Specialisation Management
Conserving nature and ecosystems requires a broad understanding of both the societal and ecological factors influencing nature areas. In the specialisation ‘Management’ you gain knowledge on both sides of the ‘forest and nature conservation spectrum’.
Understanding ecology
In order to manage nature areas in a correct way you need to understand how nature areas work. Within the specialisation you gain knowledge on topics like wildlife management, forest resource management, animal ecology, plant ecology and nature management. You gain fundamental knowledge which can apply in both a local and a global context. You learn which principals are key when conserving nature areas for current and future generations.
Societal influences
Equally important to understanding how natural processes work is knowing which societal factors influence nature conservation and management. Political, economic and societal factors play a large role in nature conservation. What choices have to be made in nature conservation regarding both economic and ecological possibilities. On the other hand, society greatly influences the way which nature is managed. Peoples perspectives and dependency’s on nature for their livelihood greatly varies and influences how we manage nature.
Combining ecology & society
In this specialisation both ecology and societal aspects of forest- and nature conservation are addressed. The topics are diverse, addressing for instance wildlife and plant ecology, forest ecology and management, nature conservation policy, livelihoods, commodities and economics. You eventually decide on which topics you focus in both your courses and your free choice options.
Courses
Within this specialisation there is no compulsory course, but you have to choose courses from several clusters.
Select two courses from
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Resource Dynamics
- Agroforestry
- Restoration Ecology
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management
- Disease Ecology
Select one course from
- Communities, Conservation & Development
- Natural Resource Economics
- Decision-Making Forest Nature Management
Choose courses from this cluster if desired or advised to prepare for your future thesis
- Quantitative Research Methodology & Statistics
- Social and Political Theory
- Methodology for Field Research
- Plant, Vegetation and Systems Ecology
- Animal Ecology
Thesis
You will do your thesis at one of the four Chairgroups that are involved in this study programme. See also Thesis & internship. Links to all courses can be found in the course catalogue.
During my internship and thesis I got the experience I needed to find a good job.
Career prospects
This specialisation provides an excellent preparation for Dutch as well as European and non-European jobs. Read the story of Management alumna Claudia or find out more about future careers.
How to apply
Are you interested in following the specialisation Policy and Society of the master's Forest and Nature Conservation? We have put together all information you need to complete your application.