About Msc Zoo Conservation Biology in Manchester Metropolitan University

Overview

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

Study our masters in Zoo Conservation Biology and you can play your part too, as you develop expertise in managing and maintaining captive populations, while exploring its link 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. Other units on the programme include a three-month work placement at a UK zoo or aquarium, and a field course to Poland, Ecuador or East Africa. With a wide range of option units, you’ll also have the chance to specialise in subjects like species recovery and behavioural biology.

It all then feeds back into your master’s research project, where you’ll combine fieldwork with 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 field 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

• Learn on-location at Chester Zoo. The course is delivered in association with the North of England Zoological Society at Chester Zoo, giving you key access to the zoo’s collections and facilities. The theory unit is taught by experts from specialist facilities at the zoo, and as part of this course a three month work placement will be carried out at any zoo in the UK or overseas. 
   
• We've invested heavily over the last decade in our home, the John Dalton building, including high specification teaching and research facilities for biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, plant physiology, animal behaviour and exercise physiology and biomechanics.
   
• Our research makes an impact. In the UK, our research has a policy focus, contributing to the establishment of ecosystem air pollution critical loads for biodiversity and the application of scientific knowledge to habitat conservation and restoration. Our expertise in conservation biology is aligned to the University's Ecology and Environment Research Centre.
   
• Incredible international opportunities. Gain valuable practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques in Poland, Ecuador or East Africa, where you could visit some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, including the Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti National Park.
   
• Gain practical experience on a work placement. Spend three months at a zoo or aquarium in the UK, with the possibility to carry out your research project there.
   
• Flexible learning. Make time for research, lab work and independent studies, thanks to a flexible programme that includes evening lectures, all backed up by our online learning platform, Moodle.

Career prospects

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.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Bachelor degree (awarded by a recognised university); or BA, BCom, BBA, BBM, BMM; or BE (Engineering), BTech.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :      6.5, with no component below 5.5 for MA or MSc.
• TOEFL    :      Overall score: 89 With no individual test score below:Listening: 17,Reading: 18,Speaking: 20,Writing : 17
• PTE         :       61, with no less than 51 in any section

Manchester Metropolitan University Highlights

Manchester Metropolitan University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

• The estimated cost of attendance while studying in the UK depends on several factors like the program applied for, tuition fees, books and supplies, housing, dining, transportation etc.
• Estimated Tuition Fees for 2020-2021 academic session at Manchester Metropolitan University are:

• Tuition Fees for some courses can vary depending upon any additional cost such as field trips or expense of equipment.
• Tuition Fees for postgraduate research courses (Ph.D., MPhil, MRes) are categorized into 5 Tuition bands,
• Students can expect an average cost of living ranging from 7,500 - 8,500 EUR per year, based on the minimum expenses.