Overview
The School of Natural Sciences offers a postgraduate distance-learning programme in Tropical Forestry available to mature students from across the globe. It is also available to international students who have been awarded a scholarship by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). We have secured CSC scholarships for 2020 entry. Up to 10 scholarships are available for applicants from the following developing commonwealth countries: Ghana, Guyana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia.
Scholarships are worth £18,000, which covers tuition fees and a generous bursary to enable scholars to attend a compulsory two-week study tour scheduled to be held overseas in July/August 2021. A small study grant is also available to help scholars with study costs associated with distance learning (e.g. internet usage). The current scholarships are only available for entrants who are able to start the programme in September 2020.
MSc Tropical Forestry is a part-time programme that is completed in three years. Taught modules make up the first two years, while the third year is dedicated to the final dissertation project. The programme builds on the existing links and strengths of the highly successful forestry masters and PhD programmes in the School of Natural Sciences: MSc Environmental Forestry, MSc Agroforestry, MSc Sustainable Forest Management (SUFONAMA), MSc Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) and Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO). The SUFONAMA, SUTROFOR and FONASO programmes were developed by European Masters consortiums and funded by the EU Erasmus Mundus programme.
The programme is designed to provide students with an enriching education in the interesting and complex subject of tropical forestry. Students gain an understanding of the scientific, academic, and practical principles that underpin forest conservation, protection and management, forest ecosystem function, and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. Suitable applicants include individuals working in forestry/forestry-related industries/natural resource management, particularly in the fields of planning, regulation, policy, monitoring and environmental protection. The course is also suited to individuals working in forestry education who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in order to improve their teaching.
The programme, which is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters in the UK, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become professionals working in tropical forestry-related sectors. Key modules cover social issues in forest management, agroforestry systems and practices, sustainable use of non-timber forest products, and silviculture. Modules in inventory, assessment and monitoring explore issues surrounding the sustainable management of global forest resources.
Course facts
- Name: Tropical Forestry (International Commonwealth Scholarship)
- Qualification: MSc. If for some reason students have to withdraw from the programme before completion, and they have gained sufficient credits, they may be eligible for a PG Certificate or a PG Diploma.
- Duration: 3 year part-time for completion of the MSc
Downloads
- MSc Tropical Forestry (distance learning) Course Leaflet
- MSc Forestry & MSc Tropical Forestry – detailed information
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
