Master's in Wildlife Science (2 Years)


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Wildlife Institute of India initiated the Masters course in Wildlife Science in 1987 in response to a critical gap felt since 1970 for such an academic programme to address the needs of wildlifeMaster's in Wildlife Science conservation in a modern and fast developing India. This pioneering course has also reached out to countries in South and South East Asia. The intricately structured course ensures the right amalgamation of theory and practical training. It instills in the young minds the spirit of scientific enquiry and acute sensitivity to environmental issues.

The two-year course in Wildlife Science not only seeks to meet the increasing demand for research and monitoring of wildlife and their habitats, and provide trained biologists to further the cause of wildlife conservation, but also serves as a model for developing higher education at the interface of interdisciplinary environment and development elsewhere in the country.

The M.Sc. programme has created a highly-skilled cadre of excellent wildlife biologists and conservation scientists and managers who have consistently made real-world impact on conservation policy and practice in India and beyond.

Being a biennial course, since its inception in 1987, seventeen batches have passed out till date. The course alumni are working in leading national and international organizations and have made significant contributions to conservation policy.

Objectives :

The M.Sc. course in Wildlife Science provides a strong scientific basis for successful implementation of conservation policy and practice. Management practices, wildlife habitat and species populations need constant monitoring if conservation efforts are to be effective. This course trains young minds in concepts and cutting edge techniques to effectively tackle these issues and challenges. The course provides rapidly evolving knowledge in newer areas of landscape ecology, remote sensing and conservation genetics beyond what is traditionally offered by Universities. Very few courses integrate ecology with a variety of related subjects to form a single discipline. This course at the Wildlife Institute of India attempts to integrate scientific disciplines and therefore, serves as a “model course” to train conservation scientists in the country.

Course Structure :

The M.Sc. course in Wildlife Science is a two year full time curriculum offered in the form of Choice-based Credit System organised in four semesters of 24 credits each.

Since the first syllabus drafted by WII and published as an FAO document, the course contents have been reviewed periodically and revised in 1995, 1999 and 2001 in order to match the progress in discipline worldwide and the changing requirements in its application.

The first three semesters focus on building theoretical understanding and developing field and practical skills. The fourth semester is devoted to a rigorous 6-month independent field or lab based dissertation guided by faculty supervisors.

Students are trained to develop independent critical thinking through review of published research. They develop essential skills to develop proposals, defend their theses and write papers through working on term papers, assignments and the dissertation.

Master's in Wildlife ScienceField Tours :

WII provides the most rigorous, diverse and insightful training in on-ground field exposure through field work in wildlife habitats and biodiversity rich areas in India from the highest reaches of the Himalaya, desert regions, North-East India and Western Ghats, wetlands and coastal and marine habitats across the country. Students obtain hands-on training and gain critical understanding of issues at the interface of development, livelihoods, health, community participation with wildlife conservation. This is a unique and major strength of the course that places it at the forefront of innovative educational programmes with real-world impact.

Eligibility :

Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Medical Science, Engineering, Veterinary Science,Agriculture, Forestry, Pharmacy, Social Science and Computer Science or degrees recognized as equivalent thereof. Minimum of 15 years of formal education (either 10+2+3 or 11+2+2).

Candidates who have completed the graduation degree in any of the above disciplines with a pass certificate (50% in aggregate at the field of studies mentioned above for general category and OBC candidates and 45% in aggregate for SC/ST candidates), or who have appeared OR will be appearing at the qualifying (final) bachelor's degree examination and whose result is still awaited may also apply. However, Consolidated Marksheet/Graduation Pass Certificate/Provisional Degree Certificate needs to be provided prior to the registration in the course by 31 July 2023.

Number of Seats :

Twenty (20) students will be admitted to this course, which includes15 Indian and 05 foreign nationals (with preference to SAARC countries). The break-up of seats is as follows:

General — 07; OBC— 04; SC — 02; ST — 01; EWS – 01; Foreign — 05.

In case of 5 foreign candidates are not selected, these seats will be offered to Indian candidates as per the reservation policy of Government of India.

Course Fee::

The fee structure for the entire course is as follows:

Indian nationals - Rs. 6,00,000
Foreign nationals - US $ 13,800

SCHOLARSHIPS :

Subject to fund availability, the Institute provides full scholarship to eight Indian students based on their selection merit. The scholarship covers academic fee, hostel accommodation and a monthly stipend. The breakup of the scholarships is: General - 03; OBC – 02, SC - 01; ST – 01 and EWS - 01.

Other candidates (Indian & Foreign) selected for the course will be treated as self-sponsored. The students are required to pay the course fee in four equal instalments prior to commencement of each semester.

For more information, please contact

Wildlife Institute of India
Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, INDIA
Phone: +91-135-2646100; 2640114 to 115; Fax: +91-135-2640117
Email: wii [at] wii.gov [dot] in ; Website: https://wii.gov.in

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