University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2022/23 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Health Sciences > Bristol Veterinary School > Global Wildlife Health and Conservation (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 8VESC008T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Nicola Rooney
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Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
School/department | Bristol Veterinary School |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This section sets out why studying this programme is important, both in terms of inspiring you as an individual and in considering the challenges we face. It describes how this degree programme contributes to:
The educational aim of this programme is to give students the cutting-edge knowledge, skills and practical training needed to successfully work with wildlife, with special emphasis on its health and conservation at the global scale. The curriculum has been carefully designed to prepare people for careers in wild animal care and rehabilitation, animal welfare, captive breeding, zoo animal health, wildlife disease control, nature conservation and wildlife management. Graduates of this MSc are expected to secure jobs with public sector organisations such as Natural England, DEFRA and the Environment Agency, as well as with animal welfare and conservation charities such as the RSPB and RSPCA. Graduates will also find jobs in zoos, wildlife rescue centres and wildlife hospitals and in national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas both in the U.K. and overseas. Some graduates may also progress into academic and research posts in veterinary and biological sciences.
The curriculum will provide:
A subsidiary educational aim of this programme is to train students in transferrable skills to help them succeed in the workplace. They will learn advanced computer skills, including the use of statistical and data handling software. They will become proficient in critical analysis of scientific material, including primary research documents, technical reports and policy literature. They will develop high level synthesis skills and learn how to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data. They will acquire the ability to write concise and informative material targeted at a variety of audiences. Finally, students will learn about the full range of job opportunities available in the wildlife sector and will be encouraged to take advantage of the comprehensive career services provided by the University of Bristol.
The learning outcome statements shown below for your programme have been developed with reference to relevant national subject benchmarks (where they exist), national qualification descriptors (see the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and professional body requirements.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are listed to show how you will be able to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes.
This programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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This programme will be delivered using a variety of Level 7 teaching strategies that have been proven to promote effective learning: 1. Lectures, laboratory practicals and field classes will be used to convey the fundamental principles of each taught element. 2. More reflective techniques, including small group seminars, workshops, organised debates and case work, will allow the students to develop their initiative and problem-solving skills. 3. Field trips to zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centres and national parks will provide the opportunity for students to witness the principles that they have learnt in the classroom being put into action. 4. Practical demonstrations by qualified veterinary clinicians will be used to teach applied elements such as small mammal handling, bandaging techniques, assisted feeding and the correction of dehydration. 5. Visiting speakers from external organisations such as Natural England and FERA will provide specialist understanding of key wildlife topics. 6. Students will be expected to supplement the formal taught material through self-guided learning and directed reading. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
The programme will use mixed assessment methodologies, including both formative and summative techniques: 1. Knowledge and understanding of the coursework and associated literature will be tested using written assignments such as essays and technical reports. Word limits will vary according to the learning outcome(s) being assessed. 2. There will be a formal written examination at the end of each taught unit. These will contribute 40% of each unit's marks. 3. Practical and clinical assessments will be used to assess whether the students have acquired appropriate levels of competency in applied skills such as animal handling, feeding, bandaging and first aid. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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1. Intellectual skills will be developed through preparing for seminars, group discussions, oral presentations and workshops and by completing complex coursework assignments. 2. Problem-based learning will provide opportunities for students to practice solving complex animal health and wildlife conservation dilemmas. 3. The Research Project unit will allow students to develop research skills such as interpreting scientific data and writing a scientific paper. 4. Independent reading will play an important role. A ‘Journal Club’ will be started to help the students develop skills in critical reading and analysis. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
1. Written tasks will be used to assess the student's skill at assimilating, assessing, criticising and summarising complex information. 2. Oral presentations will be used to assess the student's ability to communicate complex information to a range of different audiences. 3. Task-based formative assessment will be used to help the students achieve progressive development of their intellectual skills. 4. Research skills will be assessed by means of the students’ preliminary project proposal, their literature review and through the preparation of a scientific paper formatted for submission to an appropriate international peer-reviewed journal. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Practical skills in wildlife care, medicine and husbandry will be taught using clinical sessions at Langford and Bristol Zoo. Applied skills in disease control and wildlife interventions will be taught during highly-focused workshop sessions at Langford. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Professional skills will be assessed using a range of non-standard techniques such as direct supervisor observations, clinical sessions, practical tests and task-based methodologies. |
This section describes what is expected from you at each level of your programme. This illustrates increasing intellectual standards as you progress through the programme. These levels are mapped against the national level descriptors published by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Certificate students must complete the first four taught units. During the first stage of the programme the students will be given comprehensive support to gain a systematic understanding of wildlife care and rehabilitation, animal behaviour, wildlife diseases and integrated health. The students will also be equipped with a sound grasp and critical awareness of the broader field of study. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Diploma students must complete all eight taught units. They are expected to build on the understanding gained during the first four units by adding a detailed knowledge of the latest techniques in applied wildlife conservation and captive animal management. The second part of the programme will provide opportunities for students to deepen their personal understanding of the subject and to become increasingly self-aware of their future role as wildlife practitioners. Advanced research skills will also be introduced, providing a foundation for the completion of the subsequent research unit. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Masters students must carry out an independent research project leading to the production of a scientific paper. Building on the knowledge and understanding gained during the taught component of the MSc, students must now show originality and creativity in their design of a research study on a specialist topic of their own choice. Students will need to demonstrate that they fully understand the Scientific Method and that their projects have been informed by the latest research findings and concepts. By the end of this unit, students are expected to have developed both considerable intellectual self-sufficiency as well as strong collaborative skills. They will also need to be able to communicate their results in a clear manner to a scientific audience using both written and oral media. |
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
This modular MSc programme will be completed over one year of full-time study. It will contain a taught component, worth 120 credit points, delivered from October to March and assessed partly by written examinations in January and April. Students who successfully complete the taught component of the MSc will then undertake a research project worth 60 credit points from May through to September. The project will provide the students with the opportunity to carry out an applied piece of research on an aspect of wildlife health and conservation, with scope for the project to be embedded in an external organisation such as Bristol Zoo. Students will be encouraged to pick a research topic which will allow them to make a genuine contribution to the development of the wildlife profession. The MSc will conclude with the submission of the student's written report describing their research outcomes.
Three exit points will be available for this programme: (i) students may choose to leave after one term of study; if they have successfully gained 60 credit points they will be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert). (ii) students may leave after two terms of study; if they have successfully gained 120 credit points they will be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). (iii) students who complete the full taught and research components of the programme and gain 180 credit points will be awarded the MSc.
The MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation will have two distinctive features:
1. It will benefit from the exceptionally high concentration of wildlife expertise that exists in the Bristol area. Specialist lectures, workshops and seminars will be delivered by leading researchers, conservationists and wildlife veterinarians working for a range of external organisations including the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the RSPCA, the Food and Environment Research Agency, the Environment Agency and DEFRA. These speakers will add real-life practical context to the students’ learning experience.
2. It will include multiple field trips to sites that are actively involved in wildlife health and conservation. Such sites include the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre, the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Exmoor National Park and the RSPCA Wildlife Centre at West Hatch near Taunton.
Update for the MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation Programme 2020/21 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic:
In the event that field work is required to cease due to the public health situation, the programme team will support students to develop desk-based research projects and will revert to online alternatives for practical sessions during the taught component. Students choosing to study the entire 2020/21 programme remotely will be supported to develop desk-based projects and will be provided with alternative sessions for the other practical elements of the programme.
In addition to the fees for the programme, a student may encounter the following costs:
Year 1 of Study
Students may incur costs whilst completing their research project - Amount varies from small (e.g. £50 for field equipment for a project tin the UK) to large (e.g. £1000 for students travelling overseas)
Future years
Please note it is possible that the information shown for future academic years may change, primarily due to developments in the relevant academic field.
Dr Nicola Rooney, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU. Tel: 0117 928 9469. E-mail: Nicola.Rooney@bristol.ac.uk.
This is also available as an intercalating programme for BVSc students.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Research Skills | VETSM0042 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation | VETSM0037 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Wildlife Diseases and One Health | VETSM0058 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Captive Wildlife Management | VETSM0039 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Wildlife Conservation | VETSM0038 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2D |
Research Project | VETSM0040 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Animal Behaviour, Welfare, Ethics and Law for Wildlife Professionals | VETSM0057 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds but is permitted in designated programmes (as set out in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
University of Bristol,
Senate House,
Tyndall Avenue,
Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000