We’ve partnered with the University of Chester to launch this first of its kind postgraduate qualification focused on Conservation and Sustainability Education.
Our belief is that education is key to empowering people to play their part in resolving the global biodiversity crisis. In line with WAZA’s Global Strategy for Conservation Education and the launch of the Department of Education Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, we’ve teamed up with the University of Chester to offer a brand new postgraduate qualification focused on Conservation and Sustainability Education.
As the UK’s leading conservation zoo, we are working with one of the few Ofsted Outstanding teacher training facilities in the country to deliver the Conservation and Sustainability Education qualification. This collaboration between two institutions with a long history of excellence in their fields has led to the development of a three-module programme which supports professional educators, early career conservationists and those supporting conservation change.
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This world-leading programme makes use of the latest technologies to deliver an innovative and interactive online learning experience that will allow you to connect with educators from across the globe. You’ll learn from leading experts to develop a network to support your personal, organisational and conservation goals.
During the course you’ll learn about:
- Education programme design and implementation
- Drivers for engagement in conservation and sustainability
- Conservation threats and how they may be mitigated through conservation education
- Monitoring and evaluation methods
- Andragogy and pedagogy theory
- Using conservation to support learning across a curriculum
- Co-creating and building community participation
- Use of global, national and local conservation case studies
- Designing practical conservation activities and workshops
- Developing spaces for learning
- Reflective practice
Learn at Chester Zoo
The optional Applied Conservation and Sustainability Education module will run annually every summer from 2023 and be based at the zoo. With over 20,000 animals spread across 128 acres of zoological gardens, this module will ensure you gain first-hand experience in conservation education.
The degree will be led by Uná Meehan, Charlotte Smith, Liz Webb and Dr Andy Moss supported by a range of experts in conservation sustainability education to provide you with the skills needed to influence change, create innovative and meaningful programmes and assess the impact of your educational strategies.
There are three compulsory modules delivered virtually by staff at Chester Zoo and the University of Chester with a standalone extra 20-credit module delivered at both the University and Chester Zoo commencing Summer 2023.
To ensure professionals all over the world and those in employment can access this, the course will run over 2 weekends per term and will require students to attend both Friday (twilight) and Saturday (all day) lectures, seminars and workshops.
We know that successful conservation and sustainability educators can come from a wide range of backgrounds. The course is suitable for educators working, or aspiring to work, in a variety of settings including zoos and aquariums, conservation and sustainability NGOs and in the formal education sector. We very much welcome those who are new to conservation, with a wide variety of academic backgrounds.
Find out more and apply
For more information on modules, fees and how to apply please visit the University of Chester website.