Primate Conservation - 2012 entry
MSc
/
PGDip
/
PGCert
Overview
The approaching extinction of many of our closest living relatives - monkeys, apes and prosimians - and the destruction and loss of their habitats highlight the need to offset the effects of the current decline in natural resources. This award-winning course combines the expertise of anthropologists and biologists to examine primate conservation biology in a broad context, with particular emphasis on the relationships between humans and wildlife in forest and woodland environments.
The destruction of forests often brings irreversible loss of soil, fresh water and renewable reserves of food and fuel, as well as the loss of innumerable species of animals and plants. Changes to the local climate and global effects of forest clearance are becoming increasingly apparent. Dealing with current issues, including the clearing of forest for growing oil palm and other crops and the mining of coltan (used to charge mobile phones), the rampant pet trade, and the bushmeat crisis, may seem beyond our control. What can be done to alter these trends?
The MSc in Primate Conservation provides an international and multidisciplinary forum to help understand the issues and promote effective action. Whether working in the lab, with local conservation groups (including zoos and NGOs), or in the field, you will find yourself in a collaborative and supportive environment, working with international scholars in primate conservation and gaining first-hand experience to enact positive change.
Why Brookes?
A pioneering programme providing scientific, professional training and accreditation to conservation scientists, awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2008.
Opportunity to work alongside leading academics for example Dr Anna Nekaris, Dr Kate Hill and Dr Vincent Nijman
Excellent learning resources both at Brookes and through Oxford’s museums and libraries including the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Science Library, and the Museum of Natural History
Links with conservation organisations and NGOs internationally and closer to home including Fauna and Flora International, TRAFFIC and Conservation International
Field trips for MSc students to Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands as well as to sanctuaries and zoos in the UK
A dynamic community of research scholars undertaking internationally recognised and world leading research.
In detail
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
Department of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social SciencesRELATED COURSES:
Course content
The course runs for one year (two semesters) for full-time students and for two years (four semesters) for part-time students. The break periods (winter, spring and summer) are used to work on the final research project.
If you register on the MSc in Primate Conservation you will take the six taught modules mentioned below and the final research project. If you register on the PGDip in Primate Conservation you will take six taught modules but not the final research project. A PGCert in Primate Conservation is awarded upon successful completion of three taught modules.
Taught modules:
Primate Diversity, Biogeography and Status reviews the variety of primate species, together with their distribution, ecology and conservation status. Taken in the first semester by all students, this module emphasises the differences between primate species and factors that make them more or less vulnerable to extinction. Methods of rainforest biodiversity assessment are explored. Successful conservation projects are highlighted and future options discussed.
People-Primate Interactions provides an overview of the many ways that humans and wildlife (both primates and other animals) interact and impact on each other in primate habitat countries. This module examines examples of conflict between humans and wildlife in relation to crop raiding, hunting, biomedical research, tourism, and the design and management of national parks and wildlife reserves. The course introduces students to the diverse attitudes of different cultures or different levels of society towards primates, and to the way that these attitudes will influence primate conservation initiatives. As an example, the course looks at cross-cultural contrasts in the way primates are perceived and treated, and the problems of promoting primate conservation if these are ignored.
Primate Conservation - Research Methods gives students a basic understanding of how to conduct a field study of primates in the wild, in captivity, or in a museum. The focus of this module is on the primates themselves rather than the humans who play a role in their environment. Methods dealing with humans (such as interviews and education) will be covered in other modules. Instruction is given on the best ways to collect and analyse data for different kinds of research or investigation suitable for the final project, giving students opportunities to compare the methods they intend to use and to learn of their strengths and weaknesses. The course covers planning, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results relevant to research on primate conservation, including training in programmes such as SPSS, DISTANCE, Ranges and ArcView. Extended visits to one or more collaborating institutions are undertaken to learn practical techniques such as museum studies, behavioural observation techniques and botanical sampling in situ. The major aim of this course is for each student to write a research proposal suitable for submission to an appropriate funding agency.
Genetics and Population Management leads to an advanced understanding of the genetic and demographic management of both small captive populations and those that have become isolated in the wild. The principles of molecular and population genetics are placed in a practical context, and students will learn about the latest techniques of DNA sequencing and the use of micro-satellites and random sequencing techniques to assess genetic relationships between individuals, populations and species. The course explores the relevance of genetics to primate conservation, including its use in studbooks and the management of metapopulations.
Captive Management and Rehabilitation reviews good practice in the management and welfare of captive primates, and the implications for the survival of declining populations in the wild. Emphasis is given to the effects of the captive environment on behavioural traits (stereotypy, genetic selection) and breeding success; veterinary care, housing and enclosure design, display, and environmental enrichment are also considered. The role of cryogenics and the pros and cons of reintroduction and rehabilitation into the wild are covered in detail.
Environmental Education reviews the knowledge base required for effective conservation action. This module centres on practical ways of conveying information about environmental decline and how primates can be used to promote public understanding. Environmental education issues are explored with particular reference to primates, and educational philosophies and the effectiveness of different strategies and media are considered. This course gives students access to a variety of techniques for the presentation and dissemination of information about conservation issues, including traditional media and, particularly, digital technology and methods. Students are introduced to productive ways of planning, conducting and evaluating educational projects by means of case studies.
NB As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here.
Students are encouraged to build on their strengths and interests throughout the course, culminating in the production of a Final Research Project that has a tangible outcome of use to the broader public and conservation community. All projects are accompanied by a written component to integrate and explain the work and this may sometimes be in the form of a traditional thesis. Students will be encouraged to produce work that has a lasting impact. Examples include the production of a film or exhibition, one or more articles/chapters for publication, a broadcasting project, an education handbook, web-based materials or design of a practical project relating to primate conservation (e.g. eco-tourism, habitat management or conservation education).
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, research seminars, training workshops, tutorials, case studies, seminar presentations, site visits, computer-aided learning, independent reading and supervised research.
Each of the six modules is assessed by means of coursework assignments that reflect the individual interests and strengths of each student. Coursework assignments for six taught modules are completed and handed in at the end of the semester, and written feedback is given before the start of the following semester. A seventh module, the final project, must be handed in before the start of the first semester of the next academic year. It will be assessed during this semester with an examinations meeting at the beginning of February, after which students receive their final marks.
There is a range of assessment styles, including written coursework (essays, article reviews, scientific report writing), oral presentations, quizzes and the practical assignment or project. They are designed to test a range of competences, in both traditional and innovative ways.
An important feature of the course is the contribution by each student towards an outreach project that brings primate conservation issues into a public arena. Examples include a poster, display or presentation at a scientific meeting, university society or school. Students may also choose to write their dissertation specifically for scientific publication. The criteria used for the assessments conform to the university guidelines.
In addition to the assessed coursework, students will be assigned regular tasks on topics critical to each module. The tasks ensure that all members of the class have done relevant reading and prepared work that will feed into class discussions.
Round-table discussions form a regular aspect of the course and enable closer examination of conservation issues through a sharing of perspectives by the whole group.
Structure and timetabling
Course modules can be combined in various ways over one or two years to suit different exit points. It has been designed to allow qualification at three option levels:
• Certificate 60 M-level CATS credits
• Diploma 120 M-level CATS credits
• MSc 180 M-level CATS credits
Pace and sequence of study
Work towards the MSc is time consuming and intensive, and requires careful planning to fit with your other commitments. It is helpful to think of your studies as the equivalent of an average working week – approximately 40 hours per week for full – time students and 20 hours for part-time.
Only a small part of this time is involved with classroom activities, or in tutorials and other meetings - the rest is used for private study. Obviously you will have flexibility over the year, with holidays (a few weeks at both Christmas and Easter) and periods of intensive study, but you will find it hard to keep up and meet assignment deadlines if you take part-time or full-time work that uses up the hours that you need for studying.
Full-time/part-time modes of study
The course runs for one year (2 semesters) for full-time students and for two years (4 semesters) for part-time students.
Full-time students take 3 modules per semester plus the final project. Part-time students take 2 modules in semester 1 of year 1, and one module in semester 2 of year 1 (vice versa in year 2), plus the final project. Part-time students will normally take modules in the order indicated above, but they may choose to alter their programme to suit their needs. The summer period is used to complete the final project.
The course starts with an Induction Session with various events during Week 0 of the first semester (the week before Week 1). Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays for 10 weeks. Monday modules run 1:00 to 4:00 pm and Wednesday modules from 9:00am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The time from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm on Mondays is used flexibly to cover administrative aspects of the course, questions that arise and to share news or to show conservation films. It is also occasionally used for guest speakers, student talks or videos.
Quality
In 2008, the MSc in Primate Conservation was formally awarded the highly prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Excellence in Higher Education. This award was given in particular recognition to our commitment to training a new generation of primate conservationists.
Staff expertise is matched to each aspect of the course, with regular input from visiting speakers with first-hand experience in primate conservation. Six permanent members of staff are on campus. In addition, visiting lecturers provide their expertise for modules and for project supervision. The course is supported by a course co-ordinator and an admissions administrator, together with experienced post-graduate researchers who help with part-time teaching. There are also two external advisers.
The Department of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes has a long-established reputation for high quality and innovation in teaching and learning, with a strong link between staff research and classroom teaching. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 70% of research activity in Anthropology was judged to be of international quality, with 5% of this ‘world-leading’ in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
Career prospects
This unique postgraduate programme trains new generations of anthropologists, conservation biologists, captive care givers and educators concerned with the serious plight of non-human primates who seek practical solutions to their continuing survival. It provides the skills, knowledge and confidence to enable you to contribute to arresting and reversing the current devastating destruction of our tropical forests and the loss of the species that live in them. You will be joining a supportive global network of former students working across all areas of conservation in organisations from the BBC Natural History Unit through to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and in roles from keeper and education officer in zoos across the UK and North America to paid researcher at institutes of higher education. Some of our students have even gone on to run their own conservation-related NGOs.
Specialist facilities
The programme gives students access to a range of specialist facilities including:
- Tess Lemmon Memorial Library of the Primate Society of Great Britain
- Equipment lending service for field work
- Wet lab for analysis of hormones and other biological material
- Collection of primate skeletal material
- Specialist sound laboratory for acoustical analyses of primate vocalisations.
Students also enjoy strong links with all of the University of Oxford’s museums and libraries and each year visit Oxford’s Museum of Natural History to learn curation techniques, assisting the vertebrate collection manager with identification, skeleton cleaning and the design of the primate display.
Field trips
We have special links with Apenheul Primate Park, The Wild Futures Trust and Cotswold Wildlife Park. Site visits to zoos, museums, sanctuaries, schools and the Primate Society of Great Britain meetings are a regular part of the course, providing opportunities for student research and networking.
Sample course materials
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Sample work
Canopy is an in-house publication with contributions from staff, students and visiting speakers about their research. The aim of Canopy is to provide the wider primatology and conservation community with a representation of current and past works undertaken by MSc students and acts as a medium for communication between past and present students, those working in primatology, and those with a general interest in the topics covered in these issues.
To view past copies of Canopy visit www.social-sciences.brookes.ac.uk
Suggested reading
Each module will differ in terms of the lecturer’s teaching style and what degree of independence they expect from master’s students. Some may provide assigned readings each week. It is highly recommended that you have access to the following core textbooks for the course. Other core textbooks are listed under each module.
Campbell, C.J. et al. (eds) (2011) Primates in Perspective. Oxford University Press, New York.
Cowlishaw, G. and Dunbar, R.I.M. (2000) Primate Conservation Biology. Chicago University Press, Chicago.
Setchell, J.M. and Curtis, D.J. (2011) Field and Laboratory Methods in Primatology: A Practical Guide. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Frankham R., Ballou J.D. and Briscoe, D.A. (2010) Introduction to Conservation Genetics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Jacobsen, S., McDuff, M., and Monroe, M. (2003) Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
Faculty
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Course length
Full-time: MSc: 12 months, PGDip: 8 months
Part-time: MSc: 24 months, PGDip: 16 months, PGCert: 8 months
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
UKPASS code
P020241
Apply / Entry reqs
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
Entry requirements
You will normally be required to have, or be expecting, an honours degree in anthropology, biology, ecology, psychology or an acceptable related discipline.
If you are not a graduate, or if you have graduated in an unrelated discipline, you will be considered for entry to the course if you can demonstrate in your application and at an interview that you are able to work at an advanced level in the discipline. You may also be asked to write a short essay and/or present evidence of original work in support of your application.
We will consider appropriate credits obtained elsewhere. Accreditation of prior learning (eg a conversion course or an advanced research training course) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the course manager. Accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) will similarly be considered. However, it must be advised that, because the taught aspect is a key component of the course, credit for prior learning will only be given in exceptional cases.
Transfer between part-time and full-time modes, transfer from the diploma to the MSc, or deferral of study may be possible in certain circumstances at the discretion of the examination committee. The programme lead is willing to discuss with international students how the programme can be adapted to their needs, especially through tutorials, study visits and distributed learning.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Preparation courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for this course and also familiarise you with university life. You may also be able to apply for one student visa to cover both courses.
- Take our Pre-Master's course to help you to meet both the English language and academic entry requirements for your master's course
- Take our University English course to help you to meet the English language requirements of your master's course
How to apply
You apply for this course through UKPASS.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All postgraduate single modules are equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, double modules to 20 ECTS credits, and treble modules to 30 ECTS credits. A full master's course will carry 90 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Fees / funding
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
TUITION FEES
UK/EU
Full-time: £5,350
Part-time: £2,730
Open learning: £3,200
International
Full-time: £11,140
Open learning: £6,690
Fees (part-time and full-time) are for the academic year starting in 2012 only, unless otherwise stated. Fees increase annually by approximately 4%.
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Scholarships and funding
There are opportunities to apply for a scholarship which covers the fees for a student from a primate habitat country. Applicants must indicate on their application that they would like to be considered for this scholarship.
- Conservation Leadership Programme
- Charlotte Conservation Fellows Program
- Russel E Train Education for Nature Program Fellowship
- TWOWS Postgraduate Training Fellowship
- Martha J Galante Award
For general sources of financial support, see:
Oxford
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
Why Oxford is a great place to study Primate Conservation
Oxford has much to offer anthropologists and as one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across a range of related topics within the university and within the city of Oxford. In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our Primate Conservation students enjoy strong links with all of the University of Oxford’s museums and libraries including the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Science Library and the Museum of the History of Science.
Support
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
Support for students studying Primate Conservation
Our Student Support Coordinators can give advice on the course, finance, accommodation or personal issues which may be affecting your study and will also regularly update you with information on visiting speakers, careers advice and course announcements. They can also help you to access other support services in the university such as ‘Upgrade’, which offers confidential advice on study skills, and English language support through the international centre.
How Brookes supports postgraduate students
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Research
CONTACT US
Nicky Johnson
social.sciences@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483762
RELATED COURSES:
Departmental research highlights
Conservation Environment and Development, comprising several research clusters.
Research excellence
Our vibrant research culture is driven by a thriving and collaborative community of academic staff and doctoral students. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 70% of our work was judged to be of international quality in terms of originality, significance and rigour, with 5% "world leading". Our strong performance in the RAE, along with our expanding consultancy activities, have enabled us to attract high quality staff and students and helped to generate funding for research projects.
Research centres:
Anthropology Centre for Conservation, Environment and Development
Europe Japan Research Centre
Consultancy:
Oxford Brookes Archaeology and Heritage (OBAH)
Research areas and clusters
Research in the department can be undertaken in the following areas:
- Anthropology of art
- Anthropology of food
- Anthropology of globalisation
- Anthropology of Japan
- Basque studies
- Culture and landscapes
- Environmental archaeology and palæo-anthropology
- Environmental anthropology
- Environmental reconstruction
- Human origins
- Human resource ecology
- Human–wildlife interaction and conservation
- Organisational anthropology
- Physical environmental processes and management
- Primate conservation
- Primatology
- Quaternary environmental change
- Social anthropology of South Asia and Europe
- Urban and environmental studies.
Find out more by visiting our website at www.brookes.ac.uk/social-sciences and browsing our staff profiles.
