1. Taster Course: Exploring Environmental Conservation
Debbie Bartlett and Michael Downes

2. Context:
The MSc in Environmental Conservation attracts a number of international students who cannot attend open days
Perception of studying environmental conservation at Masters level is sometimes not aligned with the reality.
In an increasingly competitive market, there is a need to offer something different and innovative to prospective students that promotes the unique selling points of programme.

3. Aims: To improve student recruitment To improve student retention
To raise the profile of the programme within the sector

4. Key objectives:
Provide an overview of the subject content and the way it is approached at Masters level
Attractive, appealing content and presentation
Contain resources that are reusable within the main programme
Self-study, requiring limited involvement once the course is up and running.

5. Course development principles:
Partnership between the EDU and the academic
A clear need to identify the time commitment and work within those constraints.
Wherever possible, use freely available resources rather than creating afresh
Keep the ‘presence’ of the lecturer live throughout the course.
Student involvement: seek the input of current students and alumni for content as well as testing and feedback
Iterative development

6. Discussion Points?
What, if any, would be the benefit(s) of developing a taster course for your programme or department?
What, if any, are the obstacles you would expect to encounter in the development of a short course?
How much time could you realistically set aside every week for monitoring a taster course / answering queries etc?

7. Next steps
Marketing using social media, professional networks e.g. CIEEM
Review the survey data and plan updates

8. Questions?