MSc in Wild Animal Biology

Zoological Society of London

Since its inception this world-class specialist Masters course has produced hundreds of graduates, originating from dozens of countries.

It provides wildlife researchers with a critical understanding of the management of wild animals and the epidemiology, treament and control of wildlife disease. The course provides practical exposure to wild species in a captive setting and an understanding of their health, welfare and conservation. This masters also provides training in research methods relevant to the study of wildlife in both captive and wild settings.

The Masters in Wild Animal Biology is taught jointly by the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London. You will benefit from working and studying alongside veterinary graduates taking the MSc in Wild Animal Health as well as learning from internationally renowned experts in their field.

This specialist Masters course is completed over one-year full-time study, commencing in the Autumn. The course is delivered through two terms of lectures, seminars, tutorials and problem-based learning, with modular examinations, followed by a research project over the summer months (May-August), prior to the final assessment. Teaching covers taxa e.g. mammals, reptiles, birds and the disciplines that influence these taxa, such as epidemiology, infectious diseases, conservation and management. The bulk of teaching takes place at The Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, with time also spent at Whipsnade Zoo and Royal Veterinary College, Camden and Hawkshead Campuses. Both Certificate and Diploma levels of study are available, there are no part-time or distance-learning options available.

The course provides participants with:

• A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife diseases with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare
• A new insight into interventions for the health management of captive and free-living wild animals
• A systematic understanding of the biological principles underpinning wild animal conservation and management, and the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of wildlife disease
• Basic competence in veterinary techniques and preventative medicine for wild animals
• A conceptual and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of wild animal health
• A comprehensive understanding of scientific skills, including a critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies.