The Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity provides comprehensive knowledge and advanced scientific training in tropical biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. The program integrates theory, applied methodologies, and modern analytical tools to meet current research and industry demands. Students have opportunities to undertake structured research projects in collaboration with industry partners and relevant organizations, enabling them to apply scientific knowledge to real-world biodiversity challenges. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, professional ethics, and project management skills, preparing graduates for careers in biodiversity research, environmental consultancy, conservation, natural resource management, and further doctoral studies.
Courses Offered
Economics, Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services
Forest Ecosystem Management
GIS Application in Conservation
Wetlands Biota Adaptations
Integrative Taxonomy and Systematics
Biodiversity Governance
Research Methodology and Biodiversity Measurement
Marine Biodiversity
Entry Requirements
Academic Route
- Bachelor’s degree with honours in biological sciences, conservation, biodiversity management, or related fields.
- Minimum CGPA of 3.0 from a university recognized by the Malaysia Government and approved by the Senate.
Experience Route
- Bachelor’s degree in Science or related fields with CGPA 2.00 - 2.99.
- Subject to minimum 3 years of working experience in a related field and rigorous internal assessment.
- Candidates without related qualifications must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the faculty.
APEL Route
- Passed the APEL assessment in the relevant field for admission to Master’s level (Level 7 MQF).
- Must submit the APEL Certificate issued by MQA before the admission process can be completed.
English Language Requirement for International Candidates
| English Competency Test | Name of Component | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| MUET | MUET | Band 3.5 |
| IELTS | IELTS | 5.0 |
| TOEFL | TOEFL iBT (TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted) | 40 |
| Pearson Test of English | PTE Academic (PTE Academic (Online) is NOT accepted) | 47 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests | i) B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency | 154 |
| ii) Occupational English Test (OET) (OET Online is NOT accepted) | 200 | |
| Common European Framework of References (CEFR) | Common European Framework of References (CEFR) | High Band 1 |
| ELS | Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) (CIEP online is NOT accepted) | 107 |
*Note:
i) For study program subjected to program standard or professional body, must abide by the respective standard, but must be not less than the general minimum score listed above.
ii) No limit of validity period for the English Competency Tests results listed above.
i) For study program subjected to program standard or professional body, must abide by the respective standard, but must be not less than the general minimum score listed above.
ii) No limit of validity period for the English Competency Tests results listed above.
- Exemption shall be granted to international candidates from countries where English is used as the official language, regardless of the programme standard requirement.
- Subject to the approval of the Postgraduate Management Centre, exemption may be granted to international candidates who possess academic qualifications from institutions that use English as the full medium of instruction.
- Candidates who do not meet the prescribed English requirement shall be given a conditional offer and the candidates must pass the English requirement within a maximum period of one (1) year from the date of offer.
- Candidates who fail to meet the English requirement within the 1-year period, shall have their conditional offer letter revoked.
- For candidates who will take the English Preparatory Course at UMT/UMTSEA, they will be given a specific conditional offer letter that allows them to obtain a student visa before receiving the full offer letter.
- Exemption shall be given to international candidates from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and South Thailand :-
- 1. Who has written his/her thesis/dissertation in Bahasa Melayu during his/her first degree or master degree program, OR
- 2. Who has graduated from academic programs using Bahasa Melayu fully as medium of instruction and has written his/her thesis/dissertation in Bahasa Melayu, AND
- 3. Intend to pursue study at UMT based on the following conditions :-
- a. The candidate declares that the thesis will be written in Bahasa Melayu during admission application.
- b. Subject to approval from main supervisor and the respective faculty/institute/centre.
- c. An exemption of English proficiency requirement will be void if the student does not write the thesis in Bahasa Melayu.
Career Prospects
Biodiversity Researcher
Environmental Consultant
Conservation Officer
Natural Resource Manager
Policy Advisor
ESG Compliance Officer
Doctoral Studies (PhD)
Fees, Funding & Scholarship
Local
1st Semester
MYR 9,260.00
2nd Semester
MYR 8,930.00
International
1st Semester
MYR 16,511.60
USD 3,678.20
2nd Semester
MYR 16,218.00
USD 3,604.00