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    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      MSc/PgDip Zoo Conservation Biology
    • Award
      Master of Science - MSc
    • Study mode
      Full-time (Part-time route available)
    • Duration
      1 year
    • Start date
       September 2013
    • Fees
       See fees information above
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > postgraduate > MSc/PgDip Zoo Conservation Biology

​WHY STUDY ZOO CONSERVATION BIOLOGY?

Employees in zoos and wildlife conservation organisations are now required to have a deep understanding of the needs of animals in terms of behaviour, ecology, welfare, housing, nutrition and health. This programme offers an opportunity to science graduates and experienced zoo staff to develop the specific scientific understanding and technical skills required to build careers in zoos and wildlife conservation.
 
The programme is jointly delivered by staff of the University and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park.

​Programme highlights

  • Joint development between Plymouth University and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
  • Opportunities for both science graduates and experienced zoo staff
  • Provides a sound basis for career development in zoos and wildlife conservation
Elephants in Newquay zooStudents with a meerkat at Dartmoor ZooGiraffe in Newquay zoo​

​Programme Leader and team

  • Dr John Eddison is Programme Leader. Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethology. He has interests in the behaviour and welfare of captive animals as well as the ethical issues of animal management.
  • Dr Vicky Melfi is Senior Research Officer at the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT, which includes Paignton Zoo Environment Park). She has worked in zoos for more than 15 years, specialising in the study and improvement of animal welfare through the implementation of environmental enrichment and husbandry training.
  • Dr Sarah Collins, Lecturer Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She is particularly interested in the interface between conservation and animal behaviour. Her main research interests are communication and mate choice, and the welfare of captive birds.
  • Dr Amy Plowman (Head of Field Conservation and Research, WWCT) leads the department that is responsible for zoo-based research and in situ conservation projects around the world. Her main research interests are in the conservation ecology of duikers and nutrition of zoo animals.
  • Dr David Price, Lecturer in Genetics, is interested in the application of population genetics to both the management of captive and natural populations from a conservation perspective.  He is particularly interested in freshwater fish endemic to Mexico where he has lectured on fish conservation genetics courses.

​Learning and assessment

The programme comprises seven modules which are delivered over two semesters, between October and May (worth 120 masters level credits):
  • Students who successfully complete the taught modules go on to undertake a three-month research project (worth 60 masters level credits).
  • Students who satisfactorily complete the 120 taught credits but chose not to undertake a project are awarded a PgDip.
  • Students who satisfactorily complete the 120 taught credits and the 60 research project credits are awarded the MSc.
Each module in the programme is assessed independently by a combination of in-course assessments and tests. Most modules also have a summative end of module assessment. The project is assessed by means of a written report.
 
​Student feeding Coati at Dartmoor Zoo