ZSL MSc Wild Animal Biology

Is there anyone who is doing the ZSL MSc Wild Animal Biology? I'm considering it and have a couple of questions:

What kind of things are covered in the course content?
How many days a week in person teaching is it?
How intense is it - in terms of assignments etc?
Is it a good course overall?

Any information is helpful, thank you! :smile:

Reply 1

limee287

Original post by Sapphire6410

Is there anyone who is doing the ZSL MSc Wild Animal Biology? I'm considering it and have a couple of questions:
What kind of things are covered in the course content?
How many days a week in person teaching is it?
How intense is it - in terms of assignments etc?
Is it a good course overall?
Any information is helpful, thank you! :smile:

Hello! Glad to hear you're interested in this course, it's certainly one to consider if you are super passionate about wild animals. I am part of the current cohort so can speak on the course in regards to how it is run in 2023/4.

What kind of things are covered in the course content?
The course is split into eight taught modules:
Four over the autumn term taught in parallel to each other (in other words, one module a day, with Wednesdays off for self-directed learning); Epidemiology, Ecosystem Health, Research Skills and Conservation Science. These modules are more foundational to the course, quite theory-based, and often shared with the other Master's courses at the RVC, with occasional time spent at London Zoo.
Four over spring term, delivered sequentially (completion of one module followed by a study week, then repeat) - these modules are more specialist, and wild animal heavy, covering Disease Investigation and Surveillance, Conservation Interventions, Captive Wild Animal Health and a module dedicated to practical rotations. These are mostly based at London Zoo, with a few sessions at Whipsnade Zoo and some great field trips.
And finally a research project for the summer term.

How many days a week in person teaching is it?
It's a very full-on course - you are in most days of the week, usually 10-5, and I recommend you engage with the material so you are getting your money's worth. There are also lots of group sessions, along with some practicals and field trips in addition to lectures, so a lot of variety.

How intense is it - in terms of assignments etc?
In terms of assessment, there are 2 per module, so a total of 16 assignments (excluding the research project). In the first term especially it can feel quite intense. However, in response to previous years, changes have been made to the course this year to ensure there is time to complete in-course assessments (i.e. giving Wednesdays off in the first term and study weeks in the second). Assessment style is quite varied; presentations, varying styles of written assignment and exams, so good if you find you are stronger in one style of assessment over another.

Is it a good course overall?
Yes! I have learnt so much, and the course has really shaped how I think about/approach things. You are learning from leading experts in the field, internally from RVC/ZSL and also from many external lecturers. And they are fantastic people to network with. The small class sizes, especially in the second term mean there are a lot of opportunities to interact with them. I would recommend anyone with a true passion for wild animals, and wants to understand them in greater detail to go for it! Let me know if you have any other questions :smile: