Fw: WildCRU Postgraduate Diploma 2020 - call for applicants
Stefan Avramov
Dear all,
Since 2009, the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at University of Oxford has been running a postgraduate diploma in international wildlife conservation established specifically to provide training in applied conservation skills to promising conservationists from less-developed parts of the world, where such training may be difficult to obtain. Importantly, we have been able to sponsor most of our students each year (typical class size is 8 students – full or partial sponsorship).
Over the years we’ve trained over 70 people and helped them advance their careers. Indeed, many have gone on to run conservation projects, NGOs, obtain positions in (government) management organisations or advanced their scientific careers through M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. Candidates are required to have a minimum of a BSc-equivalent qualification in a biology/natural resources-related field, or in exceptional cases a demonstrated equivalent experience in the field of wildlife conservation practice. An additional requirement is considerable, at least 2-3 years, of hands-on field work experience in conservation issues in the developing world. However, the Diploma is aimed at early career conservationists, those already enrolled for a doctorate degree would not be considered a priority candidate. As the course is taught in English, an adequate level of spoken and written English is necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question about the diploma. You can read about its curriculum and application process here: www.wildcru.org/diploma. The deadline for the 2020 course is Friday, June 14th 2019 at 12 noon, UK time.
Some important points for applicants to keep in mind:
· Duration: 7-month full time residential component (March-Sept. 2020) / preceded by a one month (Feb 2020) distance-learning module
· Students are enrolled as regular graduate University of Oxford students
· Applicants need to have good English skills, sufficient for graduate level studies at Oxford (see IELTS/TOEFL score requirements here). English language evidence waivers can be issued to candidates who have studied for at least 9 months at University level in English (and have evidence to prove that). Finally, although we are willing to show some flexibility in English language requirements for some of the stronger applicants, the UK Boarder Agency requires a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for every student entering the UK (if they do not have a waiver). Importantly, applications without evidence of English language scores will be considered complete, but any offer would be conditional on the candidate meeting the language requirement.
· Strong references are essential
· Priority given to applicants who are involved in terrestrial mammal conservation, especially of large carnivores and/or in areas important for the conservation of these species.
