Forest and Nature Conservation

The Master Forest and Nature Conservation focuses on policy, sustainable management and conservation of forest and nature, i.e. understanding and predicting the effect of phenomena such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecotourism, timber production and animal reintroduction. Insights into all aspects of forest and nature conservation are required to address these issues. The study programme represents an integrated approach to natural resource management that can be applied at different scales, to diverse ecosystems and in varying political and social contexts. An outstanding research environment and three comprehensive specialisations contribute to making the programme challenging for undergraduates from both the natural and social sciences.

You read about it every day. Deforestation, ecosystem conservation…. Forest and nature areas are complex land use systems that have come under increasing ecological, social and economic pressure. During this two-year programme at Wageningen University, you will learn about forest management, deforestation, forestry, ecosystem conservation, wildlife management, social aspects of nature and more.

Explore the field

Forest and nature areas are complex land use systems under increasing ecological, social and economic pressure at different scales. On a local level, exploitation of biological resources, changes in hydrological and other environmental conditions and different stakeholder interests, are important. On a global level, sustainable management has to deal with climate change, deforestation, resource degradation, the demand for biodiversity and ecotourism.

Aim of the programme

It will be a major challenge to maintain the economic viability of forests and nature areas, while at the same time ensuring that it provides the non-market goods and services that are increasingly in demand. It is therefore important that together we increase our understanding on functioning and processes in forest and nature areas, so that they can be utilized and conserved in a sustainable manner.

The MSc Forest and Nature Conservation programme (MFN) is a two year programme. Starting in September, the first year consists of 40 weeks of course work. The second year is divided into an academic internship (16 weeks) and the thesis research project (26 weeks). The programme is individually tailored to your interests and requirements.

Courses, thesis and internship

In the first year, you take a number of compulsory core subjects (CS), restricted optional subjects (RO) and optional subjects. As an optional subject, you can choose any relevant MSc subject offered at Wageningen University or at another academic institution. Together with your study adviser, you adjust your individual programme to your own interests, wishes and needs: your programme is truly tailor-made.

Academic year

All Wageningen University Master programmes have six teaching periods in the first year. The first, second, fifth and sixth periods last eight weeks each; the third and fourth last four weeks. In an eight-week teaching period, students usually take two courses for six weeks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, followed by one week of independent study and one week for the examinations. During a four-week teaching period, students take a single six-credit course.

Students who wish to enrol in a MSc programme at Wageningen University must: have a BSc degree (or equivalent) in a field of science relevant to the specific programme selected; have a Grade Point Average for the BSc study of at least 7 (or 70% of the maximum of the scale); be fluent in English, both written and spoken;have good skills in mathematics and/or statistics; have good computer skills (Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook; use and structure of the Internet; RSI-prevention). English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) FCE score : (read more) Cambridge English: First (FCE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at an upper-intermediate level (IELTS 5.5-6.5). It is an international English language exam which provides the perfect foundation for success in study and work. Take Cambridge English: First to prove your ability to use everyday written and spoken English when applying to study abroad. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Scholarships / Grants:

Neso Indonesia:
StuNed Scholarships for Master studies, short courses and customized training programmes are available for Indonesian professionals with at least two years work experience in a development-related organization.
For additional information: Website

World Bank:
Successful applicants for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program will be awarded funding covering all tuition and admission fees, as well as housing and subsistence allowance. Travel expenses between the awardees' home countries and Tokyo will also be provided.
For additional information: Website

Wagening Univerisity:
The Wageningen University Fund aims to maintain and strengthen the unique character of Wageningen University. Since 1951, the Fund has been organising and financing activities that support excellent research and education and stimulate the academic development of students.
For additional information: Website

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This fund exists to enable promising students from developing countries to study at Wageningen University. The long term goal is the training of talented experts who will go on to play leading roles in improving the agricultural production, rural development and environment in their own countries.
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For additional information: Website

United Nations:
For additional information: Website

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands