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RB Smith, MSc Conservation

Meet RB, a student on our MSc Conservation programme.

RB Smith News Article

31 December 2024

He tells us about his passion for nature and desire to apply his biology background to real-world conservation issues.

Why were you interested in studying an MSc in Conservation?

鈥淚鈥檝e always been passionate about nature, and had studied biology previously, but was interested in applying that training to real-world conservation issues.聽

鈥淚 was looking for a programme in the UK that was both scientifically rigorous and taught practical applications that I hadn鈥檛 previously studied.鈥

And why did you to choose to study at 果冻影院?

鈥淚 emailed Professor Peter Jones, the course director at the time, and he was extremely helpful in sending information about the course and its modules.聽

鈥淚 was especially attracted to the broad, interdisciplinary nature of 果冻影院 Geography, where ecologists, climate modellers, human geographers and policy specialists all work under the same roof.鈥

What were the most interesting or engaging things you learned on the course?

鈥淚 haven鈥檛 even finished the first term, but so far I鈥檝e particularly appreciated the modules focusing on conservation ethics聽and the human dimensions of the field.聽

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 something that was directly addressed in my previous coursework in biology, but I think is critical for anyone hoping to work in this area.聽

鈥淚 also really appreciate the face time we鈥檝e gotten with a wide array of conservation professionals working all around the UK.鈥

Can you tell us about any particularly memorable experiences from your time as a Master's student with us?

鈥淭he week-long field course to Snowdonia has definitely been a highlight so far.聽

鈥淲e got to talk in-depth with farmers, ecologists, park managers and other people involved with national park policy to get a wide range of perspectives on how land is understood and managed.聽

鈥淭he field course to north Norfolk, which focused on environmental data collection methods, was also a high point, and we鈥檙e only a few months in!鈥

What have you been doing since graduation?

鈥淚 hope to work in interdisciplinary land management, combining biology and policy to promote both ecosystem health and local interests.聽

鈥淲hile I鈥檓 not sure whether I鈥檒l ultimately want to do this from within or outside academia, I feel that 果冻影院鈥檚 MSc in Conservation is preparing me for both possible paths.鈥

Would you recommend studying Global Studies in the Department and why?

鈥淎bsolutely! For someone interested in getting experience in a wide range of techniques and perspectives related to conservation, along with exposure to working conservation professionals in the UK, I think the course is a perfect fit.鈥


More Information

Interested in following in RB鈥檚 footsteps? Find out more about our MSc Conservation course聽and see out other degrees in the Study section.