Program Overview

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MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences)

The MSci in Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Science) is an undergraduate integrated Master's degree, the aim of which is to give students a thorough foundation in biosciences, with further specialisation into aspects of biology required by wild animal professionals.

Key Information

• Qualification: MSci
• UCAS Code: C302 MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences) / C304 MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences) with placement year
• Institution Code: RVET R84
• Study Mode: Four years full-time / Five years full-time with placement year
• UK Tuition Fees: 2026 fees: £9,790
• EU and International Tuition Fees: £27,510
• Application Deadline: 29 Jan 2025

Course Outline

Overview

The overall aim of this course is to produce graduates with high levels of understanding about animal health that are able to apply that to wildlife health situations. The course follows the same path as the BSc Biological Sciences (WHS) for the first three years, diverging with a fourth year designed to offer a higher level of research training. This degree is delivered together with the Zoological Society of London.

Course Overview

In the first year, students learn about normal animal physiology including all major body systems and biological processes. In the second year, they explore disease processes, pathogen biology, and an introduction to wild animal biology, as well as carrying out a short wild animal biology-focused research project.

In the third year, in addition to two core wildlife-related modules, students are able to tailor the direction of their course, choosing from a programme of advanced study chosen from a range of optional modules. They will also carry out a longer wildlife health research project, supervised by a member of academic staff, during which they will continue to develop their practical, analytical, and reasoning skills as well as communication, teamwork, and professional development skills.

Following on from the in-depth teaching about the health and welfare of wild animals in their third year, students will receive training in research methodologies relevant to the study of wildlife in their fourth year. The research projects in their second, third, and fourth years are all relevant to wildlife health, and this focus aims to make sure that students are 'work-ready' for a career in a wildlife setting, either in an academic role or in industry.

Work Placements and Research Projects

It is possible to undertake a work placement between the second and third year of study (Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research). This gives students an insight into the working environment and could be wildlife health-related. It is important to note that students will be responsible for finding and securing a placement, although they will be given guidance and support before and during the placement.

Teaching

Students will be exposed to a wide range of learning experiences in all four years of the course that include lectures, seminars, workshops, and a variety of directed and self-directed learning activities that will include practical exercises and self-assessment tools.

Problem-solving exercises, case studies, reflection, and role modelling will improve students' reasoning skills whilst their practical skills will be developed through demonstration, observation, prosecution, feedback, and experimentation. Other key employability skills will be taught through group work, structured learning, practical work, presentations (oral and written), and problem-solving exercises. Regular tutorials will encourage students to reflect on their learning and provide opportunities for feedback on their progress.

Teaching Staff

The RVC has renowned researchers and scientists delivering each module. Staff are passionate about their field and are highly qualified. All RVC students are assured teaching of the highest standard.

Teaching Contact Hours

In a typical week, students will have between 15 - 20 contact hours of teaching. These contact hours are usually made up from:

• Personal tutorial, small group, and practical teaching: 8 – 10 hours per week
• Large-group teaching: 8 – 10 hours per week
• Self-direct learning: 5 hours per week

Assessment and Feedback

Students will be continuously assessed throughout their course, followed by final examinations. They will also be assessed on in-course work, such as completing tests, analysing data and samples, delivering presentations, and writing essays. A major part of their biological sciences courses is the undertaking of a research project.

The estimated breakdown of assessment for their final grade is:

• Written (coursework, which may include essays, presentations, journal clubs) - 20%
• Examination (practical, written) – 33%
• Projects (individual and group work, research) - 47%

Academic Qualifications

The standard academic requirements for entry to the MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences) programme are outlined below.

A Levels

EITHER:

• ABB* in three A Level subjects including:
  • Biology or Chemistry at grade A OR:
• BBB* in three A Level subjects including:
  • Biology or Chemistry
  • Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths
  • A third subject of your choice

Welsh, Scottish, Irish Applicants

Welsh Baccalaureate

Applicants who have achieved the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade B will be accepted with two A Levels, including: EITHER:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade A
• Another subject of your choice (excl. General Studies) at grade B OR:
• Biology or Chemistry at grade B
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths at grade B

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

EITHER:

• Advanced Highers in:
  • Chemistry or Biology at grade A
  • Another subject of your choice at grade B OR:
• Advanced Highers in:
  • Biology or Chemistry at grade B
  • Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths at grade B In addition to:
• 5 Highers at grade B or above
• And at least National 5* grade B in:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

Irish Leaving Certificate

• H2,H2,H3,H3,H3,H3 including:
  • Biology or Chemistry
  • Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths

International Baccalaureate

EITHER:

• Pass the IB diploma with 655 at Higher Level including:
  • Biology or Chemistry at grade 6 OR:
• Pass the IB diploma with 555 at Higher Level including:
  • Biology or Chemistry
  • Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths
  • One other subject of your choice

Diplomas and Further Certificates

Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)

Diplomas must be Science-based and include a minimum of:

• 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction or 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction, and with Merits achieved in all other Level 3 modules.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

• Applied Science or Applied Science (Biomedical Science): DDD overall with Distinctions in specific units.

City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science)

• DDD overall with Distinctions in specific modules.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management

• DDD overall with Distinctions in specific units.

GCSEs

• 6-6 in Combined Science or BB in Science (Double Award) or B in both Science & Additional Science or 6/B in two of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• And at least grade 6 (B) in:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics

International and EU Applicants

The standard international entry requirements below are in line with our double-science 'BBB' offer at A Level. Those taking a single science should contact us for details of the standard offer for their qualification.

North America

• USA: High school graduation with specific AP exam grades or SAT scores.
• Canada: Province-specific requirements, e.g., British Columbia, Ontario.

Europe

• European Baccalaureate: Pass with 75% overall, and 7.5 in elective Biology or Chemistry and Maths.
• Country-specific requirements for Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Asia

• Armenia: Araratian Baccalaureate with BBB in three Extended subjects.
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education with grades 544 in Biology, Chemistry, and one other elective subject.
• Malaysia: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades BBB in three Principal level subjects.
• Singapore: Singapore GCE A Level grades BBB at H2 level including grade A in Biology and Chemistry.

Oceania

• Australia: ATAR score of 75 or higher, with state-specific requirements.
• New Zealand: University Entrance Certificate with National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 with Merit overall.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component.

Mitigating Circumstances

If applicants wish to make us aware of any mitigating circumstances related to their application, please see our guidance on mitigating circumstances.

FAQs

Does it count against me if I re-sit a qualification?

No, we accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE and A-Level or equivalent without penalty for this programme.

Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously?

We accept repeat applications for this course and new applications will be treated separately from any previous one.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2026/27 are as follows:

• Home Tuition Fees: £9,790
• International Fees: £27,510

Admissions

For further information, please contact the Admissions Office.

International Students

For advice on the acceptability of your qualifications, please contact the Admissions Office.

Support for Students

The RVC provides support for students, including guidance on finding placements and career development.