UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · UNITED KINGDOM
MPhil in Conservation Leadership
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS EAGGMPMCL
At a glance
11 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 11 monthsFull-time duration
- Collaboration with 10 leading conservation organisationsCambridge Conservation Initiative
- Experiential learningGroup consultancy and professional placement
- 1:1 professional mentoringSenior conservation leaders
- Focus on applied leadershipSkills for effective conservation action
The Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership is an intensive 11-month, full-time program designed to equip individuals with advanced leadership and management skills essential for driving positive change in conservation efforts. It is delivered through a unique collaboration between the University of Cambridge and ten leading conservation organizations, forming the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. This course is specifically aimed at applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated leadership potential. The curriculum blends taught modules with practical, experiential learning, including a group consultancy project and an individual professional placement with a conservation organization. The program focuses on developing students' ability to address the complex drivers of biodiversity loss in an integrated and interdisciplinary way, fostering innovative solutions across different sectors and boundaries. The core aim is to cultivate leaders who not only understand the root causes of environmental challenges but also possess the skills and confidence to implement effective conservation strategies. This includes developing leadership capacity at multiple levels: personal (resilience, self-awareness), organizational (strategic planning, finance, HR), and systemic (influencing policy, communication, governance). Students also benefit from personalized professional mentoring from senior conservation leaders.
Curriculum
The 11-month, full-time Master's degree combines taught modules with hands-on experiential learning through a group consultancy and an individual professional placement. The course is structured to develop leadership skills across three key levels: Leading Self, Leading People and Organisations, and Leading Systems.
- Year 1
- Leading Self
- Leading People and Organisations
- Leading Systems
- Group Consultancy Project
- Individual Professional Placement
Careers
Graduates of the MPhil in Conservation Leadership are equipped with advanced skills to take on significant leadership roles in conservation worldwide. The program prepares students for impactful careers in various sectors focused on environmental protection and sustainability.
- Conservation Director
- Environmental Programme Manager
- Sustainability Lead
- Policy Advisor (Conservation)
- Head of Conservation Projects
- Director of Conservation NGOs
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership?
- Applicants need a good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and at least three years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated leadership potential. Proof of English language proficiency may also be required.
- How long is the MPhil in Conservation Leadership programme?
- The MPhil in Conservation Leadership is an intensive 11-month, full-time program. It combines taught modules with practical experience.
- When do applications open for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership?
- Applications are currently closed and are expected to reopen in early September for the next academic year. Prospective applicants should prepare to apply through the University of Cambridge's online portal.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this MPhil?
- Graduates are prepared for significant leadership roles in conservation worldwide, including positions such as Conservation Director, Environmental Programme Manager, Sustainability Lead, and Policy Advisor (Conservation).
- What is the structure of the MPhil in Conservation Leadership curriculum?
- The 11-month program combines taught modules like 'Leading Self' and 'Leading Systems' with hands-on experiential learning. This includes a group consultancy project and an individual professional placement with a conservation organization.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) from a reputable university is required.
Applicants must have at least three years of relevant professional experience and clear leadership potential. Applications are closed for the current cycle and are expected to reopen in early September.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee information is available on the University of Cambridge's postgraduate fees pages.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee information is available on the University of Cambridge's postgraduate fees pages.
LivingEstimated living costs are available on the University of Cambridge's postgraduate finance pages.
Specific fee details for international and home students, as well as estimated living costs, should be confirmed on the official University of Cambridge website.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the academic and professional experience requirements. You need a good honours degree and at least three years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated leadership potential.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents, which typically include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose, and references. You may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
3. Complete Online Application FormAccess the University of Cambridge's official online application portal when applications reopen. Fill out all sections of the form accurately and thoroughly.
4. Submit ReferencesArrange for academic or professional referees to submit their references directly through the application portal. Ensure they are aware of the deadline and the nature of the program.
5. Pay Application FeeA non-refundable application fee will likely be required. Details will be provided on the application portal.
6. Await DecisionAfter submitting your application, you will be notified of the outcome. This may include an invitation for an interview.
Accreditation
The course is delivered by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, a global centre of excellence uniting the expertise of conservation organisations and the University.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership?
+
Applicants need a good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and at least three years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated leadership potential. Proof of English language proficiency may also be required.
How long is the MPhil in Conservation Leadership programme?
+
The MPhil in Conservation Leadership is an intensive 11-month, full-time program. It combines taught modules with practical experience.
When do applications open for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership?
+
Applications are currently closed and are expected to reopen in early September for the next academic year. Prospective applicants should prepare to apply through the University of Cambridge's online portal.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this MPhil?
+
Graduates are prepared for significant leadership roles in conservation worldwide, including positions such as Conservation Director, Environmental Programme Manager, Sustainability Lead, and Policy Advisor (Conservation).
What is the structure of the MPhil in Conservation Leadership curriculum?
+
The 11-month program combines taught modules like 'Leading Self' and 'Leading Systems' with hands-on experiential learning. This includes a group consultancy project and an individual professional placement with a conservation organization.