Durrell Endangered Species Management Graduate Certificate (DESMAN)
February - May 2026 - applications open
An award winning course, validated by the University of Kent
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:
be employed in the field of conservation or in teaching conservation-related topics at graduate or postgraduate level, or be working towards such employment;
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;
be sufficiently fluent in English to follow technical presentations, read scientific papers, and write short proposals.
Please note that this is an intensive course with a considerable workload.
"The course changed my life, not only professionally but also personally."
DESMAN course participant.
"I know the course will definitely have a positive impact on my professional career. I updated my LinkedIn profile, highlighting my skills in management & leadership in biodiversity conservation and I have already received a request to send my CV for a potential job".
DESMAN course participant.
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
Practical work
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.
Teaching staff & guest lecturers
In addition to Durrell’s own expert staff, you will be taught by a wide variety of highly respected international experts brought in to give greater insight into specialist topics.
Course assessment
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 formavailable herecomplete 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.