MSc Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Biology
Are you passionate about animal conservation and welfare and keen to shape the zoos and aquariums of the future? Our unique programme is the first of its kind in the world. Study factors affecting animal husbandry and breeding programmes within the context of international zoo management and collaboration. Our partnership with Paignton Zoo gives you access to their connections, research and expertise – so you’re primed to make a difference.
- Gain behind-the-scenes access to zoos and insight from industry professionals, in a programme delivered in partnership with Paignton Zoo, part of Wild Planet Trust. During the taught programme, typically two days per week are spent at Paignton or on fieldtrips to local zoos, aquariums, and conservation organisations.
- Learn from specialist academics at Plymouth who conduct the fundamental and applied research that underpins conservation work and advances in animal welfare and husbandry.
- Develop the research skills required to make evidence-based recommendations on enclosure design and husbandry that safeguard health and welfare and encourage expression of natural behaviour.
- Understand how to manage small populations for conservation, considering genetics and social structure within a particular zoological collection right up to the level of global species breeding programmes. Learn industry-specialist software used by studbook coordinators to conduct demographic and genetic analysis.
- Understandthe particular challenges and skills required to work with aquarium species,with specialist teaching delivered by local aquariums, industry professionalsand in our own animal facilities.
- Understand the role of zoos and aquariums in the protection of species through not only breeding programmes, but research, advocacy initiatives and habitat-level conservation. Use tools developed for conservation practitioners to propose, monitor and manage conservation projects.
- Understand the financial, ethical and legal framework in which zoos and aquariums operate as businesses. Develop business skills such as budgeting and proposal-writing to pitch your own ideas for contemporary zoo design and management.
- Develop your communication skills to reach different stakeholders, via website design, persuasive essay-writing, funding pitches, scientific reports and business plans.
- Be inspired by a wide range of practical opportunities to help you develop scientific, professional and technical skills as a zoo biologist. This includes a 4-month independent research project to expand on an area of your own interest.
- Graduates work in zoos and aquariums as researchers, curators, educators and keepers. Many go on to PhD study or work in further education. Other employers include the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and national and international conservation and welfare organisations.
- Follow the taught programme with an optional 6–12-month industry placement in a zoo or aquarium, open to students who have achieved a merit or higher within their first semester. This placement provides an opportunity to further develop your expertise in context.
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Use our magical AI system, to check your admission chances for this course.
Tuition fee
Apply by
Start date
Sep 2025
Sep 2026
Duration
Campus
Mode of study
Fees and deadlines depend on the selected options. Fees and currency conversion are approximate.
Offer response
4 - 6 weeks after your application is submitted
Backlogs accepted
This course accepts backlogs
Are you passionate about animal conservation and welfare and keen to shape the zoos and aquariums of the future? Our unique programme is the first of its kind in the world. Study factors affecting animal husbandry and breeding programmes within the context of international zoo management and collaboration. Our partnership with Paignton Zoo gives you access to their connections, research and expertise – so you’re primed to make a difference.
- Gain behind-the-scenes access to zoos and insight from industry professionals, in a programme delivered in partnership with Paignton Zoo, part of Wild Planet Trust. During the taught programme, typically two days per week are spent at Paignton or on fieldtrips to local zoos, aquariums, and conservation organisations.
- Learn from specialist academics at Plymouth who conduct the fundamental and applied research that underpins conservation work and advances in animal welfare and husbandry.
- Develop the research skills required to make evidence-based recommendations on enclosure design and husbandry that safeguard health and welfare and encourage expression of natural behaviour.
- Understand how to manage small populations for conservation, considering genetics and social structure within a particular zoological collection right up to the level of global species breeding programmes. Learn industry-specialist software used by studbook coordinators to conduct demographic and genetic analysis.
- Understandthe particular challenges and skills required to work with aquarium species,with specialist teaching delivered by local aquariums, industry professionalsand in our own animal facilities.
- Understand the role of zoos and aquariums in the protection of species through not only breeding programmes, but research, advocacy initiatives and habitat-level conservation. Use tools developed for conservation practitioners to propose, monitor and manage conservation projects.
- Understand the financial, ethical and legal framework in which zoos and aquariums operate as businesses. Develop business skills such as budgeting and proposal-writing to pitch your own ideas for contemporary zoo design and management.
- Develop your communication skills to reach different stakeholders, via website design, persuasive essay-writing, funding pitches, scientific reports and business plans.
- Be inspired by a wide range of practical opportunities to help you develop scientific, professional and technical skills as a zoo biologist. This includes a 4-month independent research project to expand on an area of your own interest.
- Graduates work in zoos and aquariums as researchers, curators, educators and keepers. Many go on to PhD study or work in further education. Other employers include the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and national and international conservation and welfare organisations.
- Follow the taught programme with an optional 6–12-month industry placement in a zoo or aquarium, open to students who have achieved a merit or higher within their first semester. This placement provides an opportunity to further develop your expertise in context.
Read more
Requirements
The requirements may vary based on your selected study options.
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Related courses
Use our magical AI system, to check your admission chances for this course.
Tuition fee
Apply by
Start date
Sep 2025
Sep 2026
Duration
Campus
Mode of study
Fees and deadlines depend on the selected options. Fees and currency conversion are approximate.
Offer response
4 - 6 weeks after your application is submitted
Backlogs accepted
This course accepts backlogs
