MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation
- MSc
Overview
This programme aims to give you the knowledge, skills and practical training needed to work with wildlife, and places particular emphasis on wildlife health and conservation on a global scale.
Topics include animal capture and handling techniques; the assessment, stabilisation and transportation of injured animals; methods for improving the welfare of captive animals; concepts in behavioural ecology; endangered species breeding programmes; the reintroduction of captive populations to the wild; practical conservation strategies; and the management of protected areas. The curriculum also delivers a comprehensive introduction to wildlife disease, one health, disease ecology, and surveillance and control. You will also study a foundation in theory and practical use of geographic information systems, spatial analysis and maximum entropy niche modelling using open source QGIS and Maxent software.
The MSc is based at the Bristol Veterinary School in the village of Langford near the Mendip Hills in Somerset, providing convenient access to Exmoor National Park and the rich wildlife habitats of South West England. Many small group workshops and practical sessions take place with the Bristol Zoological Society, allowing you to gain hands-on experience of exotic animal care while working behind the scenes in a modern zoological setting.
In addition to our own community of world-leading experts, students on this course 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.
By the end of the course you will have gained the skills and knowledge to deal with a variety of practical situations that professional wildlife biologists face on a day-to-day basis.
Programme structure
The programme is split into two elements. A taught element from September to April provides training in eight 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. In previous years many of these projects have been carried out at Bristol Zoo, in Australia, or in collaboration with many organisations around the globe.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation.
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 statementIf 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 rescue centres, wildlife hospitals, environmental NGOs, conservation charities and government agencies with statutory wildlife responsibilities, both in the UK and overseas.
Previous students have gone on to work for a range of employers, including the Environment Agency, Cheetah Conservation Namibia, Chester Zoo, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Sloth Institute of Costa Rica, WWF, Secret World, Frontier, Wildlife Rescue Centre Java, RSPB and Ecofieldtrips Singapore. Our graduates are now spread across the world, working to achieve wildlife conservation from positions of influence in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa.
Contact us
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- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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