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Full time — Closed
Graduate

PGDip in Wildlife Conservation (Recanati-Kaplan)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation (Recanati-Kaplan Centre) is an eight-month, full-time course for early-career wildlife researchers.

Closed: Full time

Closed to applications for entry in 2026-27. Register to receive an email when applications open (for entry in 2027-28). 

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Expected length:
  • Full time: 8 months
Expected start date:
  • Full time:
English language level:
  • Standard level required
Birdlife in the pond at the University Parks

PGCert in Health Research

About the course

The course is designed to enhance the skills of conservation science practitioners by teaching field survey techniques, data analysis methods, and reporting techniques commonly used in the study of terrestrial mammals. The course aims to help ecologists and field biologists in the developing world to implement effective conservation research and action.

The course is delivered by the Department of Biology’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), which has been active in conservation research and practice for more than three decades. The course is made possible by a donation from the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation, and is jointly managed with Oxford Lifelong Learning.

The focus of the course is on methods commonly used in the study of large mammals, and especially carnivores, in the developing world. The curriculum consists of modules on wildlife ecology, monitoring and survey techniques, GIS and habitat assessment, population management and statistics, as well as two reports which together complete an independent research project. The mode of teaching in the modules consists mostly of lectures, group discussions, technical practicals on the use of computer software, field sessions, tutorials and (group) workshops.

Applications are particularly welcomed from conservationists working in economically less-developed parts of the world, for whom need-based scholarships are available. Suitable candidates are early-career field conservationists, working with government agencies or NGOs, who will implement and disseminate their skills to their home countries.

The course is not suitable for individuals who are not currently working in an ecology or conservation research role. For entry-level ecology and wildlife conservation courses, please see the Short and Online Courses in the natural sciences run by Oxford Lifelong Learning.

Course structure

This section provides an overview of the course structure, while details of the individual course components are provided below.

Within the eight-month course the first three-month phase which consists predominantly of taught material, while the remaining five months is a mix between taught material and independent work on projects.

The independent research project concentrates on the organisation, analysis and reporting of previously collected data that you bring with you or is provided by WildCRU researchers. There is no time to undertake primary data collection in country or abroad during the course duration.

The project is divided into two phases:

  • Phase One consists of a literature and methods review and a section containing data exploration;
  • Phase Two builds upon this but also includes the full data analysis and discussion of results.

Unifying threads running through the course are the global and human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. You will learn both the theory and practical aspects of field techniques, so that you can confidently adopt them in the future, as well as critically evaluate other projects.

Core components

You will take four core modules.

Course details

Entry requirements

For entry in 2026-27

Funding and costs

College preference

Before you apply

Completing your application

Contact details