We host a diverse and vibrant postgraduate community that is expanding rapidly. The research in the department tackles relevant conservation issues through fundamental and applied research and often involves engagement with practitioners. Our local and international students and Postdoctoral Research Fellows are exposed to a multi-disciplinary environment with great opportunities to develop a variety of research skills, supervise postgraduate students and teach. We use a range of research techniques, including field data collection, lab-based research, modelling and sociological study techniques. The university also provides a range of academic support tools and workshops.
The Department of Conservation Management provides multiple qualifications in Nature Conservation.
Programs offered
The following qualification paths exist within the Nature Conservation field:
Academic years begin in January and run through to December. All programs are offered at The Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus, Western Cape, in an area where many of South Africa’s biomes come together, where indigenous forests and fynbos are within walking distance of the campus buildings. Our campus is located just outside the city of George, on the edge of the indigenous forest. Here we have a tremendous diversity of species present, with more than 30 mammal, 200 bird, 250 fungi, 30 reptile, 800 insect, and 1 500 plant species recorded on campus and in the immediate surroundings.
BSc Honours
Our department (together with the Cluster Natural Resource Science and Management) offers a new and exciting BSc Honours in Natural Resource Management. This one-year full-time program includes 6 months of course work integrated with a 6-month research project. The course work takes place in-person on campus throughout the year. Part-time studying or distance learning is, unfortunately, not an option at this stage.
This program includes a multi-disciplinary cohort of students with qualifications in Conservation and related Sciences; Forestry, Wood Technology, Agricultural Management, Socio-Ecology and Environmental Science. All students must complete the compulsory modules (Principles of Sustainability, Statistical Techniques for Research and their Research Project). Applicants with a qualification in Conservation, Botany, Zoology or related fields must select one of two elective modules: Conservation Management or Socio-Ecological Systems. Applicants with a qualification in Environmental Science, Geography or related fields may select the Socio-Ecological Systems elective module.
Prospective students are advised to apply for funding timeously and may contact staff to discuss potential research projects.
MSc and PhD
Prospective students may apply for a two-year master’s program (MSc) or a three-year doctorate program (PhD). Both programs are by research only and involves no course work and available as full-time or part-time studies. Students will conduct a research project under the supervision of our dedicated team of researchers. At the end of the program, the students will submit a dissertation/thesis.
Applicants must select a research topic and find a supervisor willing and able to supervise. The supervision team must include one academic staff member from the Department of Conservation Management and may include other experts external to the university. Applicants are responsible for applying for funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses. Applicants and supervisors together must secure funding for the research costs. Prospective students are advised to contact potential supervisors directly. Please see information on the staff and current research projects and application process
Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows in South Africa are typically appointed with a host and funded by bursaries. Postdocs can get opportunities to develop research skills, supervise postgraduate students and teach. Prospective postdoctoral fellows are advised to contact potential hosts directly. Please see information on the staff and current research projects.