Call for applications: 2026 PGr Diploma in Wildlife Conservation
Claudio Sillero
Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation 2026-27
The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford invites applications for its outstanding Diploma
Since 2009, in a joint endeavour of the Department of Biology and Oxford Lifelong Learning, WildCRU has been teaching a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation. We aim to build applied conservation skills in promising conservationists from biodiversity-rich, but low- and middle-income countries, where specialist training may be difficult to access. Delivered in close association with Panthera, the course is particularly well suited to applicants working in terrestrial vertebrate conservation, especially those focused on carnivores.
We have been able to sponsor most of our Global South students through full scholarships. To date, we have trained 137 conservationists and helped them advance their careers. Many alumni now work in government and NGOs, lead conservation programmes, establish their own organisations or pursue further academic training through MSc and PhD degrees.
Scholarships
Critically, most Global South students receive full scholarships. This year we will offer Arabian Leopard Fund Scholarships for Middle Eastern nationals and a Tang Scholarship for a Chinese national. In addition, through the generosity of the Notsew Orm Sands Foundation from 2026 we will offer five Burnett Scholarships for African students each year.
Who should apply
The Diploma is aimed at early-career conservationists and conservation scientists. Suitable candidates will normally:
- hold a BSc (or equivalent) in biology or a closely related field, and
- have substantial hands-on fieldwork experience in conservation (typically at least 2-3 years), preferably in the Global South.
The course is taught in English, and applicants must have an adequate standard of spoken and written English. Applicants already enrolled in a doctorate, or seeking a career switch, are generally not prioritised.
You can learn more about the curriculum and application process on our website. Please contact us if you have any questions about the Diploma.
Application deadline: Tuesday 3rd March 2026 at 12 (noon), UK time.
The application procedure is highly competitive. To help applicants gauge their suitability before applying we strongly encourage potential candidates to email their CV for an initial assessment to wildcru...@biology.ox.ac.uk
Additional considerations for applicants:
- The course runs full-time for 8 months in Oxford, UK (October 2026-May 2027).
- Students are enrolled as regular graduate students at the University of Oxford. Teaching takes place at the Life and Mind Building and students reside at Pembroke College.
- Strong professional and academic references are essential.
- Applicants are normally required to hold a BSc-equivalent qualification in biology or a natural resources-related field. In exceptional cases, demonstrably equivalent professional experience in wildlife conservation may be considered.
- Priority is given to applicants working in terrestrial vertebrate conservation, with a particular interest in the order Carnivora and in issues and regions important to the conservation of these species.
- Applicants must have English skills sufficient for graduate-level study at Oxford (see IELTS/TOEFL score requirements). English-language waivers may be available to candidates who have studied at university level in English for at least nine months and can provide appropriate evidence.
- While we may show some flexibility in English-language requirements for strong applicants, students must also meet UK visa English-language requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Applications submitted without English-language test evidence may still be treated as complete; however, any offer would be conditional on meeting the language requirement.
Claudio Sillero
Two weeks to the deadline - Looking for excellent candidates for our Postgraduate Diploma - to begin in October 2026 at Oxford.
Help us spread the word by sharing this call with potential candidates.
Thanks, Claudio
……………………….
Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation 2026-27
The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford invites applications for its outstanding Diploma
Since 2009, in a joint endeavour of the Department of Biology and Oxford Lifelong Learning, WildCRU has been teaching a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation. We aim to build applied conservation skills in promising conservationists from biodiversity-rich, but low- and middle-income countries, where specialist training may be difficult to access. Delivered in close association with Panthera, the course is particularly well suited to applicants working in terrestrial vertebrate conservation, especially those focused on carnivores.
We have been able to sponsor most of our Global South students through full scholarships. To date, we have trained 137 conservationists and helped them advance their careers. Many alumni now work in government and NGOs, lead conservation programmes, establish their own organisations or pursue further academic training through MSc and PhD degrees.
Scholarships
Critically, most Global South students receive full scholarships. This year we will offer Arabian Leopard Fund Scholarships for Middle Eastern nationals, a Tang Scholarship for a Chinese national, and a Zoo Berlin Conservation Scholarship to empower female conservationists. In addition, through the generosity of the Notsew Orm Sands Foundation from 2026 we will offer five Burnett Scholarships for African students each year.