Tropical Forestry (Taught)

The School of Natural Sciences offers a postgraduate distance-learning programme in Tropical Forestry available to mature students from across the globe.

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.