A new collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Chester Zoo has resulted in the launch of a Master’s degree aimed at addressing global wildlife challenges. The MSc in Wildlife Health and Conservation will equip students with essential skills to protect wildlife populations and enhance biodiversity.
The programme is spearheaded by distinguished academics from the Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences at the University. By partnering with Chester Zoo, one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, students will gain access to invaluable expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on conservation initiatives.
The necessity for such a programme has become increasingly evident as wildlife faces significant pressures from climate change, habitat loss, emerging infectious diseases, and human-wildlife conflict. Graduates of this MSc will receive the scientific training and practical experience required to tackle these pressing issues and contribute to evidence-based conservation efforts.
Expert Insights from Programme Leaders
Professor Paula Stockley, the programme director, emphasized the unique opportunity this degree offers. “This MSc provides an exciting chance for students to gain the interdisciplinary skills needed to address some of the most pressing conservation challenges of our time,” she stated. The partnership with Chester Zoo enhances the curriculum, giving students valuable insights into real-world conservation practices.
Liz Webb, the conservation training academy manager at Chester Zoo, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This partnership of two internationally recognized organizations is going to have a real positive impact on wildlife conservation. We’re very pleased to offer the expertise cultivated at the zoo, to share best practices, and to inspire future conservation leaders.”
Programme Structure and Opportunities
The MSc is designed for graduates from biological, veterinary, environmental, or related sciences, providing a robust foundation for PhD research or specialist roles at the intersection of wildlife health, conservation, and global health. It also caters to professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge in wildlife health and conservation.
The programme incorporates a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, problem-based learning sessions, workshops, and field trips. Students will collaborate directly with conservation professionals, applying scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
Among the topics covered are:
– Wildlife disease ecology
– Conservation medicine
– Population monitoring and management
– One Health approaches to ecosystem wellbeing
– Field and laboratory research methods
Applications are currently open for the inaugural intake scheduled for autumn 2026. Interested individuals can find detailed information regarding the programme content, fees, and entry requirements on the university’s official website.
This new initiative not only aims to nurture the next generation of conservationists but also highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary approaches in tackling the myriad challenges facing wildlife today.
