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 crucial players in international conservation.

Study our masters in Zoo Conservation Biology and you can play your part too, as you develop expertise in the science which underpins the management and maintenance of captive populations and explore the links 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. Within the course, you can participate in a field course in Poland, Ecuador 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. Amongst a wide range of option units, you’ll also have the chance to specialise in subjects like species recovery and behavioural biology.

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

It’s a masters degree that takes a strong numerical and research-orientated approach backed up with essential practical skills. As such, you’ll leave us with a valuable range of professional tools to help you succeed in this rewarding area.

This is a course that can pave the way to a wide range of career paths and professional possibilities, including study at PhD level, and provides a route into animal management within captive populations.

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 and the University Careers Service will help you find the role that’s right for you.