As Australia’s population expands, and human activities impact the natural landscape, the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems and endangered species grows. Combine your passion for the environment with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge on how to manage and preserve fragile ecosystems and endangered species and communities.

Through studies in ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology and conservation and wildlife management, you’ll gain the technical skills you need for a career in conservation management.

You will be immersed in wildlife research through case studies and field experience and gain an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which conservation policy is developed. You will learn applied skills that are in high demand from employers including advanced training in laboratory and field survey techniques from staff with applied experience. 

9 reasons to study Conservation and Wildlife Biology at Murdoch

• Five-star rating for student-teacher ratio, overall experience, student support and teaching quality.*
  *Source: Good Universities Guide 2020
• Murdoch has a living campus with expansive areas of natural bushland supporting native fauna, providing an onsite field laboratory and opportunities for fieldwork in every semester.
• You can benefit from Murdoch’s industry connections to experience work integrated learning, volunteer work, guest lecturers, and industry seminars and workshops.
• You can get involved in Murdoch University Environmental Students’ Association (MUEnSA) and Murdoch Environmental Restoration Group (MERG) where you can participate in environmental activities and initiatives, as well as social and networking opportunities between students, staff and Industry.
• You can join professional associations such as the Ecological Society of Australia as a student member or clubs such as Western Australia Naturalist’s Club, giving you networking opportunities.
• You have support from staff to volunteer for a range of conservation projects including wildlife rehabilitation, Eyre Bird Observatory, Turtle Tagging, Reach Out Volunteers, Landcare, School Education out-reach programs etc.
• You can experience even more of the natural world by studying overseas through Murdoch’s Outbound Study Abroad and Exchange Program.
• You can choose one or more of the specialist project units to follow your own ideas including working with off-campus organisations.
• You have the opportunity to specialise with postgraduate studies including postgraduate diplomas, certificates, masters and PhDs.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• ecology
• conservation biology
• wildlife biology
• genetics and evolution
• Australian biodiversity.

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills and experience you need to take on challenging roles in wildlife ecology, landscape and vegetation management, biodiversity conservation, animal biology and park management. With the right combination of units, you could also work in the fields of environmental education, journalism or law.

Careers could include:

• Research Scientist
• Wildlife Officer
• Environmental Officer
• nature-based tourism
• education and outreach
• wildlife forensics.