MSc Wild Animal Biology
What is the RVC/ZSL MSc in Wild Animal Biology?
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, treatment 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.
Programme delivery
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 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 starts in September each year.
Full Time
Term 1
There is a two-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the Royal Veterinary College and ZSL, followed by four compulsory modules:
- Conservation Science (ZSL)
- Ecosystems Health & Anthropogenic Drivers of Disease Emergence (ZSL)
- Principles of Epidemiology and Surveillance (RVC)
- Research Skills and Statistical Analysis (RVC)
Term 2
All students take the following 4 compulsory modules:
- Health & Welfare of Captive Wild Animals (ZSL)
- Practical Studies/Rotations (ZSL)
- Wild Animal Health & Conservation Interventions (ZSL)
- Wildlife Disease Investigation & Surveillance (ZSL)
Term 3
Research Project
The Research Project runs in Term 3 from end of April/beginning of May through to the end of August.
To enquire about the exact start date please email admissions@rvc.ac.uk.
What will I learn?
During the programme you will acquire:
- A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife disease with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare·
- A new insight into veterinary interventions for the 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 critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies.
Upon completion of the MSc in Wild Animal Biology, you will have gained the analytical skills, understanding, confidence and the language to progress your career within a wide range of organisations, such as zoos, national parks, universities, conservation organisations and government departments worldwide.
Useful links
Here are some other useful and interesting veterinary and wildlife-related web sites:
- ZSL Wild Animal Biology
- Institute of Zoology
- Wildlife Disease Association
- The Wildlife Information Network
- Zoological Record - Internet resource guide
- Zoological Society of London
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Academic qualifications
Applicants must have (or expect to receive) a UK university first or second class Honours degree or international equivalent in a Science-based subject. Preference is given to candidates with (or on track to achieve) first or upper second class Honours, but applications are encouraged from candidates with lower second class Honours and relevant experience.
Applicants who meet the academic criteria will be assessed based on their personal statement. Personal statements are assessed on commitment to work in research and conservation of captive and free-living animals and make a difference in global conservation outcomes through sustaining healthy captive and free-living wild animal populations. Evidence of an applicant’s commitment will be assessed on, but not restricted to, work experience (including voluntary), leadership roles, research, courses attended, internships, conferences and memberships.
Please contact Admissions if you are unsure whether your degree is equivalent.
English language requirements
A good working knowledge of scientific English is essential in order to follow the course. All applicants must have an acceptable English Language qualification:
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component
For those without IELTS, please see our English Language Requirements page for a full list of qualifications we will accept as alternatives.
What will I be able to do with my qualification?
Graduates of the MSc in Wild Animal Biology have gone on to pursue successful careers in wildlife management (with government agencies in both developing and developed countries), wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife-related research (at universities and zoological collections) and zoo management.
Some Wild Animal Biology MSc graduates continue to study towards a PhD with either the ZSL or RVC, or with other leading scientific research institutes.
Our graduates go on to enjoy a wide range of careers positions in veterinary medicine, including:
- Camera Trapping Intern
- Laboratory Technician
- Ecosystem Assessment Programme Intern
- Pathology Technician Research Assistant
- Reserve Trainee Warden
- Zoo Keeper
- PhD
- Graduate Ecologist
They also go on to work for a variety of different employers, for example:
- ALcontrol Laboratories
- Institute of Zoology
- RSPCA
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
- Save the Rhino
- The Ecology Consultancy
- Sea Watch Foundation
- The International Society for Ecology & Culture
- United Nations (UN)
- Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
- Eloise Stephenson
Eloise Stephenson, 2014 MSc Wild Animal Biology graduate, is currently employed as a Research Technician for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency. - Graham Duggan
Graham Duggan, another one of our graduates from 2014, is now working as a researcher for a 5-part natural history documentary series about Canadian wildlife.
See the ZSL website for detailed career profiles of some other recent graduates.
Key academic staff
Co-Course/Deputy Co-Course Directors
- Dr Maria Diez Leon (RVC)
María is the co-course director on the MSc WAB and WAH courses and is based at the RVC. María graduated in Biology at the University of Navarra. She went on to pursue an MSc. in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD in the same field at the University of Guelph. Along with Chris, her role is to oversee the whole course, ensure that the modules are well integrated, and to ensure that the courses are meeting their objectives. - Chris Yesson (ZSL)
Chris Yesson is the co-course director on the MSc WAB and WAH courses and is based at ZSL. Chris works in Greenland and other areas, using a range of survey techniques, including a variety of camera surveys, to examine temperate and polar seabed habitats such as kelp forests and cold-water coral fields. - Dr Becki Lawson (ZSL)
Becki Lawson graduated from the MSc WAH course in 2000 and has lectured and acted as module leader on the MSc WAB and WAH courses in recent years, before becoming deputy co-course director at ZSL. Becki is a wildlife veterinarian whose research focuses on wildlife disease investigation and surveillance of native species in Great Britain.
Module Leaders:
- Prof Dave Brodbelt (RVC)
Professor of Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine - Dr Ruby Chang (RVC)
Associate Professor of Statistics - Prof Andrew Cunningham (ZSL)
Deputy Director of Science - Dr Julian Drewe (RVC)
Associate Professor of Epidemiology - Dr Amanda Guthrie (ZSL)
Head of Wildlife Health Services - Dr Becki Lawson (ZSL)
Senior Research Fellow - Dr Marcus Rowcliffe (ZSL)
Senior Research Fellow - Lewis Rowden (ZSL)
Zoo Research Officer - Dr Tony Sainsbury (ZSL)
Senior Lecturer, Wild Animal Health - Dan Simmonds (ZSL)
Team Leader - Primates - Dr Simon Spiro (ZSL)
Wildlife Veterinary Pathologist - Dr Taina Strike (ZSL)
European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) - Dr Ben Tapley (ZSL)
Curator of Reptiles & Amphibians - Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez (ZSL)
Research Fellow in Wildlife Health - Chris Yesson (ZSL)
Research Fellow
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2024/25 are as follows:
|
Home Tuition Fees including Island Fees (Channel Islands & Isle of Man) | International Fees |
|---|---|
| £17,010 |
£33,650 |
Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.
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