Student Profiles

As a one of the top biological sciences faculties in the UK, we attract students from Britain and around the world. Students past and present share their experiences...

Carly Lynsdale: MSc Biodiversity and Conservation 2010

"I thought it would be good to build up my transferable skills and experience because I want to work in ecology and conservation. I did a BSc in Biology at Leeds and in my third year I applied for my Masters.

My course is quite flexible and covers a broad range of things combined with a lot of practical experience. I’ve just been to Spain for the field course.

We have lectures, seminars and group presentations. There are no exams, it’s all coursework. There are lab sessions and individual pieces of coursework as well. We’ve also got tutorials and a project supervisor for our dissertations. It’s a broad mix which works well.

All the module managers are accessible and you have a personal tutor who you can talk to. The course is really sociable and there’s a mix of international students and people from different subjects – zoology, geography, biology - and that’s really good. It builds your experience and confidence because you network.

I work at Leeds University Union and I’m also a demonstrator for practicals. I would like a job with DEFRA, Natural England or something in the environment sector in the UK. I’d consider doing a PhD after some work experience.

My advice to people thinking about a masters in biodiversity and conservation is ‘be prepared to work hard but you will enjoy it and it will be worth it."

Student Profiles

Hannah Wynne: MSc Biodiversity and Conservation

During my undergraduate degree I did bits and pieces of conservation, and I decided that was my area of interest and something I wanted to pursue. Leeds is a very friendly city – somewhere you feel instantly at home, and I knew I wanted to move to Yorkshire. It also happened that the University has a particularly good Biodiversity and Conservation course!

When I started my course I was working four nights a week in a bar to support myself – I found I was going straight from the lab to work and back again! I arranged a meeting with the course co-ordinator to discuss my options and he was really helpful. I changed to part-time study and it has been great being able to study over two years, although you still need to be organised and to manage your time appropriately. 

All the lecturers are very approachable and supportive, and they often invite guest speakers from outside organisations, which is great for networking. We get to speak to lots of people and explore our range of options and often this opens the door to volunteering opportunities. I have been volunteering for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and ideally I’d like to work as a ranger or consultant for an organisation like that once I finish my course.  I enjoy the hands-on work – recently we have been digging up reed beds at the Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve, and in a few weeks I’m going on a bat handling course which I’m really looking forward to!

Student Profile

Rebecca Neal:MSc Biodiversity and Conservation 2008

“I was attracted to study Biodiversity and Conservation at Leeds by the very flexible course (more so than others in the field), the practical elements, e.g. surveying and bat handling and the Africa field trip.  The Africa field trip has been particularly enjoyable. I have also enjoyed challenging myself when doing assignments!

Making new friends, meeting new people and living in a different place has been great. Looking to the future I want to work in either conservation or education or a combination of the two.“