habitat restoration, habitat assessment, habitat protection, and managing and restoring habitats for conservation.
Conservation Genetics
Covers conservation genetics, genetic diversity, population genetics, genetic analysis, and using genetics for conservation and species management.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Ecology and Conservation programme begins with morning lectures on ecological theory, conservation biology, or population ecology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation science. Ecological theory sessions cover ecological principles, ecosystem function, ecological processes, and understanding ecological systems and theory. Conservation biology sessions examine biodiversity conservation, species conservation, conservation planning, and protecting and managing biodiversity. Biodiversity assessment sessions cover biodiversity survey, species identification, biodiversity metrics, and assessing and monitoring biodiversity. Population ecology sessions examine population dynamics, population modelling, population viability, and understanding and managing populations. Community ecology sessions cover species interactions, community structure, community dynamics, and understanding ecological communities. Ecosystem ecology sessions involve ecosystem function, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and understanding and managing ecosystems. Wildlife conservation sessions cover wildlife management, wildlife monitoring, protected areas, and conserving and managing wildlife. Habitat management sessions examine habitat assessment, habitat restoration, habitat protection, and managing and restoring habitats. Conservation genetics sessions cover genetic diversity, population genetics, genetic analysis, and using genetics for conservation. Field work provides hands-on experience in ecological survey, biodiversity assessment, wildlife monitoring, and habitat assessment in national parks, reserves, and natural areas. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering ecology research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KWS researchers, conservation practitioners, IUCN specialists, and university researchers provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's wildlife tourism, conservation NGOs, environmental regulations, and biodiversity commitments create moderate demand for qualified ecology and conservation professionals.
Programme provides access to Kenya's world-renowned national parks, reserves, and conservation areas for field work and research.
Strong career opportunities with KWS, KFS, NEMA, WCS, AWF, IUCN, WWF, conservation NGOs, and research institutions.
Programme combines ecological science with conservation practice, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical conservation skills.

Against it

Programme requires biology, environmental science, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Field work in national parks and remote conservation areas may be challenging and require physical fitness.
Career opportunities may be competitive, with many positions in the NGO sector requiring international experience.
Conservation funding is often project-based, which may lead to less job security compared to other sectors.

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

Public120k to 180k

120k at Kirinyaga University180k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Private130k to 300k

130k at Mount Kenya University300k at Strathmore 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

MKU 59,550/sem (spas.mku.ac.ke). KU Plant Ecology 326,400/yr. Others unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. WCS provides conservation grants for research and capacity building. IUCN supports conservation research and training. AWF supports African conservation capacity building. The programme's conservation focus attracts donor and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WCS Conservation Grants
IUCN Conservation Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate ecology and conservation studies at recognised universities.
WCS Conservation Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
Wildlife Conservation Society provides conservation grants for research, capacity building, and training in wildlife conservation.
IUCN Conservation Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
IUCN supports conservation research and capacity building, providing funding for conservation training and research globally.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts biology, environmental science, zoology, botany, forestry, wildlife management, and related graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time options. JKUAT requires Second Class Honours Upper Division in Biological Sciences with Zoology as major. JKUAT fees KES 140,000/year for related conservation biology programme.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, field reports, ecological analysis projects, conservation planning exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering ecological theory, conservation biology, population ecology, and wildlife conservation, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field work, ecological survey, biodiversity assessment, wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, and practical field reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an ecology and conservation topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and ecological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). MMUST offers related MSc in Environmental Biology. Mount Kenya University offers MSc in Ecology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate ecology and conservation training. KWS manages wildlife conservation in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. MMUST offers related MSc in Environmental Biology. Mount Kenya University offers MSc in Ecology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate ecology and conservation training.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
Professional accreditation
KWS manages wildlife conservation in Kenya. Graduates working in wildlife conservation may collaborate with KWS on wildlife management and conservation initiatives.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Ecologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts ecological research, studying ecosystems, populations, and communities, and contributing to ecological science and conservation knowledge.
Conservation Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops and implements conservation programmes, studying biodiversity, and protecting and managing endangered species and ecosystems.
Wildlife Manager
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages wildlife populations and habitats, overseeing protected areas, wildlife monitoring, and ensuring sustainable wildlife management.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on environmental and conservation projects, providing expert advice on ecological impact, biodiversity, and conservation planning.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts ecology and conservation research, studying ecological systems, biodiversity, and contributing to conservation science.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches ecology and conservation in universities, conducting research and training future ecology and conservation professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as ecologists, conservation biologists, and wildlife managers in wildlife authorities, research institutions, and conservation organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing for ecological data analysis, population modelling, biodiversity analysis, and statistical modelling in ecology.
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for habitat mapping, species distribution modelling, spatial analysis, and conservation planning and mapping.
MARK
Software
Software for mark-recapture analysis, population estimation, survival analysis, and wildlife population modelling.
Distance Sampling Software
Software
Software for distance sampling, abundance estimation, population survey, and wildlife population assessment and monitoring.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Ecology and conservation is just about watching animals.
The programme involves rigorous science, statistical analysis, population modelling, genetics, and research, far beyond wildlife observation.
Conservation is not a real career in Kenya.
Kenya's wildlife economy, national parks, biodiversity, and environmental challenges create moderate demand for qualified ecology and conservation professionals.
There is limited demand for ecologists in Kenya.
Kenya's wildlife tourism, conservation NGOs, environmental regulations, and biodiversity commitments create moderate demand for qualified ecology and conservation professionals.
This programme is only for biology graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from biology, environmental science, zoology, forestry, wildlife management, and related fields with ecology or biology background.
Ecology and conservation is soft science.
Modern ecology involves quantitative analysis, statistical modelling, GIS, genetics, and evidence-based conservation science requiring strong analytical skills.
A master's in ecology is redundant after a bachelor's in biology or environmental science.
The master's provides specialised ecology and conservation knowledge, research capability, and career progression to senior conservation and research positions.