Delivered by UWE Bristol and Bristol Zoological Society staff, this online course offers a rich learning experience.

This 30 credit module, Conservation Communication and Marketing, will provide you with skills in the methods of communication applicable to different professional conservation and commercial contexts at a leadership level, as well as managing relationships with various stakeholders. Inclusivity and antiracism are a key aspect of this. The module also covers the different forms of governance that are relevant to biodiversity and the ways to promote legal advocacy in conservation.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• communicate effectively and professionally to engage and persuade stakeholders and drive conservation outcomes.    
• demonstrate a critical understanding of effective governance in conservation with reference to ethics, risk management, compliance, and administration.    
• create comprehensive, effective communications campaigns for conservation initiatives and environmental or wildlife advocacy aimed at diverse audiences, and understand the process of evaluation of these campaigns, from start to finish. 
• understand and critique the different ways of employing media and marketing to support a conservation organisation.

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the MSc Conservation Leadership and Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team using the enquiry form below.

Content

The module syllabus typically includes the following topics:

Designing a communication strategy

• Understanding the different communication methods to apply in different contexts
• Developing communication skills through oral presentation and networking skills
• Understanding and focusing your target audience and identifying the best mean and platform for communication
• Communication in a cross-cultural environment
• Using communication strategies to engage with partners, sponsors and guarantee buy-in from stakeholders
• Evaluation of communications strategies, and how to leverage effective communications techniques

Marketing for achieving conservation goals

• Audience engagement and strategic communication
• Context, audience, messages
• Measurement and analytics
• Fundraising and outcome focus
• Conservation advocacy
• Identify stakeholders
• Effective transmission frameworks for information transfer across social and political boundaries
• Demonstrating scientific rigour and its relevance to good conservation practice

Communication styles of a leader and self-reflection

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) in communications

• Anti-racism awareness as well as following best practice when working/communicating with vulnerable individuals and communities
• Understanding the importance of diversity and authenticity of voices in communications, and decolonisation of conservation communications

Governance in conservation

• Understanding the fundamental tenets of governance; ethics, risk management, compliance, and administration
• Environmental policy and how to target policy content-relevant information to policy makers
• Managing partnerships around conflicting goals

Learning and Teaching

This course is delivered 100% online. Creating a flexible learning environment to suit your needs.

This level 7 (Masters level) module will be delivered through a combination of recorded lectures and asynchronous activities, including contributions to forums, wikis and guided reading. Students will also be offered live, interactive tutorial classes and facilitated group work.

You will have access to learning materials a few days prior to the first live online session.

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a written assignment (1,500 words) and an individual presentation (10 minutes speaking and 10 minutes questions from the marking team).