Overview

This unique programme is taught in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society and features varied practical experience, field trips and mentoring from global experts. 

You will be equipped for a career as a wildlife professional with the skills and knowledge to deal with a variety of practical situations that professional wildlife biologists face on a day-to-day basis. 

Unique content with diverse topics 

The programme covers the conservation and health of wildlife in situ, and ex-situ (both temporarily for rehabilitation and long-term captive breeding programmes). You'll learn a wide range of theoretical concepts and practical skills, including: 

  • Animal capture and handling techniques and optimal care of wildlife during rehabilitation; 
  • Surveillance, diagnostics, risk analysis and other tools and methods of controlling wildlife diseases;  
  • Effects of human activities and climate change on the health of wildlife populations; 
  • Assessment, stabilisation, and transportation of injured animals; 
  • Preventive medicine and interventions to maintain the health of captive wild animals;   
  • Animal behavioural principles and welfare science to predict and tackle wildlife management problems; 
  • Ethics and legislation affecting wildlife care; 
  • Factors associated with successful endangered species breeding programmes and reintroductions to the wild. 

The curriculum delivers a comprehensive introduction to surveillance, epidemiology and control of wildlife diseases, and to ‘One Health’—an intersectoral approach encompassing animal, human and environmental health. These are all concepts critical to the current challenges for combatting emerging diseases and preventing future pandemics. 

You will learn ecological surveying techniques and gain a foundation in the theory and practical use of new technology (for example, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and Species Distribution Models (SDM)) to help solve applied wildlife conservation problems. You will also be introduced to principles and practices for effective in situ conservation aimed at protecting the Anthropocene from biodiversity loss and climate change. 

You’ll develop advanced research skills that may be used to progress to a PhD and/or academic career, if you choose to do so. 

Global networking opportunities 

We place particular emphasis on wildlife health and conservation on a global scale. In addition to our own community of world-leading experts, you'll benefit from guest lectures, workshops and seminars delivered by specialist researchers, conservationists, and wildlife veterinarians. These provide valuable networking opportunities that will benefit you in your future career. There are also field visits to important wildlife locations near Bristol. 

You'll be supported to develop and carry out a research project in an area that interests you most. Our students have undertaken important research in collaboration with our charity and academic partners in the UK and around the globe. Many of these projects go on to be published in academic journals.

Our Global Partners:

  • Bristol Zoological Society
  • Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia
  • University of Western Australia
  • Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
  • National Wildlife Management Centre
  • RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre
  • Secret World Wildlife Rescue
  • Colobus Conservation 

Programme structure

The programme is split into two elements. A taught element from September to April provides training in six core units. A research element from May to August gives you the opportunity to carry out an applied project on a wildlife topic of interest to you. You will undertake a literature review, collect and analyse data, and present your results as a written report suitable for publication.  

Units include: 

  • Research Skills 
  • Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation 
  • Wildlife Diseases and OneHealth 
  • Captive Wildlife Management 
  • Wildlife Conservation 
  • Animal Behaviour, Welfare, Ethics and Law for Wildlife Professionals 
  • Research Project 

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation. 

The MSc is based at the Bristol Veterinary School in the village of Langford near the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Many small group workshops and practical sessions take place with the Bristol Zoological Society; in Clifton Bristol and at Bristol Zoo Project, allowing you to gain hands-on experience of wild animal care while working behind the scenes in a modern zoological setting. 

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent), in a biological, veterinary, zoology or environmental science programme, or a degree with a minimum 50% relevant biology content including modules such as; Whole Organism Biology, Anatomy and/or Physiology, or evidence of Biology training such as A-level Biology grade C+. A research project is required.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£15,600 per year
Overseas: full-time
£30,900 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme has been carefully designed for those aspiring to a career in wildlife health, conservation and management. Potential employers include national parks, zoological gardens, animal rehabilitation centres, wildlife hospitals, environmental NGOs, conservation charities and government agencies with statutory wildlife responsibilities, both in the UK and overseas.

Our graduates have gone on to work in a range of exciting roles globally, progressing wildlife conservation from positions of influence in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa. Employers include:

  • Environment Agency
  • Natural England
  • Cheetah Conservation Fund Namibia
  • Chester Zoo
  • The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
  • The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica
  • Worldwide Fund for Nature
  • Secret World Wildlife Rescue
  • Bristol Zoology Society
  • Frontiers
  • Wildlife Rescue Centre Java
  • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
  • Ecofieldtrips Singapore
  • Pench Tiger Reserve

Charles Wheeler (MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation)

“The connections with Bristol Zoological Society really stood out to me when making the decision to apply to Bristol Veterinary School. The practical experience with such a wide range of industry partners was integral in guiding my future career. I am currently working as a Project Officer for the Madagascar & Mascarenes field programmes at Chester Zoo, delivering project management for the flagship project in Eastern Madagascar - which involves habitat restoration, species monitoring and community conservation work. I’ve been on three field visits to Madagascar since March last year and I got to experience one of my best animal encounters during one of the trips. While on a hike through the forest I saw four Indri lemurs, one of the largest lemur species in Madagascar, leap overhead and listen to their incredible calls.”