Professional/Short course Conservation Communication and Marketing

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
USSYHC30M
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Applied Sciences
Duration
Approximately four months
Delivery
Online
Course Director
Dr Mark Learmonth (Bristol Zoological Society)

Page last updated 12 May 2025

30 credit level 7 module

Introduction

In partnership with Bristol Zoological Society

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 level 7 module can contribute towards the MSc Conservation Leadership.

Structure

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 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.

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).

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society at UWE Bristol and Bristol Zoological Society have excellent reputations for the quality of their teaching and the facilities they provide, including online study skills support and library services.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Please read our Terms and Conditions.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Apply now Apply