Program Overview

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Wildlife Conservation (MRes)

About this course

With climate change challenging our conservation efforts, now is the time to play a role in the future of conservation by studying our MRes Wildlife Conservation masters. We’re the only university in the UK offering a Masters of Research in close collaboration with a conservation organisation.

Studying this Masters of Research gives you the opportunity to complete a research project in a real and very critical cause; conserving wildlife and their supporting ecosystems. Our wildlife degree in research is designed to give you the professional and research skills to either study a PhD or become a conservation biologist.

During your studies, you’ll be based at the Science and Learning Centre at Marwell Wildlife where you’ll be considered part of the team. You’ll learn the foundations in advanced field research with access to their top of the range research equipment.

You’ll be able to apply your research skills to immediate use during a 10-day trip to Kenya, which is covered as part of the course fees. You’ll collect data and report your findings to stakeholders giving you real-life work experience of a conservation biologist working in Africa.

As part of this course you'll be given a choice of independent research projects to complete. This could take you from the local eco-systems in the UK, to the ranches of Kenya, or the mountains of Tunisia. The selection changes every year.

Students previous projects have looked at the following subjects:

• conservation grazing and its effect on local biodiversity
• re-introducing species, considering the effect of climate change
• evolution of species behaviour whilst in captivity
• management of large herbivores, considering socio-economic constraints

Project areas for 2025 entry

Our teaching staff are experts and the learning environment is open and inclusive, with a focus on self-reflection. This enables you to measure your own personal growth as a researcher during this transformational point in your wildlife conservation career.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

As a collaborative provision programme, this MRes has two programme leads - Dr Judith Lock, Principal Teaching Fellow in Ecology and Evolution within Biological Sciences, and Dr Heidi Mitchell at Marwell Wildlife.

Both have research expertise in behavioural ecology, conservation biology and their interface. They also share a focus in the future of conservation biology.

Learn more about this subject area

Biological sciences

Explore some of the biggest problems facing the planet, from global warming to animal extinction and disease. Develop specialist skills in areas like biology, zoology or neuroscience.

Carla

MRes Wildlife Conservation graduate 2018

Having the freedom to explore a subject that was of great interest to me, and really delve in deep was incredibly rewarding and developed many useful skills that I have taken into my career.

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Marwell Wildlife.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree In a relevant subject, such as Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography or Zoology.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

The master’s in research is 33% taught and 66% research led. The taught elements of the course ensure you’re fully prepared to start your independent research.

Semester 1 overview

There are 3 taught modules. You’ll study conservation biology at Marwell Zoo and learn about collaborative and community-led wildlife conservation on a field trip to Marwell’s research base in Kenya. You’ll also study data management and statistics in relation to biological data science at our Highfield campus. The modules reflect the specialisms of the team of conservation biologists you’ll be working with.

Topics include:

• stakeholder engagement and the role of human communities in modern conservation
• wildlife monitoring and spatial analyses
• remote sensing and the opportunities provided by emerging technology
• habitat restoration and ecology of threatened species
• trans-border conservation
• reintroduction and post release activities
• the role of human communities in modern conservation

The focus throughout the semester is on understanding the principles that sit behind conservation work relating to UN Sustainability goals: 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17.

You’ll also explore the interface between people, animals and ecosystems with an emphasis on the principles of the World Health Organization’s One Health approach.

Semester 2 overview

You’ll work on your research project, which you’ll carry out at one of Marwell Wildlife’s conservation sites, in the UK or abroad. This gives you the opportunity to become part of an existing and dynamic team of practising conservation biologists.

You’ll develop research skills, as you work closely with a Marwell Conservation Biologist and University of Southampton supervisor to propose a detailed methodology for your research project.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Biological Data Science in R

Biological data science is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of biology, statistics, and computer science. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in analysing and interpreting data as well as an expectation that students will be fa...

Conservation Biology

Students will recognise and demonstrate an understanding of conservation issues along a spectrum ranging from individual animals, through to populations (including conservation genetics), reintroductions, habitat restoration and anthropogenic sources of c...

MRes Wildlife Conservation Research Project

This module provides two-thirds of the content for the MRes Wildlife Conservation programme. During it you will develop research skills, as you work closely with a Marwell Conservation Biologist and University of Southampton supervisor to propose a detail...

Partnerships in the field

Students will recognise and demonstrate an understanding of collaborative and community conservation issues within the context of the WHO's One Health philosophy. Based on case studies of ongoing conservation work at Marwell Wildlife, this module highligh...

Learning and assessment

Learning

During the taught element of the course, you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, including:

• field trips in the UK and Kenya
• computer workshops
• group tutorials
• reflective project during the trip to Kenya
• lectures and interactive workshops

Recognising conservation issues will be a key part of your studies, ranging from individual animals, through to populations, reintroductions, ecological restoration and anthropogenic (human impact) sources of conflict.

The chance to spend independent study time familiarising yourself with the items and becoming competent and confident in their use will form a vital part of your learning.

Activities will depend on the modules that you take.

Assessment

We'll assess you through a combination of the following methods:

• practical exercises
• stakeholder presentations in Kenya
• research project report
• assignments

Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.

Dissertation

You’ll complete a research project assessed by examiners from the University of Southampton and Marwell Wildlife. Past projects have included:

• assessing holistic grazing as an effective management strategy in African Savannas
• examining ecosystem resilience by determining the functional response of below-ground invertebrates to a grazing pressure gradient
• identifying candidate species for re-introductions using habitat approaches
• effectiveness of post-release monitoring strategies for Partula snails

Academic Support

You'll be assigned a personal tutor and a mentor to help you during your research project. You'll also have access to support from the University throughout your studies, consisting of a project supervisor and a researcher at Marwell Wildlife.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Biotechnology companies,

NHS,

Government departments,

universities,

British Neurological Association,

Pharmaceutical companies.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Academic researcher
• Neuroscientist
• Pharmaceutical researcher
• Science communicator
• Clinical scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Healthcare scientist

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Laboratory technician
• Clinical research assistant
• Data analyst
• Neurological charity fundraiser
• Management trainee
• Account manager

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MRes Wildlife Conservation graduates*:

• Environmental consultant
• Ecologist
• Climate change officer
• Conservation agriculture project manager
• Environment and sustainability analyst
• Surveyor
• Planning analyst
• Sustainably projects officer
• Waste minimisation officer

See more

Job prospects for MRes Wildlife Conservation graduates

£26.5k

Average professional salary

92%

In a skilled profession or further study

100%

Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £13,700.
• EU and international students pay £28,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Your fees will get you access to Marwell Wildlife where you can a vast range of equipment to help conduct research. Unlike other courses, you won't have to pay additional costs for borrowing research equipment.

The 10-day trip to Kenya is covered within your fees, this includes flights, accommodation and equipment used.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Extra costs you might have to pay

The cost of jabs and vaccinations are excluded from the fees for Kenya, you'll need to arrange and pay for these yourself.

Your choice of research projects will incur additional costs, you can see the costs associated with different research projects by downloading the research projects brief.

These costs are estimates required to cover the following things:

• local and international travel
• accommodation
• travel
• subsistence
• clothing
• visas
• vaccinations
• printing
• small equipment and consumables

During semester one you will work with your project supervisor to produce a detailed budget. These costs are exempt from the tuition fees because student's previously found it easier to manage their budget independently, rather than waiting for funds to be permitted.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'Apply for this course' button at the top of this page to take you to our online application form.

Search for the course you want to apply for.

Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.

Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

If all places are not filled there may be a second deadline later in the summer – but this is not guaranteed.

On your application, please highlight your top three project choices from the document listing projects.

We also require that candidates selecting projects from Section 3 as a first choice, also select at least one other project from either Sections 1, or 2. This is to allow for added flexibility if travel and fieldwork restrictions are still in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

After the application deadline has passed (either April or July), applications are shortlisted for interview, using an applications matrix.

If your application is not shortlisted we will inform you. If your application is successful you will be invited for an interview.

If you are successful you'll receive an offer, which will include details of your project.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Wildlife Conservation (MRes) is a course in the Biological sciences subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MRes Advanced Biological Sciences
• MRes Big Data Biology
• MSc Biodiversity and Conservation
• MSc Biomedical Sciences by Research
• MSc Cancer Biology and Immunology
• MRes Evolution: From the Galapagos to the 21st Century
• MSc Genomics

How to apply