Global Wildlife Health and Conservation (Taught)

This unique programme is taught in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society and features varied practical experience, field trips and mentoring from global experts. The programme will equip you for a career as a wildlife professional with the skills and knowledge to deal with a variety of practical situations that professional wildlife biologists face on a day-to-day basis.

Unique content with diverse topics

The programme covers the conservation and health of wildlife in situ, and ex-situ (both temporarily for rehabilitation and long-term captive breeding programmes). You'll learn a wide range of theoretical concepts and practical skills, including:

• Animal capture and handling techniques and optimal care of wildlife during rehabilitation.

• Surveillance, diagnostics, risk analysis and other tools and methods of controlling wildlife diseases.

• Effects of human activities and climate change on the health of wildlife populations;

• Assessment, stabilisation, and transportation of injured animals.

• Preventive medicine and interventions to maintain the health of captive wild animals.

• Animal behavioural principles and welfare science to predict and tackle wildlife management problems.

• Ethics and legislation affecting wildlife care.

• Factors associated with successful endangered species breeding programmes and reintroductions to the wild.

The curriculum covers surveillance, epidemiology, and control of wildlife diseases, and the ‘One Health’ approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health. These concepts are vital for tackling emerging diseases and preventing pandemics.

You will learn ecological surveying techniques and gain knowledge in using new technology, such as GIS, remote sensing, and Species Distribution Models, to address wildlife conservation issues. Additionally, you'll be introduced to effective conservation principles and practices to combat biodiversity loss and climate change.

You’ll develop advanced research skills that may be used to progress to a PhD and/or academic career, if you choose to do so.

Global networking opportunities

We emphasise global wildlife health and conservation. You'll benefit from our experts and guest lectures, workshops, and seminars by specialist researchers, conservationists, and wildlife veterinarians, offering valuable networking opportunities. There are also field visits to important wildlife locations near Bristol.

You'll be supported in developing and conducting a research project in your area of interest. Our students have collaborated with charity and academic partners worldwide, with many projects published in academic journals.

Our Global Partners:

• Bristol Zoological Society

• Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia

• University of Western Australia

• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

• National Wildlife Management Centre

• RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre

• Secret World Wildlife Rescue

• Colobus Conservation

This programme is available as an intercalated degree for current undergraduate medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/msc-global-wildlife-health-conservation.pdf