
MSc Zoo Conservation Biology
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,500 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full-time | EUR 3750 part-time per 30 credits studied
Introduction
Zoos play a crucial role in animal conservation. Whether they’re carrying out important research into animal behaviour, taking part in breeding programs, educating the public or advising policymakers, they are crucial players in international conservation.
Study our masters in Zoo Conservation Biology and you can play your part too, as you develop expertise in the science which underpins the management and maintenance of captive populations, and explore the links with species conservation on a worldwide scale.
The main core unit is Zoo Conservation, which we deliver with the help of our partners at Chester Zoo – giving you access to the zoo’s collections and facilities. Within the program you can participate in a field course in Poland, Ecuador or East Africa or apply for a three-month work placement at a zoo or aquarium. Other core units, delivered at our Manchester campus, include practical techniques and analysis, statistics and research design and organismal genetics. Amongst a wide range of option units, you’ll also have the chance to specialise in subjects like species recovery and behavioural biology.
This all then feeds back into your master’s research project, where you’ll combine your own data collection with background research and data analysis, and communicate your findings in a comprehensive dissertation.
It’s a degree that takes a strong numerical and research-orientated approach, backed up with essential practical skills. As such, you’ll leave us with a valuable range of professional tools to help you succeed in this rewarding area.
Features and Benefits
- Strong industry links – To ensure your learning is relevant and impactful, we work closely with a range of organisations across the UK including the RSPCA, Chester Zoo and Knowsley Safari Park and with overseas bodies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service. The core 30-credit module on this course is taught at Chester Zoo, giving you unrivalled access to their expertise.
- Recognised for research excellence – 100% of our research impact in Ecology and Environment is world-leading or internationally excellent and we are ranked 5th in the UK for impact in Environmental Science (REF 2021). You’ll work in association with these staff projects at the cutting edge of discovery to hone your research skills.
- Flexible learning – Make time for research, lab work and independent studies thanks to a flexible course that includes evening lectures, all backed up by our online learning platform.
- Professional study environment – We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for. Plus, we’re home to one of the UK’s only university-based Amphibian Conservation Research Facilities.
- Overseas fieldwork opportunities – You may choose to gain valuable practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques through our field course module, with the opportunity to visit some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, including the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
- Expert teaching – Learn from a passionate community of teaching staff who bring extensive experience of field research into the classroom to shape your studies.
Curriculum
Year 1
Core units
- Practical Techniques And Analysis
- Field Course
- Topics In Organismal Genetics
- Zoo Conservation
- Statistics And Research Design
- Dissertation (Zoo Conservation)
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
This is a course that can pave the way to a wide range of career paths and professional possibilities, providing a route into animal management within captive populations.
By the time you leave us, you should be equipped to pursue animal management, research, advisory and educational roles with a wide range of organisations, from zoos to environmental consultancies, and government research bodies to NGOs. You might also decide to continue your studies onto PhD level.
Careers support is available from the moment you join us, and for up to three years after you finish your course. Dedicated careers and employability advisors in the Department of Natural Sciences and the Environment and the University Careers Service will help you find the role that’s right for you.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.