The University of Liverpool has partnered with Chester Zoo to introduce a new 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 global biodiversity. This innovative program merges academic expertise with practical conservation initiatives, providing students with a unique educational experience.
Led by distinguished academics from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, the program will benefit from Chester Zoo’s renowned conservation practices. With wildlife populations facing increasing threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and emerging diseases, this collaboration aims to prepare graduates to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
Professor Paula Stockley, the programme director, emphasized the significance of this new offering. She stated, “This MSc provides an exciting opportunity for students to gain the interdisciplinary skills needed to address some of the most pressing conservation challenges of our time.” The partnership with Chester Zoo, according to Stockley, enhances the program by offering students invaluable insights into real-world conservation practices.
Liz Webb, conservation training academy manager at Chester Zoo, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive impact that this collaboration will have on wildlife conservation. “This partnership of two internationally recognised organisations is going to have a real positive impact on wildlife conservation,” Webb remarked. She expressed enthusiasm in sharing the zoo’s expertise to foster the next generation of conservation leaders.
The MSc programme is designed for graduates from biological, veterinary, environmental, or related sciences. It serves as a solid foundation for those looking to pursue PhD research or advance in specialist roles that bridge wildlife health, conservation, and global health. Additionally, it caters to industry professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of wildlife health and conservation.
Students will engage in a diverse curriculum that includes lectures, seminars, problem-based learning sessions, and field trips. They will collaborate directly with conservation professionals, applying scientific principles to real-world scenarios. Key areas of study will include:
– Wildlife disease ecology
– Conservation medicine
– Population monitoring and management
– One Health approaches to ecosystem wellbeing
– Field and laboratory research methods
Applications for the inaugural intake in autumn 2026 are now open. Prospective students can find further information regarding programme content, fees, and entry requirements on the University of Liverpool’s website. This new initiative not only reflects the commitment of both institutions to wildlife conservation but also addresses a critical need for trained professionals in the field.
