Tropical Forestry MSc by Distance Learning (International Commonwealth Scholarship): (Deadline 06 April 2020)

Tropical Forestry MSc by Distance Learning (International Commonwealth Scholarship): (Deadline 06 April 2020)

The School of Natural Sciences offers a postgraduate distance-learning programme in Tropical Forestry available to mature students from across the globe. It is also available to international students who have been awarded a scholarship by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). We have secured CSC scholarships for 2020 entry. Up to 10 scholarships are available for applicants from the following developing commonwealth countries: Ghana, Guyana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia.

Scholarships are worth £18,000, which covers tuition fees and a generous bursary to enable scholars to attend a compulsory two-week study tour scheduled to be held overseas in July/August 2021. A small study grant is also available to help scholars with study costs associated with distance learning (e.g. internet usage). The current scholarships are only available for entrants who are able to start the programme in September 2020.

MSc Tropical Forestry is a part-time programme that is completed in three years. Taught modules make up the first two years, while the third year is dedicated to the final dissertation project. The programme builds on the existing links and strengths of the highly successful forestry masters and PhD programmes in the School of Natural Sciences: MSc Environmental Forestry, MSc Agroforestry, MSc Sustainable Forest Management (SUFONAMA), MSc Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) and Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO). The SUFONAMA, SUTROFOR and FONASO programmes were developed by European Masters consortiums and funded by the EU Erasmus Mundus programme.

The programme is designed to provide students with an enriching education in the interesting and complex subject of tropical forestry. Students gain an understanding of the scientific, academic, and practical principles that underpin forest conservation, protection and management, forest ecosystem function, and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. Suitable applicants include individuals working in forestry/forestry-related industries/natural resource management, particularly in the fields of planning, regulation, policy, monitoring and environmental protection. The course is also suited to individuals working in forestry education who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in order to improve their teaching.

The programme, which is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters in the UK, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become professionals working in tropical forestry-related sectors. Key modules cover social issues in forest management, agroforestry systems and practices, sustainable use of non-timber forest products, and silviculture. Modules in inventory, assessment and monitoring explore issues surrounding the sustainable management of global forest resources.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have at least an upper-second class degree in a relevant subject (forestry, conservation, land management, natural sciences, economics). Candidates with lower qualifications (e.g. lower second class degree or professional qualifications) who have sufficient, relevant work experience may also be considered.

Unlike in previous years, the CSC no longer stipulates that candidates need to provide evidence of their competence in English by means of IELTS.

The CSC requires that all applicants ensure they have at least one independent reference in support of their application.  Applications for scholarships MUST be made directly through the CSC Electronic Application System (See ‘Apply’).

In order to study on this programme, students must have regular access to a computer with internet access, as the University cannot provide such facilities to distance learning students.  Scholars who do not have access to reliable electricity and computing facilities will not be shortlisted for a scholarship. A small study grant (~GBP £150/year) will be provided to successful scholars to assist them with the costs of computing and internet access.

Applicants must ensure they are eligible for entry to the programme and that distance learning is an appropriate mode of study for them before applying for a CSC scholarship.

Application

Application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)

**IMPORTANT**

Applicants who do not apply directly to the CSC cannot be considered for a CSC scholarship on MSc Tropical Forestry (distance learning).

In order to be considered for nomination for a CSC scholarship, you must apply directly to the CSC.

Applications must be submitted to the CSC by Monday 6^th April 2020 at the latest. All applications must include the following supporting documentation in order for their applications to be eligible for consideration:

• Copy of  valid passport or national ID card showing  photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship – uploaded to the online application system
• At least one reference – submitted directly by the referee to the online application system. Referees will be sent an email request however applicants are responsible for seeking permission from their referees in advance of submitting their application; for ensuring that their referees are available to complete the reference by the deadline; and that the referees have received the reference request email.
• An offer letter from Bangor University for a place of study in the 2020/21 academic year – uploaded to the CSC’s online application system
• Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system

The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.

Once the CSC online application portal opens, in early March 2020, you should:

• Access the CSC Electronic Application System via http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/distance-learning/
• Carefully read the information guide for distance learning candidates
• When you are ready to commence the application procedure, click on the link just below, titled “Click here to Access the System”.
• All queries from candidates about the CSC EAS should be directed to eas@cscuk.org.uk.

Bangor University scholarship nomination procedure:

• In order for us to nominate the most suitable applicants, we shall select candidates for scholarships based on the batch applications to the CSC EAS. To assist us in this, please outline the following in the Future Career Plans (Objectives during the award) section of your CSC EAS application form
• Why you want to study tropical forestry at postgraduate level
• Why distance learning is your preferred route for undertaking further education
• Why you are well-suited to study by distance learning
• How your registration on a distance learning forestry programme will fit into your existing work and personal commitments
• You may also add other relevant information and/or experience you feel is necessary to support your application.
• Two genuine references.
• Once we have drawn up a shortlist, we will then arrange Skype / telephone interviews with applicants. Therefore, you MUST include both your email address and a Skype / telephone number by which we can contact you. Applicants who we are unable to contact via email or telephone for interview will not be shortlisted.
• Applicants who are shortlisted by Bangor University for the CSC scholarship will be contacted by email to arrange a telephone interview. We will then submit our nominations (10 nominees plus 5 reserves) to the CSC who will make the final decisions. We expect the CSC to announce their final decisions by July 2020

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