Master’s Degree in Terrestrial Biodiversity

Presentation

This is an inter-university Master's degree taught in collaboration with the universities of A Coruña and Vigo. Its main objective is to train professionals specialised in the characterisation, conservation and management of terrestrial biodiversity, who, after completing their studies, will be able to enter the labour market (both in the public administration with competences in this field and in environmental consultancies or through self-employment).

The Master's Degree is fundamentally practical, with the aim of ensuring that students master all the tools that they may need in the future. This orientation is new within the Spanish university system as, to date, there are no other degrees that share it. At the same time, the acquisition of this knowledge can also be extremely useful for all students who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies at a later date.

Main Objective

The aim is to form professional for companies of Environmental Consulting, Environmental Companies and Administrations and improve the knowledges of the already devoted professionals to this activity. Besides they form new researchers to incorporate in teams of investigation of public centres and companies related with the characterisation, the conservation and the management of the terrestrial biodiversity.

The Master’s degree has a fundamentally practical nature and aims to ensure that students master all the tools they may need in the future. This orientation is new within the Spanish university system, since, to date, there are no other degrees that share this approach.

Career and Academic Opportunities

Graduates will have an academic profile that enables them to access positions related to the study and management of biodiversity, such as environmental consultancy, environmental responsibility roles within public administrations, or environmental outreach and communication, among others.

In parallel, the acquisition of this knowledge may also be highly useful for students who are interested in subsequently pursuing PhD studies.

Competencies

Students who complete the Master’s degree will acquire a wide range of skills and competencies that will enable them to address the study of Terrestrial Biodiversity. These include the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), knowledge of sampling systems and population monitoring, identification of animals and plants, characterization of the physical environment, habitat and population conservation techniques, preparation of environmental impact assessments, and the design of management plans for protected natural areas, among others.

Basic Competencies

CB06: To possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and/or application of ideas, often within a research context.
CB07: To be able to apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
CB08: To be able to integrate knowledge and deal with the complexity of forming judgments based on information that, while incomplete or limited, includes reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of knowledge and judgments.
CB09: To be able to communicate conclusions, and the underlying knowledge and reasoning that support them, clearly and unambiguously to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
CB10: To possess learning skills that enable continued study in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

General Competencies

CG01: Ability to analyze the current and future status of terrestrial biodiversity.
CG02: Use of appropriate terminology in the field of terrestrial biodiversity.
CG03: Use information sources and databases necessary to contribute to analysis and generate specific information in the field of terrestrial biodiversity.
CG04: Draft professional reports and scientific publications related to terrestrial biodiversity.
CG05: Contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of terrestrial biodiversity.

Transversal Competencies

CT01: Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CT02: Capacity for reasoning, argumentation, and decision-making.
CT03: Ability to work in groups and address problematic situations collectively.
CT04: Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse, and up-to-date information in different languages.
CT05: Commitment to the accuracy and reliability of the information provided to others.
CT06: Ability to solve problems through the integrated application of knowledge.

Specific Competencies

CE01: Knowledge of the operating principles of Geographic Information Systems and their potential for the characterization and management of the natural environment.
CE02: Ability to apply statistical analysis to the overall characterization of community responses to environmental factors.
CE03: Ability to design and properly conduct sampling and experiments, and to correctly interpret results.
CE04: Acquire knowledge for risk assessment in the natural environment and its prevention.
CE05: Knowledge and application of methodologies for monitoring natural populations and, where appropriate, recognizing the threat level of a species or its invasive potential.
CE06: Knowledge of organism identification techniques and types of biological interactions.
CE07: Ability to recognize different habitats and assess their conservation status.
CE08: Knowledge of geological, geomorphological, and soil-related techniques and aspects relevant to understanding terrestrial biodiversity.
CE09: Knowledge of the main factors leading to the degradation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and of restoration strategies.
CE10: Ability to identify, assess, and prevent the effects of environmental changes on the different components of terrestrial biodiversity.
CE11: Knowledge of the social, economic, and legal factors involved in the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.
CE12: Ability to prepare environmental impact assessments.
CE13: Ability to communicate information related to terrestrial biodiversity.
CE14: Ability to analyze business-related situations.
CE15: Knowledge of the foundations for the preparation of management plans for protected natural areas and reserve networks.

Structure and Distribution of Credits

According to the official programme structure published by the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (coordinating university):

Explanation of Components

• Compulsory Subjects (36 ECTS): Core courses that build essential skills and knowledge in terrestrial biodiversity, including GIS, sampling techniques, population monitoring, data processing, and basic biodiversity concepts.
• Elective Subjects (33 ECTS): Optional courses allow students to tailor their training toward specific interests such as habitat characterization, conservation biology, environmental law, socio‑economic aspects of biodiversity, and more.
• External Internships (12 ECTS): Professional placements in companies or research centres that provide practical experience and professional networking.
• Master’s Final Project (9 ECTS): Independent research or professional project that integrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme.

Courses

• By term
• By year