Higher Education Courses

Foundation Degree in Integrated Wildlife Conservation

Delivered entirely at Bristol Zoo Gardens in a collaborative partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE), Filton College, and Bristol Zoo, this course has been specifically designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in wildlife conservation. It takes a biological approach to the study of wildlife conservation issues, and integrates this knowledge with a consideration of how humans interact with wildlife, in particular where these interactions are detrimental to wildlife, humans, or both. It explores the motivations behind human behaviours that have a detrimental impact on biodiversity, and considers how communication strategies might best be developed to promote more wildlife-friendly behaviours. It also provides an opportunity for those students wishing to progress further in Higher Education to continue to a Level 3 BSc(Hons) Integrated Wildlife Conservation at UWE, or similar programmes elsewhere.

This course places strong emphasis on the development of subject-specific and generic practical skills, with Bristol Zoo providing an excellent resource to help you develop these skills across the programme, in a real-world context. You also undertake work experience in both years of the programme. This may be based in the zoo itself, or working with a range of other conservation organisations, and will include opportunities to work abroad in the second year.

To find out more about this course, follow this link

PhD or MSc by Research in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation

Bristol Zoo collaborates with the University of Bristol to offer excellent training opportunities to develop research expertise leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Masters of Science by Research (MSc).

The PhD is a research-based degree incorporating three years of full-time training (or six years part-time) that can be co-supervised by Bristol Zoo and University of Bristol academic staff. The research project is an independent and original investigation in a specific area of wildlife conservation (or subjects relating to this) and may be field-based, lab-based, theoretical or a combination of these elements. Postgraduate students at the University of Bristol develop academic and transferable skills by attending carefully designed courses and workshops. They are also highly encouraged to attend conferences. The PhD research project is written up as a thesis, which is assessed by two independent examiners; the candidate must also defend the thesis in an oral examination (viva voce). We will consider applications from potential PhD students in any area where we have research interests. Please note that Bristol Zoo does not offer any PhD scholarships.

The MSc that we offer is also a research based degree, as described above, but it consists of one year of full-time training (or two years part-time) co-supervised by Bristol Zoo and University of Bristol academic staff.  The MSc by Research is usually self-funded.

Postgraduate students carry out a specific research project. We will consider applications from potential MSc students in any area where we have research interests. To find out more, follow this link

Sandwich Year Placements