STUDY

This module covers key scientific study skills including essay writing, academic referencing, and academic writing style.

An essential introduction to the field of biology, designed to equip you with the basic knowledge of biological concepts. This module will cover a broad range of topics from cellular biology to ecosystems, with a focus on the understanding the basic principles that govern life on Earth. You will explore the structure and function of living organisms, biological systems, and the key process that support life such as metabolism, genetics and evolution.

Mathematics is the language of science. The study of any science at undergraduate level requires an appropriate level of mathematical understanding and practical competence. The mastery of mathematics requires a supportive learning environment where key concepts are demystified and applied in a logical and orderly fashion. Aimed at those without an A-Level in Mathematics and/or 'return to learning' who might be feeling apprehensive about doing maths, this module aims to develop your skills and increase confidence in using mathematics in general, and in particular in the application of mathematics to health and life sciences.

The use of computers is an integral part of academic study. This module will focus primarily on spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) in order to develop skills in generating and analysing tables of data, and producing graphs and charts to support scientific study and research. Specifically, Excel will be used to consolidate mathematical concepts presented elsewhere in this module, and gives you the opportunity to investigate the relationship between data, functions and graphs.

This module provides an essential background to whole organism zoology and ecology. To understand why animals look and behave the way they do, requires a grasp of the key biological concepts tackled in this module; speciation, natural selection, speciation, phylogeny and adaptation. These concepts also help us explain the patterns we see in biodiversity and inform our efforts to conserve wildlife and the natural environment. This grounding in zoology gives you the tools to understand the wildlife around them in a scientific context. 

This module will also enable you to develop practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in wildlife, ecology, and conservation science. Fieldwork sessions will be at local field sites in Suffolk and will include an introduction to biological sampling and the key measures used in ecology.

This module will provide you with the core skills required to thrive on your degree programme; literature searching, experimental design, scientific methods, data analysis and effective communication of research findings. Essential for subsequent modules on the course.

From the inner workings of cells to the DNA that drives evolution, this module introduces you to the building blocks of life and the genetic code that connects all living organisms. You'll explore how cells function, communicate, and reproduce — and how genetics helps us make sense of biodiversity, inheritance, and adaptation. Through hands-on lab work, you’ll learn key techniques in cell biology and molecular genetics, using DNA to identify species, track evolutionary relationships, monitor population health, and inform conservation and breeding programmes. Whether you're interested in wildlife, research, or biotechnology, this module gives you essential skills for a career in the life sciences.

A field-based module taught predominantly on a one-week residential field course in the Highlands of Scotland at the start of the academic year. We will introduce the key measures used in assessing wildlife populations, visit a range of habitats, and learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species.

Those who are not able to attend the residential fieldwork will cover the material through online study and self-directed fieldwork activities. Those choosing to attend may pay a minor contribution to the travel to the field centre depending on numbers and travel arrangements, but food, accommodation and tuition costs are covered as part of the course.

Are you ready to explore the complex interactions within natural ecosystems and examine the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? This module will delve into fundamental ecological theories, explore natural processes in ecosystems, and critically assess the impact of human activities on the planet.

Fieldwork includes visits to RSPB reserves and practical methods in reptile and amphibian surveys. Strong emphasis is placed on developing survey and analytical skills crucial for ecological and environmental studies. You'll also discover how this ecological knowledge is directly applied to the management of natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity, and the pursuit of a sustainable balance between society's needs and the health of the environment.

Follow the evolution of life from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to complex organisms such as mammals, birds and modern plants. You will appreciate the process of evolution through natural selection, which underpins the life sciences, and learn how to classify organisms.

Taught in partnership with Colchester Zoo, this module provides the knowledge and research skills needed to study animal behaviour in both wild and captive environments. During the module, you will study the science of behavioural biology and learn how behavioural analysis can inform the husbandry and management of captive zoo animals.

Dive into the fascinating world of vertebrates! This exciting module explores the anatomy, function, and evolution of the major vertebrate groups, revealing how their incredible adaptations have shaped their survival and behaviour. Get hands-on with real specimens - learn to identify species from bones, teeth, and hair - and gain practical skills essential for careers in zoology, veterinary science, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, conservation, and natural history museum curation.

The core principles of theoretical conservation biology are essential for the development of strategies for managing and conserving biodiversity. We will give you this critical grounding through a series of entertaining seminars, games and discussions, considering the economic, social and political issues that impact conservation. You will come out of this module able to back up your ideas and strategies for practical conservation with sound theoretical knowledge.

We train you in cutting-edge methods used to measure wildlife populations. You will learn from leading spatial ecologists to design and implement surveys, and to analyse results with scientific rigor. We use camera trapping, direct observation and audio to survey everything from bats to birds to large mammals, participating to wildlife monitoring in Suffolk and beyond. These skills are often key to students’ research projects in the third year, and the specialist modules in advanced stages of the course.

Mapping and spatial analysis skills are some of the most-cited requirements for jobs in the environmental sector. You will learn internationally transferable GIS skills on QGIS - a widely used open-source GIS mapping program - using local habitats and the British habitat classifications as a model. You will learn how to produce professionally finished and accurately annotated maps to report spatial changes in biodiversity. We use the ‘UK Habitats’ classification system, used by wildlife NGOs and ecological consultancies across the country, and train you in ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) calculations that governments, councils, ecological consultancies and wildlife NGOs require.

Plants are key to solving today’s global challenges — from food security to climate change. This lab-focused module explores the essential roles plants play in sustaining life and shaping a more sustainable future. You'll investigate plant biology through hands-on experiments and fieldwork, covering topics like biodiversity, metabolism, genetics, and morphology. Learn how plants drive ecosystems, provide energy, and offer innovative solutions through biotechnology and carbon capture. This module is ideal for if your eager to explore the science behind the green revolution and develop the lab skills needed to address real-world problems.

This module brings you up to date with the latest advances in research, on the front line of biodiversity conservation. You'll explore how new research can tackle the effects of human activities on biodiversity. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the rationales behind conservation efforts and the diverse approaches required for effective action on local, national, and international scales. You'll also be introduced to the innovative and rapidly evolving tools, technologies, and strategic approaches currently being employed to conserve wildlife. You'll critically review and discuss contemporary literature, deepening your understanding of current research and issues in the field.

This Advanced Research Skills module provides specific training in analyses that you will use for independent research, preparing them for their dissertations and ultimately employment as scientists. The module encompasses experimental design, research methods, specialist software, statistical analysis, ethics, and the preparation of grant proposals. The course will prepare you for a dissertation research project and must be taken by you taking the ‘Research Project’ dissertation module.

Effective science communication bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. With a focus on wildlife and environmental media, you will develop the skills needed to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences using various media platforms, including wildlife filmmaking, imaging, and educational outreach. This pathway is particularly valuable for those interested in careers in wildlife media, environmental education, and science teaching. This module will prepare you for a dissertation project in science communication and must be taken by you taking the ‘Science Communication Project’ module.

Love marine wildlife? This is the module for you. Designed for students passionate about the ocean but more interested in ecology and conservation than pure biochemistry or oceanography, this module dives into the biology and conservation of marine mammals, fish, and aquatic ecosystems. You’ll develop practical skills in assessing fish populations and aquatic habitats, while exploring real-world issues in marine conservation — from global fisheries policy to the roles of local and international agencies in protecting marine life. With hands-on learning and work-based opportunities, this module is ideal for anyone aiming for a career in marine conservation, ecological consultancy, or aquatic resource management.

Insects are the most diverse and ecologically significant group of animals on Earth, playing critical roles in ecosystems and human life. Their fundamental importance is due in part to their huge diversity, more than a million species have been described, representing more than half of all the worlds described species. Therefore, understanding what causes this extraordinary biodiversity is a significant challenge for ecologists. In this module we will learn about the diversity of insects and will discuss their anatomy, physiology, development, evolution, and ecology. Worryingly, insects are in serious trouble (with some studies showing a 76% decline in insect biomass since 1989), so we will also discuss the effects of insect declines on ecosystem services and will discuss efforts to conserve insects.

By engaging in a mix of interactive lectures and practical activities including field sampling and species identification at beautiful Suffolk reserves such as Lackford lakes, You will develop key skills in entomological research. This module enhances your ability to analyse and apply scientific principles to real-world challenges, preparing them for careers in conservation, environmental science, ecological surveying, and entomology-related fields.

Birds are among the most widely studied and appreciated groups of wildlife, we take full advantage of Suffolk’s position as one of the top birding destinations in the UK. We will equip you with practical skills vital for ornithology at the most exciting reserves in the country, giving you hands-on experience with traditional survey techniques, such as bird ringing, as well as advanced technologies like bioacoustics monitoring and analysis.

You'll also delve into various aspects of bird biology, including their evolution, physiology, and behaviour, alongside the ecological roles they play in different ecosystems. Our students have gone on to careers as professional ornithologists in ecological consultancy, bird conservation, reserve management, and scientific research.

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. You will work with one of the top researchers in global reptile and amphibian conservation in this unique module. Known for their sensitivity to environmental change, herpetofauna serve as valuable indicators of ecosystem health and the impacts of human activities. You'll explore the significant threats many reptile and amphibian species currently face, including over-exploitation, habitat loss, climate change, and disease, making their conservation a global priority. Studying herpetology will equip you with practical skills in surveying, monitoring, and identifying these often-elusive species, directly contributing to effective conservation efforts.

This module offers an unparalleled experience, taught as an intensive 10-day course abroad (not including travel days). Currently set at the Tambopata Research Centre in the Peruvian Amazon, you'll be immersed in fieldwork on trails around the centre, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. You'll also receive specialised training in methods and guidance in interpreting your observations, alongside engaging lectures. This unique module is heavily subsidised to make it accessible, though you should expect to incur an additional cost for flights and partial accommodation costs.

A chance to study monkeys with one of the Amazon’s leading primate researchers at a site in the Peruvian Rainforest. Following 8 species of habituated monkeys that will act like you are not even there!

While many students with ambitions to become primate researchers will relish this module, it is taught in the context of tropical ecology, wildlife research, ecotourism and conservation, so the principles taught are widely applicable to non-primate groups, and the module gives you a global perspective to biodiversity conservation. We will look at the diversity, life history, population dynamics, ecology and behaviour of primates, and the threats the species face in the wild. We will examine how these factors influence primate abundance, distribution and ultimately conservation.

This module will be taught in an intensive 10-day field trip (not including travel times) to a primate habitat country. Currently, the module is taught at the Tambopata Research Centre in the Peruvian Amazon. In the mornings you will complete fieldwork on trails around the centre, and in the afternoons, students will receive training in methods and guidance in interpreting their observations. You will attend lectures in the evenings, which will also be open to the public. This module is heavily subsidised and represents a rare opportunity to experience a remote research site. It is expected to incur an additional cost to you for flights and partial accommodation costs.

As part of our unique partnership with Colchester Zoo, we will participate in management and research at the UmPhafa Reserve, and nearby reserves in South Africa. You will conduct species surveys, habitat assessments, and get involved with practical conservation management, developing practical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in conserving large animals. This residential field course provides the opportunity to develop these skills in a comfortable, supportive environment. An amazing opportunity to study iconic African large mammals in their natural environment. This module is heavily subsidised but is expected to incur an additional cost to you for flights.

Industrial chemicals are an essential part of modern day living. We use these chemicals to fertilise our crops, to prevent crops from being overwhelmed by pests, as preservatives in food, as combustion fuels to power our vehicles, for industry, for heat. Walk anywhere in your local town and you will witness industrial chemical processes releasing waste chemicals into the environment. While some of these waste chemicals are harmless, many have detrimental effects on the environment, and therefore on human and wildlife health. Understanding what these effects are and how they can be mitigated is the core focus of Ecotoxicology.

In this module we will learn about the different types of chemical contaminants, their effects on wildlife and humans, and about how chemical contaminants can be assessed and made safer. Industrial pollution is one of the ‘big five’ causes of species extinctions, therefore understanding ecotoxicology is essential for wildlife conservation. During this module you will study the molecular, cellular, and physiological effects of common inorganic and organic pollutants and gain experience of a range of laboratory-based toxicity tests. We will use modern techniques to test the effects of toxic chemicals in the lab and will analyse chemical contamination and its effects on wildlife in the field. Learning these skills is crucial for students interested in further careers in environmental consultancy and lab-based research.

Research Project (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science)

The research project will provide an opportunity for individuals to join our university research groups and develop an area of scientific interest. You will experience the advantages of working in a team within a research group, supervised by experienced researchers, but also the rewards of independent investigation and ownership of their own project.

or 

Science Communication Project (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science)

Science communication is vital for making complex issues accessible to the public. Media tools like filmmaking, photography, and social campaigns shape public perceptions, raise awareness, and drive conservation action. Educational outreach in schools, NGOs, and social platforms fosters environmental stewardship by making science more relatable. Effective communication strategies help combat misinformation and inspire positive change. For you pursuing careers in wildlife media, environmental education, or teaching, these skills are essential for influencing public attitudes and policy. This module provides hands-on experience in designing and delivering impactful science communication projects. You will produce an independent piece of science communication with a focus on recent wildlife research or conservation issues. This may take the form of wildlife filmmaking, imaging, a social media campaign or other media delivery, or can include educational outreach or teaching. The product may be delivered in the context of peers, a zoological or wildlife NGO, or in schools. The dissertation will report on the planning and delivery of the work, the product produced and a qualitative assessment of the delivery of the project. The module requires that you must have taken the ‘Science Communication and Wildlife Media’ module.

This module covers key scientific study skills including essay writing, academic referencing, and academic writing style.

An essential introduction to the field of biology, designed to equip you with the basic knowledge of biological concepts. This module will cover a broad range of topics from cellular biology to ecosystems, with a focus on the understanding the basic principles that govern life on Earth. You will explore the structure and function of living organisms, biological systems, and the key process that support life such as metabolism, genetics and evolution

Mathematics is the language of science. The study of any science at undergraduate level requires an appropriate level of mathematical understanding and practical competence. The mastery of mathematics requires a supportive learning environment where key concepts are demystified and applied in a logical and orderly fashion. Aimed at those without an A-Level in Mathematics and/or 'return to learning' who might be feeling apprehensive about doing maths, this module aims to develop your skills and increase confidence in using mathematics in general, and in particular in the application of mathematics to health and life sciences.

The use of computers is an integral part of academic study. This module will focus primarily on spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) in order to develop skills in generating and analysing tables of data, and producing graphs and charts to support scientific study and research. Specifically, Excel will be used to consolidate mathematical concepts presented elsewhere in this module, and gives you the opportunity to investigate the relationship between data, functions and graphs.

This module provides an essential background to whole organism zoology and ecology. To understand why animals look and behave the way they do, requires a grasp of the key biological concepts tackled in this module; speciation, natural selection, speciation, phylogeny and adaptation. These concepts also help us explain the patterns we see in biodiversity and inform our efforts to conserve wildlife and the natural environment. This grounding in zoology gives you the tools to understand the wildlife around them in a scientific context. 

This module will also enable you to develop practical skills that will prepare them for undergraduate studies in wildlife, ecology, and conservation science. Fieldwork sessions will be at local field sites in Suffolk and will include an introduction to biological sampling and the key measures used in ecology.

This module will provide you with the core skills required to thrive on your degree programme; literature searching, experimental design, scientific methods, data analysis and effective communication of research findings. Essential for subsequent modules on the course.

From the inner workings of cells to the DNA that drives evolution, this module introduces you to the building blocks of life and the genetic code that connects all living organisms. You'll explore how cells function, communicate, and reproduce — and how genetics helps us make sense of biodiversity, inheritance, and adaptation. Through hands-on lab work, you’ll learn key techniques in cell biology and molecular genetics, using DNA to identify species, track evolutionary relationships, monitor population health, and inform conservation and breeding programmes. Whether you're interested in wildlife, research, or biotechnology, this module gives you essential skills for a career in the life sciences.

A field-based module taught predominantly on a one-week residential field course in the Highlands of Scotland at the start of the academic year. We will introduce the key measures used in assessing wildlife populations, visit a range of habitats, and learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species.

Those who are not able to attend the residential fieldwork will cover the material through online study and self-directed fieldwork activities. Those choosing to attend may pay a minor contribution to the travel to the field centre depending on numbers and travel arrangements, but food, accommodation and tuition costs are covered as part of the course.

Are you ready to explore the complex interactions within natural ecosystems and examine the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? This module will delve into fundamental ecological theories, explore natural processes in ecosystems, and critically assess the impact of human activities on the planet.

Fieldwork includes visits to RSPB reserves and practical methods in reptile and amphibian surveys. Strong emphasis is placed on developing survey and analytical skills crucial for ecological and environmental studies. You'll also discover how this ecological knowledge is directly applied to the management of natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity, and the pursuit of a sustainable balance between society's needs and the health of the environment.

Follow the evolution of life from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to complex organisms such as mammals, birds and modern plants. You will appreciate the process of evolution through natural selection, which underpins the life sciences, and learn how to classify organisms

Taught in partnership with Colchester Zoo, this module provides the knowledge and research skills needed to study animal behaviour in both wild and captive environments. During the module, you will study the science of behavioural biology and learn how behavioural analysis can inform the husbandry and management of captive zoo animals.

Dive into the fascinating world of vertebrates! This exciting module explores the anatomy, function, and evolution of the major vertebrate groups, revealing how their incredible adaptations have shaped their survival and behaviour. Get hands-on with real specimens - learn to identify species from bones, teeth, and hair - and gain practical skills essential for careers in zoology, veterinary science, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, conservation, and natural history museum curation.

The core principles of theoretical conservation biology are essential for the development of strategies for managing and conserving biodiversity. We will give you this critical grounding through a series of entertaining seminars, games and discussions, considering the economic, social and political issues that impact conservation. You will come out of this module able to back up your ideas and strategies for practical conservation with sound theoretical knowledge.

We train you in cutting-edge methods used to measure wildlife populations. You will learn from leading spatial ecologists to design and implement surveys, and to analyse results with scientific rigor. We use camera trapping, direct observation and audio to survey everything from bats to birds to large mammals, participating to wildlife monitoring in Suffolk and beyond. These skills are often key to students’ research projects in the third year, and the specialist modules in advanced stages of the course.

Mapping and spatial analysis skills are some of the most-cited requirements for jobs in the environmental sector. You will learn internationally transferable GIS skills on QGIS - a widely used open-source GIS mapping program - using local habitats and the British habitat classifications as a model. You will learn how to produce professionally finished and accurately annotated maps to report spatial changes in biodiversity. We use the ‘UK Habitats’ classification system, used by wildlife NGOs and ecological consultancies across the country, and train you in ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) calculations that governments, councils, ecological consultancies and wildlife NGOs require.

Plants are key to solving today’s global challenges — from food security to climate change. This lab-focused module explores the essential roles plants play in sustaining life and shaping a more sustainable future. You'll investigate plant biology through hands-on experiments and fieldwork, covering topics like biodiversity, metabolism, genetics, and morphology. Learn how plants drive ecosystems, provide energy, and offer innovative solutions through biotechnology and carbon capture. This module is ideal for if your eager to explore the science behind the green revolution and develop the lab skills needed to address real-world problems.

This module brings you up to date with the latest advances in research, on the front line of biodiversity conservation. You'll explore how new research can tackle the effects of human activities on biodiversity. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the rationales behind conservation efforts and the diverse approaches required for effective action on local, national, and international scales. You'll also be introduced to the innovative and rapidly evolving tools, technologies, and strategic approaches currently being employed to conserve wildlife. You'll critically review and discuss contemporary literature, deepening your understanding of current research and issues in the field.

This Advanced Research Skills module provides specific training in analyses that you will use for independent research, preparing them for their dissertations and ultimately employment as scientists. The module encompasses experimental design, research methods, specialist software, statistical analysis, ethics, and the preparation of grant proposals. The course will prepare you for a dissertation research project and must be taken by you taking the ‘Research Project’ dissertation module.

Effective science communication bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. With a focus on wildlife and environmental media, you will develop the skills needed to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences using various media platforms, including wildlife filmmaking, imaging, and educational outreach. This pathway is particularly valuable for those interested in careers in wildlife media, environmental education, and science teaching. This module will prepare you for a dissertation project in science communication and must be taken by you taking the ‘Science Communication Project’ module.

Love marine wildlife? This is the module for you. Designed for students passionate about the ocean but more interested in ecology and conservation than pure biochemistry or oceanography, this module dives into the biology and conservation of marine mammals, fish, and aquatic ecosystems. You’ll develop practical skills in assessing fish populations and aquatic habitats, while exploring real-world issues in marine conservation — from global fisheries policy to the roles of local and international agencies in protecting marine life. With hands-on learning and work-based opportunities, this module is ideal for anyone aiming for a career in marine conservation, ecological consultancy, or aquatic resource management.

Insects are the most diverse and ecologically significant group of animals on Earth, playing critical roles in ecosystems and human life. Their fundamental importance is due in part to their huge diversity, more than a million species have been described, representing more than half of all the worlds described species. Therefore, understanding what causes this extraordinary biodiversity is a significant challenge for ecologists. In this module we will learn about the diversity of insects and will discuss their anatomy, physiology, development, evolution, and ecology. Worryingly, insects are in serious trouble (with some studies showing a 76% decline in insect biomass since 1989), so we will also discuss the effects of insect declines on ecosystem services and will discuss efforts to conserve insects.

By engaging in a mix of interactive lectures and practical activities including field sampling and species identification at beautiful Suffolk reserves such as Lackford lakes, you will develop key skills in entomological research. This module enhances your ability to analyse and apply scientific principles to real-world challenges, preparing them for careers in conservation, environmental science, ecological surveying, and entomology-related fields.

Birds are among the most widely studied and appreciated groups of wildlife, we take full advantage of Suffolk’s position as one of the top birding destinations in the UK. We will equip you with practical skills vital for ornithology at the most exciting reserves in the country, giving you hands-on experience with traditional survey techniques, such as bird ringing, as well as advanced technologies like bioacoustics monitoring and analysis.

You'll also delve into various aspects of bird biology, including their evolution, physiology, and behaviour, alongside the ecological roles they play in different ecosystems. Our students have gone on to careers as professional ornithologists in ecological consultancy, bird conservation, reserve management, and scientific research.

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. You will work with one of the top researchers in global reptile and amphibian conservation in this unique module. Known for their sensitivity to environmental change, herpetofauna serve as valuable indicators of ecosystem health and the impacts of human activities. You'll explore the significant threats many reptile and amphibian species currently face, including over-exploitation, habitat loss, climate change, and disease, making their conservation a global priority. Studying herpetology will equip you with practical skills in surveying, monitoring, and identifying these often-elusive species, directly contributing to effective conservation efforts.

This module offers an unparalleled experience, taught as an intensive 10-day course abroad (not including travel days). Currently set at the Tambopata Research Centre in the Peruvian Amazon, you'll be immersed in fieldwork on trails around the centre, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. You'll also receive specialised training in methods and guidance in interpreting your observations, alongside engaging lectures. This unique module is heavily subsidised to make it accessible, though you should expect to incur an additional cost for flights and partial accommodation costs.

A chance to study monkeys with one of the Amazon’s leading primate researchers at a site in the Peruvian Rainforest. Following 8 species of habituated monkeys that will act like you are not even there!

While many students with ambitions to become primate researchers will relish this module, it is taught in the context of tropical ecology, wildlife research, ecotourism and conservation, so the principles taught are widely applicable to non-primate groups, and the module gives you a global perspective to biodiversity conservation. We will look at the diversity, life history, population dynamics, ecology and behaviour of primates, and the threats the species face in the wild. We will examine how these factors influence primate abundance, distribution and ultimately conservation.

This module will be taught in an intensive 10-day field trip (not including travel times) to a primate habitat country. Currently, the module is taught at the Tambopata Research Centre in the Peruvian Amazon. In the mornings you will complete fieldwork on trails around the centre, and in the afternoons, students will receive training in methods and guidance in interpreting their observations. You will attend lectures in the evenings, which will also be open to the public. This module is heavily subsidised and represents a rare opportunity to experience a remote research site. It is expected to incur an additional cost to you for flights and partial accommodation costs.

As part of our unique partnership with Colchester Zoo, we will participate in management and research at the UmPhafa Reserve, and nearby reserves in South Africa. You will conduct species surveys, habitat assessments, and get involved with practical conservation management, developing practical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in conserving large animals. This residential field course provides the opportunity to develop these skills in a comfortable, supportive environment. An amazing opportunity to study iconic African large mammals in their natural environment. This module is heavily subsidised but is expected to incur an additional cost to you for flights.

Industrial chemicals are an essential part of modern day living. We use these chemicals to fertilise our crops, to prevent crops from being overwhelmed by pests, as preservatives in food, as combustion fuels to power our vehicles, for industry, for heat. Walk anywhere in your local town and you will witness industrial chemical processes releasing waste chemicals into the environment. While some of these waste chemicals are harmless, many have detrimental effects on the environment, and therefore on human and wildlife health. Understanding what these effects are and how they can be mitigated is the core focus of Ecotoxicology.

In this module we will learn about the different types of chemical contaminants, their effects on wildlife and humans, and about how chemical contaminants can be assessed and made safer. Industrial pollution is one of the ‘big five’ causes of species extinctions, therefore understanding ecotoxicology is essential for wildlife conservation. During this module you will study the molecular, cellular, and physiological effects of common inorganic and organic pollutants and gain experience of a range of laboratory-based toxicity tests. We will use modern techniques to test the effects of toxic chemicals in the lab and will analyse chemical contamination and its effects on wildlife in the field. Learning these skills is crucial for students interested in further careers in environmental consultancy and lab-based research.

Research Project (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science)

The research project will provide an opportunity for individuals to join our university research groups and develop an area of scientific interest. You will experience the advantages of working in a team within a research group, supervised by experienced researchers, but also the rewards of independent investigation and ownership of their own project.

or 

Science Communication Project (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science)

Science communication is vital for making complex issues accessible to the public. Media tools like filmmaking, photography, and social campaigns shape public perceptions, raise awareness, and drive conservation action. Educational outreach in schools, NGOs, and social platforms fosters environmental stewardship by making science more relatable. Effective communication strategies help combat misinformation and inspire positive change. For you pursuing careers in wildlife media, environmental education, or teaching, these skills are essential for influencing public attitudes and policy. This module provides hands-on experience in designing and delivering impactful science communication projects. You will produce an independent piece of science communication with a focus on recent wildlife research or conservation issues. This may take the form of wildlife filmmaking, imaging, a social media campaign or other media delivery, or can include educational outreach or teaching. The product may be delivered in the context of peers, a zoological or wildlife NGO, or in schools. The dissertation will report on the planning and delivery of the work, the product produced and a qualitative assessment of the delivery of the project. The module requires that you must have taken the ‘Science Communication and Wildlife Media’ module.