Zoo Conservation Biology MSc

Manchester Metropolitan University

Zoos play a crucial role in animal conservation. Whether they’re carrying out important research into animal behaviour and welfare, taking part in breeding programmes, educating the public or advising policymakers, they are important players in international conservation.

By studying our masters in Zoo Conservation Biology, you can play your part too. You’ll develop expertise in the science which underpins the management and maintenance of captive populations and explore the links with species conservation on a global 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 course, you can participate in a field course in Europe 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.

This all then feeds back into your research project, where you’ll combine your own data collection with background research and data analysis and communicate your findings in a comprehensive dissertation.

*All overseas field courses are subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability. The University follows the latest government guidance and if required, the overseas trip may be replaced with a UK alternative field course.

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 unit on this course is taught at Chester Zoo, giving you unrivalled access to their expertise.
  • Learn alongside world-leading researchers - 100% of our Ecology and Environment research impact is world-leading or internationally excellent and we are ranked 5th in the UK for impact in Environmental Science (REF 2021).
• Investing in your future - We’re transforming our science and engineering campus. Opening in 2024, the Dalton building provides a professional study environment with world-class facilities, including a 200 capacity Superlab, so that you’re well prepared to work within a modern industry setting when you graduate.
• Flexible learning - Make time for research, lab work and independent studies thanks to a flexible course that includes evening lectures, backed up by our online learning platform.
• Expert teaching - Learn from a passionate community of teaching staff who bring extensive experience of field research into the classroom to shape your studies.
• Overseas fieldwork opportunities - You will gain aluable practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques through our Field Course Unit, with the opportunity to visit some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, including the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
• Explore your research interests - You'll have the opportunity to carry out your research in association with staff projects across the world in collaboration with our conservation and zoo-based partner organisations.
• Excellent on-site research facilities - We are home to one of the UK’s only university-based Amphibian Conservation Research Facilities which works with zoos to determine the best way to conserve amphibians in captivity and halt their ongoing decline.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).