All applicants will need to:

1. Hold a minimum qualification equivalent to a first Honours Degree (BA, BSc, etc). Non-graduates may be considered if they are able to demonstrate considerable experience in the field of environmental conservation practice. If in doubt, please email est@conted.ox.ac.uk;
2. Offer some first-hand knowledge and/or experience of field work or conservation issues;
3. Satisfy the minimum required English language criteria set by the University, being either a native English speaker, or able to offer test results as specified. Applicants with borderline scores may be accepted on condition that they attend a language course and gain an acceptable score;
4. Demonstrate an ability to be able to commit the necessary time to study;
5. Have good access to a computer and a fast/reliable internet connection (for online components).

References

References are secured before prior to short-listing. At least one of the referees must be qualified to comment on academic ability, achievement and potential. Applicants are advised to email est@conted.ox.ac.uk should they be unsure about the suitability of the referees they intend to use.

Written work

Please note that we do not request submission of written work. Where applicants choose to forward such materials, we shall be unable to consider such work as part of the selection process.

Interviews

Applicants whose written applications appear to suggest that basic requirements for entry to the course have been fulfilled will be invited to participate in an interview. All Short-listed applicants will therefore be expected to participate in an interview with the Course Director and another member of the academic team. The interview will be conducted either by telephone or video link. Interview arrangements will be fixed with individual applicants at mutually convenient times. The purpose of the interview is to:

• ensure that the applicant is fully informed of the standard of achievement and level of commitment required by the course of study;
• establish the applicant's level of interest, motivation, enthusiasm and potential to benefit from the course of study.

Applicants are encouraged to cover the following areas within their Personal Statement. These themes will also be picked up at interview -

• previous experience in the environmental conservation sector (professional, voluntary or otherwise)
• previous relevant academic and vocational study or practical experience
• evidence of skills in critical analysis, wide contextual knowledge, and effective time management
• career plans and aspirations

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate: desire and commitment to learn [the applicant might discuss how the qualification will benefit them professionally or in their voluntary work, and to provide a vision of their future environmental activities]; an awareness of the time commitment [applicants will need to demonstrate that their employment and personal circumstances are appropriate and sufficiently flexible to meet the course requirements. Where appropriate, applicants should have already discussed this time commitment with their employers and family before applying to the course]; enthusiasm for the subject [as demonstrated by prior experience and involvement with relevant activities; the ability to work alongside fellow students and tutors [as part of an online community and independently. This may be assessed by asking applicants how much they work collaboratively or independently, in their professional or voluntary work, or in prior experiences of study].