Programme structure
The MSc programme Forest and Nature Conservation (MFN) runs annually, beginning in September. It comprises 120 credit points (EC) and takes two academic years to complete. The first year consists of course work and the second year of an internship and a thesis. The thesis forms the core component of the Master’s degree curriculum.
The course work consists of several compulsory core subjects (CS), restricted optional subjects (RO) and optional subjects from any relevant MSc course offered at Wageningen University or other academic institutions (subject to approval). You can adjust your individual programme to your interests, wishes and needs. Thus, in consultation with your study adviser, your programme can be truly tailor-made. To get an impression on the (possible) content of a study programme see common part and specialisations in the menu on the left.
Academic year
Wageningen University has six teaching periods per year, the first and second lasting eight weeks, the third and fourth lasting four weeks, and the fifth and sixth lasting eight weeks. During an eight-week teaching period, students usually take two six-credit courses for six weeks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, followed by one week of independent study and one week for the scheduled interim examinations. During a four-week teaching period, students take a single six-credit course or two three-credit courses.
Exact Schedule 2011-2012
Common part
The common part consists of compulsory core subjects which you will have to follow despite your specialisation choice. The exact content depends on your prior education.
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Specialisations
A specialisation is a consistent, coherent and feasible package of courses and other parts of the programme. It reflects the specialized research areas of the department(s) (Chair Groups) contributing to the programme.
Within the MSc programme Forest and Nature Conservation three specialisations are defined: 'Policy and Society', 'Management' and 'Ecology'.
Thesis
Thesis work consists of 24 weeks of research and writing (36 credits). The research is usually conducted under supervision of a staff member of one of the Chair Groups that are related to the programme. Students decide in consultation with the study adviser and thesis supervisor about the topic of their research. Usually this topic originates from subjects put forward by the Chair Group, by other institutes, or from the student's own research interests. The research is concluded with a written thesis, which is graded by the supervisor together with another independent staff member. The student also presents his/her results during a seminar ("colloquium"). For more information see thesis and internship and student experiences in the menu on the left.
Internship
The compulsory internship (16 weeks) consists of 24 EC of project work in an institution outside Wageningen University. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with a unique learning opportunity to apply learned skills and concepts to a professional setting. For more information see thesis and internship and student experiences in the menu on the left.
In some cases an internship can be replaced by a second thesis.
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