DESMAN

February - May 2026 - applications open

This 12 week course is designed to equip conservation professionals with a complete range of skills to maximise their effectiveness at managing or participating in conservation projects. You will learn the latest theory and practice of endangered species recovery, and gain a wide variety of skills in facilitation, management and leadership.

Who is it for?

To be eligible, you must:

1.  be employed in the field of conservation or in teaching conservation-related topics at graduate or postgraduate level, or be   working towards such employment;
2.  if employed, have the support of your employer and confirmation that, should you be selected, you will be returning to your   place of employment after training;
3.  be sufficiently fluent in English to follow technical presentations, read scientific papers, and write short proposals.

What is the course content?

Taught component 

This includes the following main topics:

• biodiversity and drivers of species decline
• conservation planning and priority setting
• the role of zoos and captive breeding
• principles of animal husbandry
• conservation medicine and wildlife disease 
• small population biology and genetics
• in-situ conservation techniques
• management and leadership skills
• facilitation and team skills
• GIS for conservation managers
• captive and field research skills
• education and community conservation
• fundraising and financial management

You will learn useful skills such as population monitoring techniques, field sample collection, and practical GIS skills. You will also get the opportunity to work with Durrell’s animal and veterinary departments, learning practical aspects of care and maintenance of animals in a captive environment.

You will be assessed through the following:

• written assignments and examination
• practical work assessment
• written project proposal and presentation
• written funding proposal

The course is officially validated by the University of Kent. 

Where will the course be run?

The course is based at the Durrell Conservation Academy, at the headquarters of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, in Jersey, British Channel Islands.

We have purpose built learning facilities including a Lecture Theatre, a Library containing over 11,000 volumes and subscriptions to over 60 journals, a Computer Lab, and on-site accommodation. Located in the grounds, the Jersey Zoo animal collection provides the perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience of our animal, veterinary and education departments.

How much will it cost?

For information regarding course fees and costs please refer to the leaflet below. We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for this course. Further information about these is provided during the selection process.

How to apply

To apply, please download the application form available here complete and return it with a copy of your CV and supporting information to academy@durrell.org.

Application deadline: October 2025.

Please Download leaflet for a more detailed outline of the course.